Thursday, May 31, 2012
Extra! Extra! Extra!
So we either look at all the info and think, "Oh God! It's not enough!" Or we look and think, "How will I fit everything on here?!?!!?!" Well, for the it's-not-enough people, it probably is, just be confident in what you have done. For those with too much stuff and not enough space (space bag commercial anyone?), add extra papers with the rest of your info. You need to format it the same as the application, but extra info is totally okay. ONLY ONE PAGE per section. Do NOT write pages and pages and pages for every section, keep it to only one additional page per section. That's my useful info for today.
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
The TEFL/TESL Question
So, we all want to get in and being TEFL/TESL certified will clearly get us in. Not true. In case anyone hadn't gotten that from the forums or wherever else, but it doesn't. However, it could be helpful in JET and a regular classroom, if you plan on other teaching in the future. But, whatever you are going to do, do NOT get your TEFL or TESL just for JET. It is a waste of money. If you think it is interesting, a good way to spend your time and money, or you plan to continue teaching in the future, it is probably worth it. I am trying to get into a program to get my TESL certification and have looked at a few ways to do that.
I looked online and found a course I really like for less than $400. It seemed to specialize in teaching for going to Asian countries, but online makes me nervous. I like being able to ask questions and be a part of a class.
I am hoping to do a program through UMaine that will give me a week-long intensive and a certification. There is a TESOL Plus program with a practicum that I really want to do and would make this program much better in my eyes. Also, I like that I can be there and do it in person.
So TEFL/TESL is good. But only if it is something you are REALLY interested in. And make sure you really trust and like that program so that you can enjoy the learning experience ^_^
I looked online and found a course I really like for less than $400. It seemed to specialize in teaching for going to Asian countries, but online makes me nervous. I like being able to ask questions and be a part of a class.
I am hoping to do a program through UMaine that will give me a week-long intensive and a certification. There is a TESOL Plus program with a practicum that I really want to do and would make this program much better in my eyes. Also, I like that I can be there and do it in person.
So TEFL/TESL is good. But only if it is something you are REALLY interested in. And make sure you really trust and like that program so that you can enjoy the learning experience ^_^
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Pre-College, Blech
I have oft mentioned that I skipped lots of little things because I'm a dumbass, well, one of those things is a pre-college course I took in 2005. It was a "Draw Your Own Manga" class. I attended the Art Institute of Boston for a summer and produced a short chapter of my own manga. It was really cool, but only pass/fail and I never bothered to get a transcript for it for either of my actual colleges, though the course applies as credits at AIB and Lesley University. I now have to decide if I want to put this under extracurricular or as a college course and get a transcript. Though it shows only a cursory interest in Japan, I feel like the little things matter and I should get it... Sometimes those little things are the weirdest, most pain-in-the-ass bits to figure out... Any ideas would be cool ^^;
Monday, May 28, 2012
All the Small Things
No, not the Blink 182 song. I am talking about the little things that give you surprising experience for anything involving children or jobs.
Last year, I did not put down a lot of things I probably could have and should have because it just didn't cross my mind as important (like MASSPIRG or a pre-college class I took years ago). Years ago, I prepared a resume for theatre tech work; one of the main things we talked about is that you put down everything you can fit in your skills. "I am comfortable on ladders." "I can lift heavy things." "I don't mind sweeping." Most likely, JET doesn't care about your love for cleaning paint brushes, but they very well may care about other things you've done. Ever babysat? Good experience with children. Ever worked your church nursery? Also counts as experience. TA in college? Awesome. Ran the study group? Good. Trained new co-workers (brilliant suggestion from the boards)? Perfect. It may seem stupid (and if the thing is really inane, don't include it), but there is a good chance that the little things matter. You may not want to teach elementary, but the willingness to do it and experience to help you do it may make the difference in whether or not someone in Japan wants you. So put down that babysitter's club you're a part of :P Just do it!
