Current Situation

Right now, I'm doing something called OPT, Optional Practical Training. OPT is granted to international students who have graduated from 4-year university. During this OPT period, newly grads are allowed to get a job in the States (For those who are not familiar with visas: It's illegal for international students to get a job outside of the campus).

I graduated from a university a year ago, which means my OPT is almost over. Since I couldn't find a company with visa sponsorship, I have to go back to Japan in a couple months. Technically, I could just get married now and stay in the States. But I won't.. The main reason is my family back in Japan. Last 5 years, I've been in the States, away from my family. I love my family and miss them so much, so I really want to spend time with them before getting married (=living in the States permanently). Also, because my family just met my boyfriend and his family in September (Oh, I should write about that too!), I want to give them some time to be ready for our marriage. I mean, I don't want them to be upset, mad, or sad. I want them to be happy for us as well, you know.

There's some other stuff that has made me come to this conclusion, but this is pretty much why I'm going back to Japan. Not for too long, though. I will come back in one year; that's our plan for now.

Am I being selfish? Maybe I am.. But family is really important to me, and my boyfriend respects that (And I know I should be grateful for having such an understanding boyfriend).

We just have to stay strong and make it through! I know we can do this, babe!!