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BREEZE #88

FEBRUARY, 2015: BREEZE ISSUE #88
A FREE MONTHLY E-NEWSLETTER FOR FRIENDS OF JAPAN & TEACHERS OF
JAPANESEJALYN RADZIMINSKISMITH
North Side High School
Fort Wayne, IN
The moment I left my family to get on myconnected flight from Indiana to Detroit to L.A.
I knew something huge was going to happen,
and that this trip will be a huge inspiration andmotivator that I will carry with me for the rest ofmy life. This was the first time that I was awayfrom all family, all friends, and everyone that I knew.
Once the group and I arrived in L.A. with all our luggage, we rushed out to the bus into thebustling city. In Indiana, I never seen so many cars moving so fast, and so many people wholooked so sure in a mist of chaos.
Once we got to the hotel, that’s where I saw the faces of new friends from all over the states. Itwas strange, however, because by the power of internet, we already knew so much about one
another. We never met one another before, but since we anticipated meeting each other for solong, we all felt like long lost friends.
The orientations in L.A. was long, but it got the message across. We were not in Japan for justa free vacation, no. We were an investment towards the future good of Japanese and Americanrelations. We were being asked to become pieces of a bridge.
After learning more about Taylor, Monte, their friends, and the devastation of March 2011 atorientation, I was ready to get down to business, and learn how I could be of assistance toPrivacy- Terms
Japanese people in any way. I followed the news when it happened my sophomore year inhighschool; I wanted to help, but did not know how. The video made that day all too real, too vivid.
It made me question why I did not take the next step to do more back then. I was in awe when
we met the families of Monty and Taylor. Never in my life have I seen family so dedicated topreserving a loved one's legacy, or have I seen an outcome of a tragedy be the inspiration ofso many positive programs. I felt connected to Taylor, Monty, their friends, and their families.
There was so much I wanted to say then, yet I was so lost for words. If I could address those
two brave souls now, I would say:
Taylor and Monte,
It amazes me how I never knew people like you existed.
People, who share the same passion of learning language as I do, used your passion in such away to touch the hearts of many. Taylor, to your very last breath you put the children before
yourself, and protected them. Monty, you spent your last moments so afraid of what was goingto come. The disaster took your life. It wasn’t fair at all for a human being brave and strong as
yourself to spend your last moments afraid. You did so much as an English-Japanese teacher,and helped your students so much.
You two are the definition of bringing your dreams to life by living your dreams. How are you
now? Can you see that you were the first drop of a ripple? A ripple that grew to become awave. A wave of hope? A wave of development and strength? Did you have any regrets? Do
you realize that you are now forever heroes? I hope to one day live my dreams as you two did.
After the orientation at Japan Foundation, Los Angeles, we went to the Official Residence of
the Consulate-General of Japan in Los Angeles for this breath taking dinner. I was in awe when
I saw the estate. I saw my other fellow “MIPPERS” talking amongst themselves in a trance fromall the beauty and catering and cameras of the press. I however felt quite shy. I walked off on
my own to look around.
Then, I saw a Japanese woman who smiled at me shyly. I quickly said Konnichiwa and started
talking to her in Japanese. My heart was nervously beating fast. I really wanted to try my bestto give a good impression of myself and this program. I figured after two minutes of talking to
her in Japanese, that I would crash and burn. To my surprise, this woman and I had a heart toheart conversation for a good 15 minutes, and she was the sweetest woman I have ever met. I
was only a second year Japanese student, so I didn’t know how much I was capable of. Aftertalking to her, my fear of messing up when talking to Japanese people was thrown out the door.
All I wanted to do was to talk to as many people as I could. I refused to let language become abarrier any longer. Now the way I see foreign language is that I might as well try to talk to thenative speakers and ask a lot of questions. The worst that could happen is that you may messup a word or two, but usually they help you or appreciate your efforts.
I was asked to be interviewed before the dinner. In the interview, I said exactly how I felt: “Thisopportunity is a dream come true. I want to learn how to be able to give more to the world.”
The rest of the evening we enjoyed fantastic food while speaking with a past ALT and listening
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to her experiences.