Last year, I did not put down a lot of things I probably could have and should have because it just didn't cross my mind as important (like MASSPIRG or a pre-college class I took years ago). Years ago, I prepared a resume for theatre tech work; one of the main things we talked about is that you put down everything you can fit in your skills. "I am comfortable on ladders." "I can lift heavy things." "I don't mind sweeping." Most likely, JET doesn't care about your love for cleaning paint brushes, but they very well may care about other things you've done. Ever babysat? Good experience with children. Ever worked your church nursery? Also counts as experience. TA in college? Awesome. Ran the study group? Good. Trained new co-workers (brilliant suggestion from the boards)? Perfect. It may seem stupid (and if the thing is really inane, don't include it), but there is a good chance that the little things matter. You may not want to teach elementary, but the willingness to do it and experience to help you do it may make the difference in whether or not someone in Japan wants you. So put down that babysitter's club you're a part of :P Just do it!
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Cool Japanese Stuff
I love manga. For a lot of people, I probably seem like I only like Japan because of manga, but that is definitely not the case. I suppose if I hadn't watched Sailor Moon and later found manga, I would never have developed the passion that I have for Japan. Over the years, I have read an absurd amount of manga (I own over $2,000 worth and I currently read 160 series), but I also found other things to learn about. I think that the Japanese education set-up is very interesting, especially after discussing some education theory in my college classes. I really like Japanese fashion, J-pop, J-rock, and more. But, I really wanted to talk about some of the other cool Japanese stuff I am currently into.
I am now officially a card-carrying (once the card arrives) member of the SCA, the Society for Creative Anachronism. This is considered the current Middle Ages. We do period recreation with our own kings and queens and kingdoms and building up our own stuff. I have decided to have a Japanese persona, which means I need Japanese garb. I am currently making my first attempt at a kosode to make sure my measurements are right and I am wicked excited about it. If you look into traditional Japanese clothes, the color combinations are gorgeous and have so much meaning and all the garb is impressive. I also have taken up archery (my father-in-law is super into archery) and I am trying my best to shoot enough this year to be considered one of the archers of the East ^_^ Eventually, I want to learn the Japanese bow (though it is certainly intimidating to think about with my current skills).
I also am reading Genji Monogatari at the moment. It is beautiful. I wish I could read it in Japanese, maybe someday I will. But Genji is frequently considered Japan's classic. This is the novel that Western literary scholars consider to Japan's Shakespeare or Homer. Honestly? It deserves the title. The prose is gorgeous, even after being translated. The story is impressive and the characters are fascinating. I am planning to read The Pillow Book eventually and some classic poetry that has been recommended to me.
That's it for my short bit about the cool (or I think it's cool) stuff that I do that is Japan related ^_^
I am now officially a card-carrying (once the card arrives) member of the SCA, the Society for Creative Anachronism. This is considered the current Middle Ages. We do period recreation with our own kings and queens and kingdoms and building up our own stuff. I have decided to have a Japanese persona, which means I need Japanese garb. I am currently making my first attempt at a kosode to make sure my measurements are right and I am wicked excited about it. If you look into traditional Japanese clothes, the color combinations are gorgeous and have so much meaning and all the garb is impressive. I also have taken up archery (my father-in-law is super into archery) and I am trying my best to shoot enough this year to be considered one of the archers of the East ^_^ Eventually, I want to learn the Japanese bow (though it is certainly intimidating to think about with my current skills).
I also am reading Genji Monogatari at the moment. It is beautiful. I wish I could read it in Japanese, maybe someday I will. But Genji is frequently considered Japan's classic. This is the novel that Western literary scholars consider to Japan's Shakespeare or Homer. Honestly? It deserves the title. The prose is gorgeous, even after being translated. The story is impressive and the characters are fascinating. I am planning to read The Pillow Book eventually and some classic poetry that has been recommended to me.
That's it for my short bit about the cool (or I think it's cool) stuff that I do that is Japan related ^_^
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Exploring the 2012 Questions Thread
So, I really want to provide useful info for myself and anyone else applying, now or in the future. In doing this, and my own general interests, I hang out on the Aspiring JETs Forum a lot. Seriously, a lot. I'm probably online there more than anyone else, thankfully I don't post more than anyone else or people would want to shoot me. I've been going through threads that sound interesting and one caught my eye. I did not see this last year when I was applying, but for people (like me) that want to find any and all advice available, I wanted to link to this thread here because I think it is wicked useful.
