Hello all, I am here to introduce myself!  I am Andy and I’m from Seattle, I’m 27 years old and have always wanted to learn Japanese, well, since 7th grade..so for quite some time now.   I am finally ready, both mentally and emotionally for this new journey.
The main reason why I want to learn Japanese is because I want a culture.  As an American, I’m just a mush of cultures and I can’t lay claim to anything.  I am jealous of others with a known culture, something that resides deep within their very being.  I think the Japanese have a very strong, respectful culture and I want to be a part of it, even if it’s just from an outsiders perspective.  I think learning the Japanese culture and the language go hand in hand, without one, I cannot have the either.

I also want to visit Japan one day and when I do, I want to respect their culture and way of living and learn as much as I an to better myself for the rest of my life.  Learning the language just seems like the appropriate step to respecting a great culture.