First, for all of you wondering how the HAL-MODE FESTIVAL went, I did a writeup for Cerise: Seeing the Future of Game Design at the 2008 HMF.

The Systems Administrator exam is coming up on Sunday. I am so going to fail it. I’ve spent this week and last week doing nothing but preparing for the test, so I know a lot more about the subjects we need to know than I did before but passing is just not going to happen. And this is the last year for us to take this particular test because they’re retiring it. Oh well, at least I know how to better study for the Basic Information exam.

Most of the e-mails I get mention concerns about the age gap between them and their would-be classmates. As with most things, though, I think the age issue has both advantages and disadvantages associated with it.

Sure, it’s kinda strange being an older student. I am about 6 to 7 years older than most of my classmates and when you’re in your twenties that gap is kind of significant. I am still young enough (and, uh, immature enough) to fit in, but there are a lot of times when I feel like there is a gulf between where I am and where everyone else is.

In terms of advantages, I’d say that a big one is that I’m already used to managing my workload. I have had 5 years of university to teach me how to handle my assignments — how to break down larger assignments so that I’m not panicking at the last minute with nothing done, when it’s okay to procrastinate and when it’s not, and what areas I can skimp on if I let my procrastination get the better of me. Having that skill makes things a whole lot easier, let me tell you.

There’s also factors such as having several years of experience dealing with things such as paying bills, which many of my classmates are only now learning how to do. The teachers often talk about how we’re going to become full-fledged members of society soon, but in reality I’ve been there (except for the having a job part) for years now.

Overall, I’d say that my age is more advantageous than not. The 6+ years of experience I have on my classmates helps to make up for the difficulty I have due to my Japanese not being perfect. If nothing else, my experience makes for a great icebreaker; I’ve made more than a few friends by doing things like sharing tips on getting assignments done.

Compared to most American and Canadian guys, who at most go for an occasional hug (excuse me, a “manly pat on the back”), Japanese guys touch each other a lot. I can’t count the number of times I’ve seen my classmates reach out and casually touch the person they’re talking to; a pat on the arm or knee, clasp the other person’s shoulder, etc.

The stereotype about Japan is that it’s very repressed. While there are aspects of the culture that qualify, my experience of casual touching (often called “skinship”*), which has been reinforced by watching my classmates interact with each other, is not only viewed as natural, but also seen as an integral component to friendship bonding.

I have a few theories as to why the difference between the cultures exists, but that’s a subject for another day (and another blog).