2012 Questions Thread
That being said, there is a lot of info in here and it can be hard to find exactly what you want. You can still ask in a new thread or come to the US JETs 2013 thread I started. But, I enjoy reading all the stuff. I am compiling info from various threads that I can post later with advice on things that seemed particularly helpful as I read them ^_^
2012 Questions Thread
That being said, there is a lot of info in here and it can be hard to find exactly what you want. You can still ask in a new thread or come to the US JETs 2013 thread I started. But, I enjoy reading all the stuff. I am compiling info from various threads that I can post later with advice on things that seemed particularly helpful as I read them ^_^
Friday, May 25, 2012
Waiting Forever
So, I know it's only May... I'm really, absurdly early to the waiting game for this year's application. But, I just can't wait >.> I figure now is as good a time as any to remind myself and everyone that might read this: I and everyone else will wait forever and ever and ever and ever. Then? You wait some more. The application came out at the beginning of November last year, then a month to the application deadline, then waiting for your SASE and number, then wait for the interview list, then if you get an interview, wait for the interview, then you wait for your new status, then if you get alternate, you wait to get upgraded, if you get shortlisted, you wait to get your placement, then you wait to leave. That sentence is ridiculously long and awful. It's almost as awful as all that waiting is. I promise, it's awful with the waiting... But what else can I do? What else can anyone do? Wait and wait some more. There are no other options.
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Reference Stuff!
I know, my blog is kind of boring if JET is not the only thing that you ever want to read about. But, I shall continue beating this info into myself and eventually I'll be flawless (yeah, I like to think that). Eight small tips in choosing references for success
1) Ask early. Remind often (starting in September, unless other stuff may get in the way)
2) Explain the LoR requirements clearly. Bullet points, discuss, something, just make sure they know what they need to do.
3) Ask someone who knows you well, someone that will really put out there all the things that make you a great candidate and can show how much you really want this.
4) Ask someone who will be as professional as you want to be. A really bad reference reflects back on you because that is the person you asked, they are helping to represent you. (As in my fiasco thing, I had a sloppy reference and really regretted it)
5) If you are in school, a professor is required. If you are recently graduated, a professor can still look really good, especially if they know you well and have seen how well you work and how hard you work.
6) It isn't all about professional or official education, it could be a tutor or volunteer group, just make sure it represents you.
7) Ask more than two (tons of people on the forums mention this), just in case someone fails to get you the reference on time or whatever, the third option gives you a better chance at having everything you need.
8) Make sure you pick a reference that you won't think "I wish I could read that reference because I have no idea what it says or how good it is" after. Be sure that they represent you well, followed the directions, and wrote a real reference.
Just little notes ^_^ I know it's boring and some of it is pretty obvious, but my goal in this blog was to be clear and easy for everyone. We are walking through the process slowly XD
1) Ask early. Remind often (starting in September, unless other stuff may get in the way)
2) Explain the LoR requirements clearly. Bullet points, discuss, something, just make sure they know what they need to do.
3) Ask someone who knows you well, someone that will really put out there all the things that make you a great candidate and can show how much you really want this.
4) Ask someone who will be as professional as you want to be. A really bad reference reflects back on you because that is the person you asked, they are helping to represent you. (As in my fiasco thing, I had a sloppy reference and really regretted it)
5) If you are in school, a professor is required. If you are recently graduated, a professor can still look really good, especially if they know you well and have seen how well you work and how hard you work.
6) It isn't all about professional or official education, it could be a tutor or volunteer group, just make sure it represents you.
7) Ask more than two (tons of people on the forums mention this), just in case someone fails to get you the reference on time or whatever, the third option gives you a better chance at having everything you need.
