Lisa Dombrowski is sixteen year-old in junior year of high school. She goes to Kadena High School on the island of Okinawa, Japan. She has played tennis for most of her life and enjoys making pencil drawings. She is one of my best friends from Okinawa because she is very mature and reliable but also knows how to have fun and joke around.
Q: What kind of household were you raised in?
A: I was raised in a household with both my parents and two older brothers. I would say my family values education and putting others before yourself.
Q: How long have you played tennis?
A: I have played tennis since the [first] grade however I had multiple injuries requiring me to take around 3 years or so off.
Q: What important events have impacted your life?
A: A big event that impacted my life would be my grandpa passing. I was super close with him and it was a very tough time when he passed. Another big event would be moving to Japan from Wisconsin. I love living here in Okinawa and I don’t regret moving at all. Especially because most of my family lives in mainland [Japan] so I see them more often.
Q: Who are you most influenced by?
A: I am most influenced by my parents. I would like to say I’m very close with my mom and I always go to her for advice or help, however I deeply rely on my friends as well and trust them a lot.
Q: Have you encountered pressure to do something you [didn’t] want to? If so, who and what was it?
A: When I was younger I was still experimenting who my true friends were as the people who I was friends with always pushed me to act like them. And at the time I couldn’t say no because I was afraid of not fitting in or being alone.
Q: How did you feel about moving to Okinawa initially?
A: I was [super] scared cause I’d be starting over completely, but I was also excited because I’d be able to live in Japan and see my family often.
Q: How were things different for you?
A: A lot of things changed rather than living in Oregon, Wisconsin where there was no diversity. Coming to Okinawa was a relief because because everyone helped each other out here. Another thing is that living here with just my mom. We initially were going to go back after one year so my dad bought a house a house in the states but we were able to get an extension because I didn’t want to switch schools. It had been just me and my mom up til now and my dad visits.
Q: What problems did you encounter when settling in?
A: A lot of problems came from transportation, again since it’s only my mom, she has to do all the driving or I have to bike to get places which can be frustrating.
Q: What is your opinion on moving to a foreign country?
A: I believe moving to a foreign country is something everyone should experience. It opens your eyes to new opportunities and insight on things. It allows for conversation, and it really changes your perspective.
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