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2014 JET-MIP REPORT: RACHEL HIRSCHOCTOBER, 2014: BREEZE ISSUE #84
A FREE MONTHLY E-NEWSLETTER FOR FRIENDS OF JAPAN & TEACHERS OF JAPANESERACHEL HIRSCHWest Bloomfield High School
West Bloomfield, MI
I am very fortunate to have been chosen for this program
through the Japan Foundation, Los Angeles. This program
was one of the best experiences of my life. I have always
had a love for Japan, but this program just solidified mylove for it. It even inspired my family to all visit Japan
together. Everyone I met in Japan was extremely nice,whether it was a stranger helping us find our way when
we were lost in Nara, or the high school students we metin Ishinomaki. Everybody was so friendly, understanding, and excited to learn about us, and they wereexcited by our excitement! Even if we only knew how to say basic things, every native we talked toencouraged us. They complimented how well we spoke (even if we didn't necessarily think that was true)
and were impressed with us. The people of Japan love that a foreigner enjoys their culture and language,and is interested in learning more about the Japanese culture and language. It made me feel moreconfident and made approaching people and talking to people a lot easier. You didn't have to be good atJapanese, you just had to try.
Before this program I wasn't sure if I wanted to continue studying Japanese in college. I am in the collegeof education, where you can choose between taking once foreign culture class and getting a Bachelors of
Science or taking three semesters of a language for a Bachelors of the Arts. This is the difference
between having one more required class and three more required classes so you can see why I wascontemplating my decision. But after going to Japan, it solidified my desire to continue studying theJapanese language. It added fuel to the fire that is my quest for learning Japanese. Unfortunately theJapanese class for my fall semester of University was canceled and none of the other classes fit into myschedule, but I am determined to take it second semester and will keep on practicing by myself until then!
Thanks to this program I have also become determined to become an ALT in Japan through the JET
Program.
I was affected most by most host family and I hope that I affected them too. I told them about how myfather was stationed in Japan and about how my brother is very interested in anime and I am very
interested in Japanese history. They showed me true kindness and hospitality and improved my alreadyglowing view of Japan and its people. They told me about how important they think studying English Privacy
is soI- Terms

hoped I inspired them to keep studying it. I know that they made me want to continue learning Japanese. Icontinue to tell my friends all the amazing stories I acquired in Japan; I hope they aren't getting bored ofme! But I love to tell everyone, friends, family, frenemies, all about the JET Program and how amazing it is.
I love to inform people about JET and becoming and ALT because I think it is such an awesome thing thateverybody should at least have the chance to know about it if not participate in the program. I know I wantto participate.
Dear Taylor and Monty,
Thank you for having been and continuing to be a bridge between America and Japan. I am so thankful toyou for being able to participate in this program. You two continue to inspire me both in regards to myrelationship with Japan and in my everyday life. Monty, it was clear that you had a great personality andsense of humor, watching the video you made about Tokyo Bananas was so bittersweet, it was so funny,
but it saddened me to know that I would never be able to see you anymore. Taylor, your dedication andspirit inspired me to continue studying Japanese. You two give me strength and let me know that I can doit. I can become good at Japanese, I can go to Japan, I can go teach in Japan, I can get out of bed eachday and continue to live life to the fullest. Thank you.

NIPPON THROUGH MY EYES PHOTO SUBMISSION“Sadou”
This is a picture of matcha from the sadou; it was taken at
East Sendai High School. Sadou is the tea ceremony andmatcha is green tea powder. We got the chance to watch
the ceremony and make tea ourselves. The ceremony wasbeautiful and the tea was both delicious and extremely
hard to make.

Breeze #86

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Japanese Langauge Education Update 112014 J-LEAP Report: Tomoki Nodo

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