8) Make sure you pick a reference that you won't think "I wish I could read that reference because I have no idea what it says or how good it is" after. Be sure that they represent you well, followed the directions, and wrote a real reference.
Just little notes ^_^ I know it's boring and some of it is pretty obvious, but my goal in this blog was to be clear and easy for everyone. We are walking through the process slowly XD
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Things to Do in the Interim
Some smart suggestions from the Miami_Coordinator on the JET Forums (in that questions thread that I mentioned) included things that you can and maybe should be doing, if you are getting a head start. These are things that make you a better applicant, but are not 100% necessary. But, they are all good things to do ^_^
-study Japanese (it's cool, you know you want to)
-volunteer
-attend some cultural classes/events (specifically for Japan would be good)
-study for a TEFL/TESL certificate (especially good if teaching ELLs is something you are interested in)
-work with international students
-assist with kids clubs or classrooms
All good things ^_^ Just some advice for passing the time. I'm currently studying Japanese, interning at a high school, looking into a TESOL program (with a practicum which is awesome!), and built a Writing Center. If I can do it, anyone can do it ^^; I promise it's not SOOO hard... Eheheheh... Heh... It may be harder once I have a place to live and a job, but for now, it's working okay >.>
-study Japanese (it's cool, you know you want to)
-volunteer
-attend some cultural classes/events (specifically for Japan would be good)
-study for a TEFL/TESL certificate (especially good if teaching ELLs is something you are interested in)
-work with international students
-assist with kids clubs or classrooms
All good things ^_^ Just some advice for passing the time. I'm currently studying Japanese, interning at a high school, looking into a TESOL program (with a practicum which is awesome!), and built a Writing Center. If I can do it, anyone can do it ^^; I promise it's not SOOO hard... Eheheheh... Heh... It may be harder once I have a place to live and a job, but for now, it's working okay >.>
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Starting TOO Early
Generally speaking, now is really early for starting this process. Some people were asking questions in preparation for the 2013 application when it was January @_@ I don't think anyone recommends starting this early because there are a lot of cons on top of those pros.
Pros:
-can ask for LoR and not be SO concerned about not getting them in time
-tons of time for editing and opinions on the SoP
-can look into volunteer work or jobs that are applicable to JET
-just enjoy thinking about JET too much :P
Cons:
-stress too early and you'll never make it all those months until the actual application process
-too much writing, drafting, editing of your SoP can make you sound robotic or insincere
-the paperwork is not out yet, so anything you look at this early is not what you will be using for your actual application
-thinking too much can add to the stress; you can start thinking about too much stuff that you could do to be better, but be unable to do said things, and start feeling not good enough for the program
-your family will kill you before you get to apply because they don't want to hear about it anymore (or maybe that's just me)
Obviously, I don't think that starting to think about JET this early is SO bad or I wouldn't be doing it. There is a definite danger in thinking so far ahead, though; if I could just let it go and stop thinking about JET for the next three of four months, I would, but I can't, so I don't. So, don't stress now, if you are like me and can't forget it for a few months, do things that you CAN do, not worry about things that aren't worth the time yet.
Pros:
-can ask for LoR and not be SO concerned about not getting them in time
-tons of time for editing and opinions on the SoP
-can look into volunteer work or jobs that are applicable to JET
-just enjoy thinking about JET too much :P
Cons:
-stress too early and you'll never make it all those months until the actual application process
-too much writing, drafting, editing of your SoP can make you sound robotic or insincere
-the paperwork is not out yet, so anything you look at this early is not what you will be using for your actual application
-thinking too much can add to the stress; you can start thinking about too much stuff that you could do to be better, but be unable to do said things, and start feeling not good enough for the program
-your family will kill you before you get to apply because they don't want to hear about it anymore (or maybe that's just me)
Obviously, I don't think that starting to think about JET this early is SO bad or I wouldn't be doing it. There is a definite danger in thinking so far ahead, though; if I could just let it go and stop thinking about JET for the next three of four months, I would, but I can't, so I don't. So, don't stress now, if you are like me and can't forget it for a few months, do things that you CAN do, not worry about things that aren't worth the time yet.
