Hello! My name is Christina. I live in Atlanta, Georgia (US) working as an artist for a children’s clothing company (yes that is a profession lol).  I have been learning Japanese on and off (self taught) for years but a combination of being intimidated by kanji and a lack of a practice partner has gotten me off track. I’m probably hovering around in beginner-land, though I do know basic grammar and katakana/hiragana! Anyway, I’m all fired up again for a few reasons!

I want to learn Japanese because I really really love Japanese games for their innovative gameplay, lighthearted subject matter (without sacrificing gameplay), deep customization, and wonderful storylines but many of them never get translated. I’m super passionate about games so I know I can stick with it! Also, my cousin is fluent in Japanese and has lived there for many years. He’s recently reached out to me again and has invited me to travel with him to all his favorite places! I think it’d be wonderful if we could speak Japanese together as a way of reconnecting! He even sent me a manga to get started!

I think that the community on this site will be awesome, and actually being able to learn what radicals are will help me overcome my fear of kanji (along with my cousin to keep me motivated of course!). I feel like I can really do it this time!