Write-ups By Tanisha Sahu

Chapter 6 Lives Between Lines  AFS created a WhatsApp group for all the selected participants across India and the partner countries. It was the first time I could talk directly to others who were on the same journey. We exchanged introductions, shared our dreams, and slowly began preparing for Japan not as strangers, but as a team, full of hopes. Among those I connected with was a recipient from Pakistan. Our first conversation was warm. She congratulated me, we exchanged greetings. But just as the conversation was beginning to grow, she asked, “Where are you from?” I replied, “India.” She left me on seen. It stung. But deep down, I understood. I knew it wasn’t her fault. It wasn’t mine either. We were both born on opposite sides of a conflict we didn’t create. I didn’t let it end there. The next day, I messaged her again — something casual, something human. I spoke about Japanese learning. But maybe, just maybe, she read it and knew I meant peace. And replied to it, but the conv...

Chapter 5: Crossing Borders, Literally April 17, 2025 My appointment at the passport office left me disheartened. The officials told me bluntly, "You are a minor" “First you need your parents' passports, apply for them.” "Change your address to present address" I had to reschedule everything — all three of us now had appointments on May 2. May 2, 2025 Passport Appointment.  We went to the POPSK at the allotted time. Everything was prepared by me—perfectly. We were just a step away from the fingerprinting when the official sent us back asking for documents which truly made no sense. I was about to burst into tears, my parents consoled me. I watched my father making calls, searching for help. That made me realised how much efforts he does to make us happy.  Eventually, we found a local agent in a nearby centre who truly felt like a saviour. Though he charged a fee, he spoke to the officials, and got us allowed back in the same day. This time, the process went smo...

Chapter 4: Sunlight After Clouds April 19, 2025  The entire day was exhausting and the weather gloomy — dark clouds hung heavy since the 17th. But then, at 4:19 PM... "Dear Participants, Greetings from AFS Intercultural Programs India 💐!!! (This email is marked as bcc to all the Scholarship Winners, Respective Schools, Chapter Heads & Partner Countries) I am writing this email to congratulate you for being selected as a recipient of the prestigious Asia Kakehashi Project(+) Scholarship 2025 to Japan." Asia Kakehashi Project+ 2025🎊🎉| Scholarship Winners & Program Agreements | AFS Intercultural Programs India The clouds suddenly parted. Sunlight poured through. Just minutes earlier, my mother had lost her gold earrings. But in that instant, everything else faded. I had been selected. Until then, I hadn’t shared anything about the program publicly. I was afraid of failure. But now? I proudly announced my selection all over! My family, friends, my coach, my principal, ...

Chapter 3: The Interview Edge March 20, 2025 "We are happy to share that you have been shortlisted for the Panel Interview Round of Asia Kakehashi Project + 2025. To move forward, we will be conducting a panel interview on 25th March 2025 from 1:30pm onwards." "Group 1 (IND) S. No. Applicant' s Full Name Gender Date Time Start End 4 TANISHA SAHU Female 25th Mar 2025 2:15 PM 2:30 PM" AFS India | Asia Kakehashi Project + 2025 | Round 3 | Panel Interview | Group 1 | INDIA | 25th March 2025 Oh my god. I wanted this so badly — but even after submitting such heartfelt essays, there was still a storm of insecurity inside me. I dove deep into research: What exactly is the Asia Kakehashi Project? Who is behind AFS India? I read everything, prepared for every possible interview question. 25th March 2025 (2:09 PM) "No, my stomach is full. I don't want to have lunch" "That's because you are nervous, I know" my mother said smiling gently. I bru...

Chapter 2: Against the Clock February 20, 2025  "Congratulations!! We are writing this email to share that you have been selected for You have been selected for the Round 2 of the Asia Kakehashi Project+ 2025.  We acknowledge your effort and commitment thus far. In this round, you need to fill up the Main Application Form neatly and carefully and make sure no part is left blank. Also, if there is any supporting document needed, kindly attach it before submitting." -AFS India | Asia Kakehashi Project+ 2025 | Main Application Round | Hyderabad Chapter My final Class 11 exams were in full swing. I wasn’t mentally prepared, but as my parents always says, “Give it your best instead of overthinking the result.”. Despite the exams, my parents helped me schedule and complete the necessary medical tests. I remember rushing from school to the local clinic, then to the district hospital — all for this application. I underwent every possible test: blood, urine, vision, BP, chest X-ray, a...

Chapter 1: The Spark February 12, 2025 ( 12:56 PM) https://india.afssite.afs.org/kakehashi-program-in-japan/ Japan high school exchange program for 8-12th (Unknown number on WhatsApp Learning group) Out of pure curiosity, I messaged the unknown number that had shared it. I didn’t know then, but I was reaching out to someone I’d be forever grateful to — the person who introduced me to this life-changing opportunity "it's an exchange program" "its easy to get selected share it with your siblings" "I applied for it"- I said. "thats great hit me if you get selected" "Mummy! Mummy!, I am filling Google form for a scholarship to study in Japan? I know, I might not get selected but still should I try? Sure. Do whatever you want. But check if a fraud or not." She replied trusting me in my every decision I took.