The flight to Japan from L.A. was pretty brutal. I never rode a plane for so long in my life. Once
we all walked out of the airport I could smell Japan’s fresh sea with a hint of saltiness. I am notsure why the first thing I thought was “Home at last”
When we arrived at the institute, I could not believe it. It was perfect in every single way. Theresources, the food, the people, the rooms, the view from my window, the convenient location…
everything was comfortable and perfect. From reading the resources in the study room andlibrary, to all of the interactions in Japanese, to writing a speech, I felt my passion to learn thelanguage grow stronger, and I grew more confident. I also enjoyed all of the classes we took
at the institute, and was so grateful to have learned so much from such kind teachers.
When the college students came to the institute it was even better. I made three friends fromThailand from the college program. My friends from America Gwen, Sierra, and I had tons of fun
hanging out together, and when all 6 of us were together we only used Japanese. Our Thaifriends did not speak English, so it was always tons of fun learning new words from each otherand doing fun things in Rinku and in the Institute with them (like karaoke).
The thing I loved best about the experience of Japan was the people. When we went toTohoku, that was the moment when it truly felt connected to Japanese people. When we drove
into Tohoku, we saw signs all over the bare parts of the land and next to graves that said “とうほくがんばろう”, which means Tohoku, do your best!
At Watanoha Elementary, the most breathtaking moment was when we saw a class walking instraight lines down the stairs look up and see us and simultaneously start to shout “Hi!” and“Hello!”with eyes shining bright. Then we heard from some teachers and officials that we are
the first Americans many of these students have met before. It was also cute to see some thatwere shy that worked hard to speak to us. When sitting down with my group of elementary kids
I was shocked as to how extremely mature they were. One girl’s Tanabata wish was for Japanand America to always be friends. One boy in my group wanted to become the best runner inJapan. I felt connected to the children, and it was as if we were mutually inspired by eachother. After we shared our dreams, I told them, “何があても夢のために頑張ろう︕” “No matter
what happens, always do your best for your dreams.” then gave them a red lanyard from myhigh school. When we had to leave, I saw all the children crowd the driveway of the school andthe windows waving goodbye. It really tugged at my heart when I saw the kids I gave lanyards
to looking right at me screaming thank you. I never seen a childs eyes shine so bright withsuch hope.
After visiting the elementary school, we went to see the Rainbow Bridge. This was one of themost defining moments of the meaning of the trip. Endo-san showed us the playground that hemade. The symbolism in it was outstanding. There were three pieces of wood pointing up,
which meant to always look up and look positively towards the future. The bridge in theplayground itself meant to build bridges between Japan and America. The part that got me themost was the alter with the statues of the three children. At the altar there were pops andpresent surrounding the statutes. When I asked Endo-san in Japanese what the statue was forhe said he made it in honor of his three kids and all the children that passed away on 2011. ItPrivacy - Terms

hit me hard I started cry so hard and left a North Side High School lanyard at the alter. That wasthe moment I knew for sure what I truly wanted to do with my life. I knew for certain that I did
want to be fluent in Japanese, so I could have better skills to be able to help people in Japan. I
also knew for sure that I did want to work in International Relations to help relations between
Japan, America, and other countries, so that we would all know how to help and support one
another.
I walked away from the altar sobbing trying to calm down. Then some kind woman who worked
at the playground came up to me and told me that everything was okay. In Japanese, thewoman told me “It’s okay, times are a little hard right now, however, we are still going to do ourbest. We all want to go back home.” That moment hit me hard too, and I wiped away my tears. I
wanted to be strong for the Japanese, and hoped one day to be as strong and positive as
people like them.
Meeting the high school students, ALTs, CIRS, and Kiwi Club members also made a big impact
on me. The high school students were so kind, fun, and thoughtful. Our exchanges not only
created new, powerful friendships, but we also taught one another more about our own
language and culture. The ALTs, CIRs, Kiwi Club members, and supervisor Ono Hikedo werevery encouraging to me when I met them and told me they were surprised someone as young
as me was so interested and so comfortable speaking to them fully in Japanese. Tonya, a CIR,
Kyoko Sasaki, a Kiwi Club member, and Ono Hideko were the people that I talked to the most.
Hideko-san told me to “continue to fight for your dreams and never stop” she also told me to“never forget the Miyagi Prefecture.” After meeting great individuals from those groups, I
definitely want to study Japanese every day in college, so that I too can become a CIR in thefuture. I also hope that, by becoming a CIR, I can make connections later on to do more
diplomatic work.
When I had to depart, it was the hardest. I made so many great friends and met so many
influential people. All I could repeat in my head was “Ichigo Ichie.” I learned during the tea
ceremony which means “one time, one meaning.” I may only meet these people one time,
however, I am so grateful for the time I had through JET-MIP.
When I tell people about my trip to Japan, I find it hard to explain my trip well enough for themto truly understand how life changing it was. When I got home everyone asked me manyquestions about food, culture, people, and experiences. Some of the tiniest details about theJapanese living style, even things like the toilets, simply amazed my American friends. I canhonestly say many people in my town contacted me as a resource of cultural or language
information now. By younger people, I am told that I am an inspiration, and by older people, Iam told that I am a role model for young women to go follow their dreams. So many people
followed my facebook, instagram, and social media to see Japan with me. Many of my friends
are beginning to ask me about opportunities to study abroad, because many of them also want
to see the world now. It makes me happy that my stories make people want to take a stepoutside of America and learn more about other countries. I hope I live up to my dream tocontinue be a connector of the countries.

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This trip taught me a lesson lesson that I will forever hold on to..
Where there is loss there is recovery. Where there is death there is new life, where there's
failure there is redemption. Where there's love there's a way. Where there's a dream there's
breathtaking possibility… Reaching your dreams can change the world. Never think that you aresmall, because you could be the first drop that starts a ripple that starts a wave of inspiration.
I went to Japan in memory of two English teachers that lost their life in Japan while living theirdreams. I hope to set up my life and give enough to this world so even when its my time topass, I can somehow contribute to the success of other people's dreams

NIPPON THROUGH MY EYES PHOTOSUBMISSION“Memories, Hopes, Faith, and Ganbarou”
This is the Statue made in honor of Endo-san'schildren at the Rainbow Bridge. It represents
post-traumatic recovery. This is where it hit me
the hardest when I realized how much thesepeople have went through, what they havelost, and how hard they are working to recover.
It made me realize my dreams to help theworld as much as I can for families like this.

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Japanese Langauge Education Update 152015 Kakehashi Report2014 J-LEAP Report: Miho Kobayashi

2014 JET-MIP Report: Sadezia Pitt-Ulcena

2014 JET-MIP Report: Jalyn Radziminski-Smith

2015 AJALT Workshop
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