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2013 JET-MIP ESSAYOCTOBER, 2013: BREEZE ISSUE #72
A FREE MONTHLY E-NEWSLETTER FOR FRIENDS OF JAPAN & TEACHERS OF JAPANESEARIANA FOSTER
Landstown High School
Virginia Beach, VA
The JET Memorial Invitation Program was more than what I had
hoped. The trip and the experience is something that I will neverforget and will always hold in my heart. To study and learn about
the Japanese culture, language, and to physically see varioussights (the Tohoku region and various monuments). Hearing
many of the peoples’ stories not only opened my mind, but it allowed me to create bonds and meet many
individuals. It allowed me to create ties with the people, and the country.
I will say, when we arrived, I was so nervous and scared. Why; I always doubted myself when it came tospeaking Japanese, and since school had ended, I did not have much practice with speaking. Then I
became overwhelmed when everything was spoken entirely in Japanese. I was always hesitant when itcame to talking and heading outside the Japan Foundation Japanese Language Institute, Kansai, but thatslowly changed. The teachers were excellent, and gradually I was able to grasp further understanding ofthe language. The setting is not the same as your typical Japanese classroom. The groups are of course
smaller so that the teacher can focus on each individual and help them if necessary. Very little English is
spoken and I enjoyed that. At times I felt discouraged. It is a little frustrating when your vocabulary is notextensive, but the teachers help guide you along through the learning process.
The institute provides a friendly environment for learning and interaction with others. There are othervarious groups that come to the institute and many that come for studying. Since a lot of people camefrom different countries, we got to learn about each other’s backgrounds. Along with that, the facultyprovided great assistance and put forth a lot of effort to ensure everyone enjoyed their stay. When you
have trouble or have questions, they were happy to assist in any way they could. When I had forgotten mykey card to my dorm, I panicked a little because I wouldn’t be able to access my dorm, or for that fact,even enter the cafeteria and elevators. The front desk was able to provide a spare card for me which
saved me from my worries. Even though the stay at the dorm was short, returning after our travels made it
seem more like home; being in japan felt like I was at home.
I believe that this whole trip has helped me decide on what I want to do in my near future. I was very
indecisive and it was frustrating. Hearing a lot stories and seeing pictures from a lot of past JETs reallyopened my eyes and allowed me to see various possibilities of what I can do to and to further my Privacy - Terms

education in Japanese language, as well as culture. I eventually want to pursue a career in Japan and live
there.
When I returned home, adjusting to everything was a little difficult. It seemed like the whole trip was
surreal. Before we traveled to the Touhoku region I had imagined that there would have been a lot moreconstruction and for there to be more housing and buildings. Unfortunately, things did not seem that way. Itook a lot of pictures and have told many of my friends about what I had seen and my interactions with thestudents. They were all amazed by how happy everyone looked in the pictures and how lively theatmosphere seemed. I told them that even though the tsunami caused a lot of destruction and many of thetowns are still in the process of recovery, the people there are still in high spirits. They remain strong andhopeful, but one of the things that they worry about is that due to damage, wreckage, and reconstructionof the landscape, they will not have many tourists as they used to and people will continue to move insearch for opportunities. I found myself in tears seeing the landscape, hearing the stories, and visiting
where Taylor Anderson and Monty Dickson had lived and taught.
Taylor Anderson and Monty Dickson, Thank you for everything and for allowing us to have the opportunity
see where you both had taught, lived, and influenced the lives of many. During our visits we were able tomeet so many great people and create friendships that it almost seems unreal. We were also able to see
different sides of Japan that people would not have imagined it to be. Thanks to you two, not only has mydream come true, it has encouraged me to possibly pursue being a JET ALT. This experience has alsotaught me that anything is possible as long as you put forth your best and never give up. You two will
never be forgotten and will continue to live on in the hearts of many.

NIPPON THROUGH MY EYES PHOTO SUBMISSION“Our Return”
The sun shined a brightly as if it were welcoming us all backfrom our Tohoku travels. Even though the sun is setting, Japan istruly the land of the rising sun.

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2013 Group Tour Report: Steven Johnson

2013 J-LEAP Report: Amiko Nishijima

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2013 J-LEAP Report: Hiroko Maekawa

2013 JET-MIP Essay: Ariana Foster

2013 JET-MIP Essay: Lian Eytinge2013 JET-MIP Essay: Rebecca Cook2013 JET-MIP Essay: Shannon Foremaster

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