Japanese Exchange Student Volunteers at Thrift Store

CHI recently welcomed Short Term Enrichment Program participant, Ryunosuke Chiba, from Japan.  Ryunosuke volunteered at Common Ground Thrift Store,  in Haverhill, MA, whose mission is “Feeding, Clothing & Caring”.   Common Ground provides clothing, housewares and furniture at very affordable prices to those in need.

Ryunosuke’s daily duties included greeting customers, setting up displays and organizing available items.  When asked to explain something he gained from the program, Ryunosuke said he gained an awareness of how he was representing his home country of Japan.  Many people that he met would ask him questions about life in Japan including the social and political climate. Ryunosuke felt like he should know more about his country and have a definite opinion on certain matters.  Visiting the U.S. and meeting Americans made him want to be more knowledgeable about Japan.