Travel enriches our lives, broadens our outlook and opens our minds…In those moments immersed in another cultural context we learn about other perspectives. The GOH Travel Scholarship awards $7,500 annually to one employee to enhance experience-based learning through a purposeful international travel journey. Scholarship recipients share how their discoveries impact the way we look at life, appreciate culture and approach design. Shernina Carter was selected as the 2024 GOH Travel Scholarship Winner and after returning from her trip to Japan, she’s back to share highlights from her journey. Watch below to enjoy Shernina’s full presentation of her trip.
Shernina Carter Guest Blogger – GOH Travel Scholarship Trip to Japan
“The frog in the well knows nothing of the great ocean.”
This Japanese proverb struck me as I prepared for my journey to Japan. Combating fear, saying yes to new experiences, and embracing growth and change became the foundation of my trip.
If you’d like to experience my trip from beginning to end, I invite you to check out the presentation I recently shared with my co-workers. But first, here are some of my favorite highlights—let’s dive in!
One Japanese phrase that resonated deeply with me is ichi-go ichi-e, meaning “one time, one meeting.” It reminds us to cherish each moment and encounter, because they happen only once in a lifetime. Throughout my travels in Kyoto, Osaka, and Tokyo, I made it a point to stay mindful, fully immerse myself in the experience, and appreciate the beauty of the present moment.
Kyoto
One of my must-see spots was Kinkaku-ji, or as it’s known in English, the Golden Pavilion. Its breathtaking beauty and rich history were calling me—and I knew I had to experience it for myself. The atmosphere was so serene, it set the tone for my entire adventure. I also visited Ryoan-ji, where the famous rock garden invited me to meditate and reflect on life’s simplicity and beauty.
One of the most memorable moments in Kyoto was when I donned a traditional kimono and participated in a matcha tea ceremony at Kimono Tea Ceremony Maikoya. The entire process of preparing and serving matcha felt like a meditative practice, reminding me to live in the moment and appreciate the uniqueness of each experience. It was a beautiful way to immerse myself in the history and mindful traditions of Japan.
Wandering through Kyoto’s Gion District, I learned about the rich traditions of geishas and kabuki performers, soaking in the cultural heritage of the city. I could almost feel the stories from centuries past lingering in the air as I walked through the historic streets.
Kyoto’s Nishiki Market, often called “Kyoto’s Kitchen,” was a food lover’s dream. I strolled through the market, marveling at local delicacies like octopus on a stick and giant shrimp. The market’s history and its generations-old shops made it a truly captivating stop on my adventure.
Osaka
My journey to Osaka took me to Solaniwa Onsen Osaka Bay, where I fully embraced Japanese wellness culture. Wearing a yukata, I challenged myself to endure a 140-degree sauna, followed by a refreshing dip in an outdoor onsen. The experience was both physically and mentally refreshing, especially after a traditional Sabai Sabai Thai massage that left me feeling completely rejuvenated.
Tokyo
Tokyo was a whirlwind of excitement. One of my favorite experiences was participating in Kintsugi, the traditional art of repairing broken ceramics with gold. The process was intricate and time-consuming, but it taught me the beauty of embracing imperfections, both in objects and in life.
One critical lesson I learned about myself while practicing Kintsugi was that sometimes we go through processes or situations in life where we may think it’s taking too long, or that we’ve done enough. We may not realize that we need a little more patience, or a little more knowledge, or a little more of some other skill that can only be developed or strengthened if we continue to move forward and work a bit longer. If we move on too soon, we won’t be ready, nor will we be as successful or shine as bright! So…my lesson learned is to stay in the process if it’s not time yet. Don’t give up even if you’re getting tired. It will all make sense once you’ve moved through the process to your next level and can shine so bright!
Of course, no trip to Tokyo would be complete without visiting TeamLab Planets Tokyo Museum, which holds the Guinness World Record as the most visited museum from 2023-2024. I walked barefoot through a waterfall, marveled at digital flower displays, and splashed through water filled with colorful, animated koi fish. One room was filled with giant, inflatable balls that bounced around in sync with a stunning light show—it was pure joy and wonder.
After the museum, I stumbled upon Vegan Ramen Uzu, a rare find in Japan. The ramen was delicious, made with love and care, and it was one of the most memorable meals of my trip.
I also visited Skytree Tower, the world’s tallest tower. Standing at the top and gazing out over Tokyo, I felt an overwhelming sense of accomplishment and fearlessness. It was a reminder of how far I had come—both literally and figuratively.
My exploration of the Shibuya District was equally exhilarating. The neon lights, bustling streets, and famous Shibuya Crossing felt like stepping into a different world. I spent hours discovering hidden gems in this vibrant area, and each corner revealed something new and exciting.
This trip was truly life-changing. Japan’s perfect blend of tradition and modernity, paired with the kindness of its people, made my journey unforgettable. I returned home with a deep appreciation for the culture, a newfound fearlessness, and a heart full of incredible memories.
I believe in manifestation, and I believe in speaking your dreams and goals into fruition. I always knew I had dreams to see the world, and I knew it would happen, but I did not know that being at HBG Design would open that door for me. When I first began working here, it opened my eyes to greater: greater office culture and camaraderie; greater work experiences and career growth, and it showed me that ‘better’ was available and attainable if I only took the step to seek. This company has allowed me the opportunity to operate in a greater capacity and given me opportunities to continue to grow. Receiving this travel scholarship was another instance where HBG Design aided in my growth and elevation. The GOH Travel Scholarship was founded in honor of founding partner, Gregory O. Hnedak, FAIA, whom I only met for the first time this week during my presentation. Yet, his legacy has forever impacted me…allowing me to release fear, experience the big ocean outside my small well, and inspire others to do the same.