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2014 JET-MIP REPORT: VICTORIA LOCKHARTNOVEMBER, 2014: BREEZE ISSUE #85
A FREE MONTHLY E-NEWSLETTER FOR FRIENDS OF JAPAN & TEACHERS OF JAPANESE

VICTORIA LOCKHARTMountan View High School
Bend, OR
This was definitely a once in a lifetime trip, one that I will
never forget. My impression of this program was mostcertainly a good one, for I can honestly say that if I had
the opportunity to do this again, I would in a heartbeat.
The people that had been introduced to us JET MIPpers
have been the kindest and most wonderful people tomeet.
My experiences all began at SeaTac Airport, where I first stepped towards the gate from Washington to Los
Angeles. I couldn't tell if I was more excited than nervous: this was my second plane trip ever, and I hardly
knew the MIPpers that would be on the plane with me. I've never been to California, and I certainly neverbeen out of country before. I was a little worried about how the other MIPpers would think of me, if theywould like me, and if I was going to make any friends. We met at the gate, and got on the plane when it
was boarding time. Eventually, I realized that all this worry was for naught, as everyone had started to getalong and began to know each other right away while we waited for our keys in the Fourpoints Hotellobby in LA.
Of course, this was only the beginning. The real challenge was getting over my nerves for Japan. I felt thateveryone was more skilled in Japanese than I was, making me worry that I wouldn't understand half ofeverything said in Japan. I was only partially correct: I understood a good two thirds of what was said
throughout the trip, and nearly everyone was just as nervous about their Japanese skills as I was. Thetours were some of the best parts of the trip, because I got to personally see Japan and what it is reallylike. Nara was the most memorable tour for me: I had never been so close to a deer before or thought thatI would like takoyaki so much. The atmosphere was really peaceful, and had almost a country feel to it.
Although I enjoyed the tours and the classes, my favorite part of the trip (and likely for most of the otherMIPpers) was probably the homestay. I will never forget those two days that we spent together, I will also
never forget how to eat somen thanks to “Miho-Sensei”. I want to thank them for all they had done for me,
and thank them for how welcoming they were for me.

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During the trip, our friendships grew. Of course, everyone had his or her personal close friends, buteveryone was comfortable with everyone by the end of the first few days. We all were nearly or actually
were in tears on our last day, since we had become so close to each other and knew that it was possible
we wouldn't see each other again. I think that this is part of the reason that I want to apply for the JET
Program, since other MIPpers have thought of it as well. We might see each other again in the place
where we have all grown close to one another: Japan. I would love to go to Japan again, and help be apart of the bridge between the United States and Japan. I will either take a Japanese class in college if
possible, or transfer to another school so that it can be my major or minor after the first year.
When I shared my experiences with my family and friends, they all were surprised by how similar Japan isto the United States, as well as how different Japan is. When I told them about the reconstruction andrebuilding in Japan, they were impressed by how much was done and hope to see more done there, andthat Japan will thrive.
In conclusion, I acknowledge the fact that none of this would ever have happened if it wasn't thanks toTaylor Anderson and Montgomery Dickson, who had sadly lost their lives in 3/11. I would like to say to themthat I admire them and that they inspire me in the most sincere way. That they had made an impact on not
only me, but to the people that knew them. Both had amazing qualities that made them likeable: they were
hardworking, fun loving, and passionate about their place in Japan. I want to say to them that I want to belike them, to have those qualities and be able to share them with others. Thank you, Taylor Anderson andMontgomery Dickson, for all that you’ve done and all that you’ve inspired.
I also want to thank the Japan Foundation for allowing me to go on this amazing trip to meet and learn
about all these amazing people, to learn about Japan, allowing me to help build a bridge between Japanand the US, and helping me build confidence not only in Japanese but also in building connections withpeople. Arigatou gozaimashita, and sayonara for now! I hope to meet everyone again!

NIPPON THROUGH MY EYES PHOTO SUBMISSION“Unite Together”
This is a fan made by Endo-San, which was given to all of
the JET MIP participants. This was given to share the storyto others and to have us stick together. In my eyes, thismeans that we should unite and continue to build thebridge between Japan and the United States.

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Breeze #86

Breeze #85

ACTFL 2014

Japanese Langauge Education Update 122014 J-LEAP Report: Yoko Nishikawa

2014 J-LEAP Report: Kiyomi Tadokoro

2014 JET-MIP Report: Victoria Lockhart

2014 JET-MIP Report: Jenna Louie

2014 JET-MIP Report: Tristan Lundy

2014 JET-MIP Report: Lovely Matias

Breeze #84

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Breeze #76Breeze #75

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