Monday, May 21, 2012
Diploma? Check!
So, I graduated Saturday 19 May 2012!!!! I walked (blech) and got my diploma! I somehow graduated magna cum laude (didn't know that until they handed me a fancy cord and I had to ask someone what it was for >.>).
Being the JET geek I am, I promptly took my diploma (w00t, proof of graduation!) and stuck it in my growing folder of JET related stuff. Oooh! And that gives me a way to make this a sort of useful post XD
I have a JET folder. I have a copy of my application from last year that I have read over and marked things that I can improve and things that I would like to accomplish before my next application. I also have my diploma in there, lots of envelopes (for transcript requests or anything else I might need to mail), and a list of things to improve or questions to ask a coordinator when the app gets closer. I have a second folder with my paperwork in it. I think this might be the more important one now because this reminds me of the things I need to get done for my non-JET work and my JET work. I have transcript request forms for the school I need to get transcripts from, a teacher-certification application for Maine, my passport renewal/name-change form, and my application for the TESOL course I want to take.
So, my advice? Get a folder and make a list (I love lists ^^;) of the paperwork that you will need. Things like transcripts can be requested early, so get the form and once you have the money, get the transcript, there is no reason that you can't have this prepared way before JET (unless you will still be a student and want proof of your current course-work, in which case, get your transcript closer to the application coming out and after your courses started). If you want to get your passport renewed (or need to like me, since I got married and changed my name ^^;), this can take a while and be pricey! So, get the stuff together and do it ASAP because it can be your proof of ID when doing the app and you'll need it to travel anyways.
Other uses for these exciting folders? I talk about in a couple posts (mostly posts to come in the near future) that you want to keep track of everything, so having a specific place to keep all your notes for JET or any other jobs you ever apply for is a good thing. Keep a list of clubs and extracurriculars you've done. Keep a list of jobs you've worked. Keep a list of bosses you liked and liked you. Just have all that info available for whenever you need it. Plus, it's always good to be organized and prepared! ^_^
Also:
I graduated!!!!! WOOOOOO!!!! Magna Cum Laude!!! WOOO!!!! (I initially spelled that as manga cum laude... I would have liked manga better than magna >.<)
Being the JET geek I am, I promptly took my diploma (w00t, proof of graduation!) and stuck it in my growing folder of JET related stuff. Oooh! And that gives me a way to make this a sort of useful post XD
I have a JET folder. I have a copy of my application from last year that I have read over and marked things that I can improve and things that I would like to accomplish before my next application. I also have my diploma in there, lots of envelopes (for transcript requests or anything else I might need to mail), and a list of things to improve or questions to ask a coordinator when the app gets closer. I have a second folder with my paperwork in it. I think this might be the more important one now because this reminds me of the things I need to get done for my non-JET work and my JET work. I have transcript request forms for the school I need to get transcripts from, a teacher-certification application for Maine, my passport renewal/name-change form, and my application for the TESOL course I want to take.
So, my advice? Get a folder and make a list (I love lists ^^;) of the paperwork that you will need. Things like transcripts can be requested early, so get the form and once you have the money, get the transcript, there is no reason that you can't have this prepared way before JET (unless you will still be a student and want proof of your current course-work, in which case, get your transcript closer to the application coming out and after your courses started). If you want to get your passport renewed (or need to like me, since I got married and changed my name ^^;), this can take a while and be pricey! So, get the stuff together and do it ASAP because it can be your proof of ID when doing the app and you'll need it to travel anyways.
Other uses for these exciting folders? I talk about in a couple posts (mostly posts to come in the near future) that you want to keep track of everything, so having a specific place to keep all your notes for JET or any other jobs you ever apply for is a good thing. Keep a list of clubs and extracurriculars you've done. Keep a list of jobs you've worked. Keep a list of bosses you liked and liked you. Just have all that info available for whenever you need it. Plus, it's always good to be organized and prepared! ^_^
Also:
I graduated!!!!! WOOOOOO!!!! Magna Cum Laude!!! WOOO!!!! (I initially spelled that as manga cum laude... I would have liked manga better than magna >.<)
Sunday, May 20, 2012
The Statement of Purpose
I'm sure that I will write more than one post on this, but this is definitely something I believe you want to start early. I started a week ago. Thus far, I've made two versions and have two drafts of the first one. The important thing is to start early and give yourself time for drafts. When you draft a paper, especially one that may be personal to you, you get attached, so you need time to separate yourself to re-write.
