1-09 First-Year Boy

   I've learned a lot of things from the earthquake. First of all, I experienced the kindness of many people. At the time of the disaster, everything was swept away, leaving us with no food or school supplies. With things as they were, I didn't think we would be able to survive, nor did I think there would be any way we could go back to school. However, people all over the country were kind enough to send us aid and encouragement, providing us with school bags and textbooks so we could go to school, which we were eventually able to do. Also, I was very happy that my life had become a little more stable.

     Secondly, I experienced cooperation. We were left with no electricity or running water. I evacuated to Osabe Elementary School. In the early days, I left everything up to adults and didn't help to carry aid supplies when they arrived. It seemed difficult and if everyone cooperated we'd be able to reduce the time it took to distribute food and things. Plus I was almost in junior high school, so I was able to do things myself. I felt from this disaster that I should actively work hard to cooperate when everyone was pitching in, and this would be a way of repaying the people who were helping us and sending us aid.

     We lost many things in the earthquake and tsunami. There are still many people missing and unidentified bodies. For all of the people who died in this disaster and the people who sent us aid and encouragement, I want to stay positive and move forward. To show our thanks, in the future I want to help Rikuzentakata get back on its feet as soon as possible and show its vibrancy to the country. I will appreciate each day, with its classes and club activities, and never forget this event my whole life. I want to show the people around me consideration, kindness, and initiative from now on.