3-01 Third-Year Boy

 

   On March 11th we lost a lot of things in the tsunami. People lost their livelihoods and their houses, and some lost members of their family. There are those who lived and those who died, and we who lived must live life to the fullest, going on for those who died. And I definitely want Rikuzentakata to return to how it was before.

   During this last year I have had many different experiences. Before, we were the ones always providing support through things like donations and collecting used postcards for charity, but now we are all in the totally opposite situation. Although I was really glad to receive aid, it really did feel like we were disaster victims. After things calmed down a little, club activities started again. All of our equipment had been donated and there wasn’t a lot of space, but we were able to practice. I really enjoyed playing baseball again after such a long time and felt satisfied. My team was able to win the local round of the National Rubber Baseball Tournament. It felt awesome! It was really great to have spent time with these teammates.

   I have lots of memories, but the school festival is the best. We came together as a class and practiced. As a result, we could win a prize for the first time. This time, we sang Aoba no Uta [1] and struggled to get to the end. The loudness of the girls’ and boys’ voices didn’t balance well. However, by singing seriously and not giving up, we were able to give our best performance.

   Now I’m studying hard for high school entrance exams. After getting into high school, I really want to put my efforts into doing club activities. I want to practice hard every day with my new teammates and try my best to qualify for Koshien [2]. I want to take advantage of this disaster and grow stronger than I am now. I will firmly engrave the disaster in my memory and never forget it as long as I live. What’s more, I must not forget my feelings of gratitude for the people who have supported us.

3-01　中３男子

 

   三月十一日、私たちは津波によってたくさんのものを失った。自分の道具や家、中には家族を失った人もいた。生きている命、絶えてしまった命、それぞれあるが私たち生きている者は絶えてしまった人の分まで精一杯生きなければならない。そして、陸前高田を必ず元に戻したいと思う。

   私はこの一年、たくさんのことを経験した。いつもなら募金や書き損じはがきなど支援する側だった自分たちが今はまったく逆の状況にあった。支援されてとても嬉しかったが、やっぱり自分たちは被災したのだと感じてしまった。少し落ち着き始めた頃、部活が再開した。全ての道具を支援してもらい、場所は狭いが練習をすることができた。久しぶりの練習はとても楽しく充実していた。全軟連では、優勝することができた。最高の気分だった。この仲間と共に過ごしてきて本当に良かったと思う。

   たくさんの思い出があるが、その中でも、一番の思い出は文化祭だ。クラス全員で一丸となり練習した。その結果、初めて賞をとることができた。この時歌った「青葉の歌」は最後まで悪戦苦闘していた。女声と男声の声量のバランスが合っていなかった。しかし、みんな真剣にあきらめずに歌った結果、最高の合唱ができた。

   そして、今、私は高校受験に向け、がんばっている。高校入学後は特に部活に力を入れたい。新しい仲間と一緒に日々努力し、甲子園出場を目指し、がんばりたい。この震災を機に、今よりもっと逞しく成長したい。しっかりと震災を胸に刻み、忘れないように過ごしていきたい。また、支援してくれた方々への感謝の気持ちも忘れてはならないと思う。