Ferarri+,Monica+(GA)

**I am very excited with the opportunity to visit Japan with this group.

My name is** **Monica Ferrari (like the car), and I teach social studies to English Learners at Ridgeview Charter School in Sandy Springs, GA.

I was born and raised in the biggest Japanese city out of Japan: Sao Paulo, Brazil.

My best friend in Middle School is from a Japanese family (first Brazilian generation), and I was fortunate to be a regular at her house. I have learned to use chopsticks and to appreciate the amazing Japanese culinary at her house, where I was the only non-Japanese speaker.

I later took ikebana (Japanese floral arrangements) and karate classes.

I am going to Japan from China. Can't wait to meet you all!**

(personal photo to follow. I promise!) Detail of Kasuga Shrine, Nara (my research project)