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2011 JET-MIP ESSAYMARCH, 2012: BREEZE ISSUE #53
A FREE MONTHLY E-NEWSLETTER FOR FRIENDS OF JAPAN & TEACHERS OF JAPANESE
THERESA TRAN
ALASKALATHROP HIGH SCHOOL
I was eating lunch with my Japanese teacher, Nagaoka sensei when he mentioned he received an email
about a program that he wanted me to look into right away. Not knowing I had less than a week to apply
and get my paperwork together, I hastily did it when I learned about the JET Memorial Invitation Program.
A week after graduation, I received an email while on my break at work. It read, “‘Congratulations,Theresa!’” with words of encouragement from my sensei that it brought me to tears. I could not believe it; I
was really going to Japan. I could have never been as ecstatic as I did that moment. Traveling to Japanwas only something I could dream of when I was younger and the cost had kept me from doing so. The
JET program has given me that opportunity and this past summer was one that I could never forget.
Things were a bit hectic weeks prior to the trip with having to work, move homes, and before I knew it I
was heading to Fairbanks International Airport to catch my flight to San Francisco. I was nervous since it
was the first time flying without my parents. I was more nervous after landing in CA and learning that myflight was late so I missed the Japan Town tour with the other participants. I was relieved to find out that I
wasn’t the only one who was late and soon enough met the other participants at dinner. Little did I know atthe time that the thirty one strangers who I’ve just met would become as close as we did, sharing ourcompany and adventures together as ‘Mippers’ during our stay in Japan.
Upon arrival in Japan, I was in awe with the whole scene. I felt like it was a movie, the air itself wassomehow different, of course everything was in Japanese and being foreigners, we got a lot of stares. But
what struck me the most was how polite and kind everyone was. All the people I have met whether it was
the gentlemen in uniform at the airport or the employees in stores, I saw this welcoming manner andkindness that lacked in the United States. I felt reassured knowing that even with the language and culture
barriers, there were so many willing and helpful people and using body language did a great deed.
Every day during the two week trip was great. We stayed in Osaka but also visited Kyoto, Kobe, and Iwate.
We did activities such as taiko drumming, yukata dressing, anime and manga learning, calligraphy, art, andmusic with the students at Senboku high school. Whether it was just orientation, visiting temples, spendingtime with our host families, or riding our bikes around the neighborhood, it was the most thrilling
experience I've ever had.
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Being in Japan had taught me a great deal. I've learned the customs and culture of the Japanese people

by interacting and experiencing first-hand the ways of their country. I've learned how to use the traditional
toilet, ways to bathe, manners when entering someone's home, and sitting in a proper manner as what
they call the "seza" pose. It wasn't the most comfortable things to do since it was the first I've learned how
to do such things. Although it was weird at first, it grew on me and it became fun to do.
I've met so many interesting people on this trip, many who have taught me and have influenced me in somany great ways. My fellow JET Mippers have given me so much joy spending time with them and I know anumber of them will remain as lifetime friends. My host family has also given me a whole new insight ofJapanese people. Thanks to my host mom, I learned how great drivers are in Japan. The students andteachers I've met at Senboku and Kozukata high school are such hard working and inspiring individuals.
Also, the staff at the Kansai institute along with the staff at the Japan Foundation was so accommodatingand generous.
My understanding for Japan and the Japanese people have been broadened and I couldn't have asked formore. The experience I had will always be cherished and I hope that one day I will be able to return toJapan and give back to the Japanese people. I would like to become that bridge between Japan and theUnited States. Until then, I hope to gain more knowledge and be prepared when I apply for the JET
program! This time, to become an ALT. Thank you oh so much for the wonderful experience! I will neverforget it as long as I live.

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2011 J-LEAP Report: Mitsuhiro Tanabe

2011 J-LEAP Report: Eri Sonohara

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2011 JET-MIP Essay: Eli Jones

2011 JET-MIP Essay: Theresa Tran

2011 JET-MIP Essay: Eurico Senna

2011 JET-MIP Essay: Debbie Daniels

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