On the Aspiring JETs forums, I've had some brilliant advice posted. So I am going to list out some of the advice I got there and some advice of my own. Some of this is specifically directed towards the JET SoP, but most of it is applicable to writing in general.
1) Write everything you want to write. It's easier to cut out something than to regret not writing it at all.
2) Start early and do multiple drafts.
3) Write multiple papers so that you can pick what you like and see what works and isn't.
4) Read it out loud. Reading out loud allows you to find things that you may miss when reading in your head. Things like commas, wordy or confusing sentences, and just bad sentences stand out more when you speak.
5) Have friends and family read your paper. They won't assume the things you assume as the writer; they catch lots of things you don't.
6) Use details. When you get vague, you get boring. Details make it YOU isntead of any person off the street. But, don't get too detailed because then it gets dragged out and you end up wasting space.
7) Make sure that your voice is in the piece. Every writer has a voice and you want to stand out. Don't be TOO formal or TOO casual, it's about avoiding extremes; on one end you sound unprofessional and on the other you sound like a rock.
8) If you have a writing center or any resource to check your SoP, DO IT! That's what they are there for. I have a relative who used to work with JET and didn't ask for her to read my paper last year, but did this year (this was really dumb of me).
9) Use an anecdote. I always recommend having a personal story as the hook because it shows something of you that makes it more interesting.
10) HAVE A HOOK. Readers need to be caught, they are not forgiving, they are not the captive audience that you had in school.
I'm sure I'll have more advice later and more thoughts, but I'll post those when I have them.
On the Aspiring JETs forums, I've had some brilliant advice posted. So I am going to list out some of the advice I got there and some advice of my own. Some of this is specifically directed towards the JET SoP, but most of it is applicable to writing in general.
1) Write everything you want to write. It's easier to cut out something than to regret not writing it at all.
2) Start early and do multiple drafts.
3) Write multiple papers so that you can pick what you like and see what works and isn't.
4) Read it out loud. Reading out loud allows you to find things that you may miss when reading in your head. Things like commas, wordy or confusing sentences, and just bad sentences stand out more when you speak.
5) Have friends and family read your paper. They won't assume the things you assume as the writer; they catch lots of things you don't.
6) Use details. When you get vague, you get boring. Details make it YOU isntead of any person off the street. But, don't get too detailed because then it gets dragged out and you end up wasting space.
7) Make sure that your voice is in the piece. Every writer has a voice and you want to stand out. Don't be TOO formal or TOO casual, it's about avoiding extremes; on one end you sound unprofessional and on the other you sound like a rock.
8) If you have a writing center or any resource to check your SoP, DO IT! That's what they are there for. I have a relative who used to work with JET and didn't ask for her to read my paper last year, but did this year (this was really dumb of me).
9) Use an anecdote. I always recommend having a personal story as the hook because it shows something of you that makes it more interesting.
10) HAVE A HOOK. Readers need to be caught, they are not forgiving, they are not the captive audience that you had in school.
I'm sure I'll have more advice later and more thoughts, but I'll post those when I have them.
Saturday, May 19, 2012
The Language Game
So, obviously the language required for JET is English, since I will teaching English. However, my own desires and general usefulness make me want to learn Japanese. I've been working at it slowly since high school (so five+ years). Unfortunately, it is a difficult language to learn without formal study or an actual learning partner.
