Am I Different?

"You're a foreigner. You don't belong here." Those words may seem simple, but for a six-year-old child, they felt like the end of the world.

 My name is Mayank Aryal. I am Nepali, but I was born and raised in Japan. Japan is the only home I have ever known. I grew up speaking Japanese, going to Japanese schools, and living the same life as the children around me. Because of that, I always believed I was just like everyone else.

 Everything changed one day.

 A fifth-grade student looked at me and said, "You're a foreigner. You don't belong here." Those words were followed by weeks of bullying. Every day became harder. I started questioning who I really was. The pain became so overwhelming that I went home and asked my mother a question that broke my family's heart.

 "Am I different?"

 That simple question changed everything.

 My parents wanted me to study in a place where I would feel accepted and valued, so they enrolled me in an international school. I was frightened on my first day. I worried that I would have no friends and that I wouldn't fit in.

 But this time, something was different.

 The teachers welcomed me warmly, and my classmates accepted me for who I was. Instead of being judged because of my nationality, I was appreciated for my kindness and my ability to communicate in different languages. Before I knew it, five wonderful years had passed.

 Later, I returned to a Japanese school. At first, I wondered if history would repeat itself. Instead, I found myself surrounded by friends. They were interested in my experiences, admired my English, and treated me with respect. I realised that people can change, and sometimes our own fears can change too.

 Looking back, I have learned that being different is not something to be ashamed of. It is something to be proud of. My background allows me to understand different cultures, speak multiple languages, and see the world from more than one perspective.

 Living in Japan as a foreigner is not always easy. Many foreigners experience loneliness, language barriers, misunderstandings, or discrimination simply because they look or sound different. 

Sometimes, no matter how long they have lived in Japan, they are still seen as outsiders. These experiences can be painful, but they also teach resilience, patience, and courage.

 My journey has taught me two important lessons.

 First, have the courage to take risks. If I had been too afraid to start over at a new school, I might never have discovered my confidence or met the wonderful friends I have today.

 Second, always give people and situations a second chance. Not everyone stays the same forever. People grow, learn, and become more understanding. If we keep our hearts open, we may find kindness where we least expect it.

 Today, when I think back to the little boy who asked, "Am I different?" my answer is simple.

 Yes, I am different—but so is everyone else. Our differences are not weaknesses; they are what make each of us unique.

 No matter where you come from, what language you speak, or what you look like, you deserve respect, kindness, and a place where you belong.

 So to anyone who has ever felt like an outsider, remember this: never let someone else's words define your worth. Be proud of who you are, be strong through difficult times, and never give up. One day, your struggles will become your greatest strength.

Student of Kozoji Junior High School, Japan