My current progress is a little bit pathetic, but I'm doing the best I can. I don't have any formal study or anyone to practice with, so my best is not quite where I want it to be. I have flash cards galore with hiragana, katakana (I suck at these), 1st grade kanji, 2nd grade kanji, 3rd grade kanji, and needed phrases. I did lessons with a man from Japan for a little over a semester. I did six hours of lessons every week, three days, one for writing, reading, and speaking each. I also did more studying for Japanese than I have done for anything else in my life.
I do not study. I'm not joking. I don't, I just don't. I don't study for exams ever. All I do is the assignments and readings (if even that) and I talk and discuss anything I'm learning. So, studying is hard for me; it is not a skill I ever developed.
I practice my flash cards for around 30 minutes every day or more. I have completed hiragana and 1st grade kanji (though I lost my cards and can't keep practicing, so I'm probably forgetting pronunciations as I type). I also did all of katakana, but for some reason, I really struggle with it. I just have a lot of trouble with katakana; it doesn't click. I am currently working on second grade kanji and have mastered over half of them. I can't write them well because I'm doing this via flash card, but I can read and pronounce most of them.
All this being said, I really WANT to be able to write better and, most of all, I want to be able to speak and construct sentences a million times better than I currently do. Because I am a reader, I find it really difficult to learn the language through conversation programs. I want to be literate almost more than I want to be fluent, if that makes sense. I struggle with trying to just say it because I'm saying it. Working only with a language trouble confuses me because I don't have a way to reiterate in a second format... But, that doesn't mean it isn't useful...
So, I have an absurd amount of Japanese language books, programs, tools... Here is a list and my feelings about each:
1) Tell Me More CJ: Japanese. This is useful, except that I struggle because of what I said before: I have noone to practice with and I have no way to put what I did into words, which just doesn't work for me. When I am more literate, this will be better, I think.
2) Japanese for Dummies. I haven't touched this in ages, but when I first got it in high school, it taught me some useful pronunciation things so that when I use other programs or read in roman letters, I don't make dumb mistakes.
3) Text Book that I don't remember the title of. The exercises were helpful, but text books need a lesson to support them.
4) Japanese in Mangaland V1 w/ workbook. I really like this for the exercises and it helped me learn to write the hiragana. The downside is that there aren't that many exercises, so it doesn't necessarily deliver enough practice and practice is what makes you better.
5) Flash Cards of my own making. These have been fantastic in learning kanji. I can carry them with me, practice by myself, and gradually add new kanji at my own pace. However, this does not make me more capable of in-context understanding or conversation. I know the way the character is read for a couple pronunciations and I know the meaning. I have a vague idea of how to write most of them, but not perfect.
6) Lessons/Tutoring. I am no longer doing lessons, but these were fantastic. He brough childrens books to improve my reading without being too hard. He wrote out directions for writing characters and helped me write better (my Japanese handwriting is still sloppy T_T). This was probably the best, but it was costly and I was taking fairly cheap lessons.
That's all my language stuff... I'm fighting on and working as best I can. I am hoping to be able to get Rosetta Stone and maybe I can report on that afterward... My friend is really enjoying it and I hope I enjoy it too!
My current progress is a little bit pathetic, but I'm doing the best I can. I don't have any formal study or anyone to practice with, so my best is not quite where I want it to be. I have flash cards galore with hiragana, katakana (I suck at these), 1st grade kanji, 2nd grade kanji, 3rd grade kanji, and needed phrases. I did lessons with a man from Japan for a little over a semester. I did six hours of lessons every week, three days, one for writing, reading, and speaking each. I also did more studying for Japanese than I have done for anything else in my life.
I do not study. I'm not joking. I don't, I just don't. I don't study for exams ever. All I do is the assignments and readings (if even that) and I talk and discuss anything I'm learning. So, studying is hard for me; it is not a skill I ever developed.
I practice my flash cards for around 30 minutes every day or more. I have completed hiragana and 1st grade kanji (though I lost my cards and can't keep practicing, so I'm probably forgetting pronunciations as I type). I also did all of katakana, but for some reason, I really struggle with it. I just have a lot of trouble with katakana; it doesn't click. I am currently working on second grade kanji and have mastered over half of them. I can't write them well because I'm doing this via flash card, but I can read and pronounce most of them.
All this being said, I really WANT to be able to write better and, most of all, I want to be able to speak and construct sentences a million times better than I currently do. Because I am a reader, I find it really difficult to learn the language through conversation programs. I want to be literate almost more than I want to be fluent, if that makes sense. I struggle with trying to just say it because I'm saying it. Working only with a language trouble confuses me because I don't have a way to reiterate in a second format... But, that doesn't mean it isn't useful...
So, I have an absurd amount of Japanese language books, programs, tools... Here is a list and my feelings about each:
1) Tell Me More CJ: Japanese. This is useful, except that I struggle because of what I said before: I have noone to practice with and I have no way to put what I did into words, which just doesn't work for me. When I am more literate, this will be better, I think.
2) Japanese for Dummies. I haven't touched this in ages, but when I first got it in high school, it taught me some useful pronunciation things so that when I use other programs or read in roman letters, I don't make dumb mistakes.
3) Text Book that I don't remember the title of. The exercises were helpful, but text books need a lesson to support them.
4) Japanese in Mangaland V1 w/ workbook. I really like this for the exercises and it helped me learn to write the hiragana. The downside is that there aren't that many exercises, so it doesn't necessarily deliver enough practice and practice is what makes you better.
5) Flash Cards of my own making. These have been fantastic in learning kanji. I can carry them with me, practice by myself, and gradually add new kanji at my own pace. However, this does not make me more capable of in-context understanding or conversation. I know the way the character is read for a couple pronunciations and I know the meaning. I have a vague idea of how to write most of them, but not perfect.
6) Lessons/Tutoring. I am no longer doing lessons, but these were fantastic. He brough childrens books to improve my reading without being too hard. He wrote out directions for writing characters and helped me write better (my Japanese handwriting is still sloppy T_T). This was probably the best, but it was costly and I was taking fairly cheap lessons.
That's all my language stuff... I'm fighting on and working as best I can. I am hoping to be able to get Rosetta Stone and maybe I can report on that afterward... My friend is really enjoying it and I hope I enjoy it too!
Friday, May 18, 2012
Looking Over Last Year's Application
So, I printed my application to look at what I can improve. I read my answers to short explanation questions. I was horrified at my bad manners. I didn't mean to, but I sounded like a smart-ass. There was too much me in my answers. I have a severe food allergy, so I had to talk about what it was and since when and blah-blah-blah; my answers sounded flip and unprofessional. This was incredibly stupid of me. I should have been straightforward and simple. This is an easy fix that I can blow through to be better next time... You may not sound rude in person saying in the words you use, but on paper there is no way for the reader to hear you actually saying it. So, yeah, don't be flip or rude by accident.
Wednesday, May 16, 2012
An Unfortunate Realization
I have just realized that I sound kind of snooty sometimes when I point out that I have known about and wanted to be a part of JET since I was 11... That makes me sound like a jerk or like I'm judging people who have known about it for less time. I 100% am not and I don't mean to sound that way.
Whenever I bring up my excessive time of longing, I am either pointing out that I am crazy, emphasizing how much I want it, showing that a long time is not always a benefit, or something else of that ilk. I honestly don't think it really matters if I've known for 13 years and you've known for 2 days. It just doesn't. Well, it does if you aren't passionate about it; I would definitely be irritated if it was [i]just[/i] a job to an applicant. But that isn't about time, that's about personal motivation.
That being said, I am really excited for everyone getting in. I sometimes feel like I [i]should be[/i] bitter, but I'm not. Me not getting in is related to my performance and shouldn't take away from anyone else's joy in his/her success.
Lastly: CONGRATS!!! To any and all JET participants as they currently wait and wait and wait for their time to finally come in a couple months ^_^
For the rest of us: GAMBATTE!
Whenever I bring up my excessive time of longing, I am either pointing out that I am crazy, emphasizing how much I want it, showing that a long time is not always a benefit, or something else of that ilk. I honestly don't think it really matters if I've known for 13 years and you've known for 2 days. It just doesn't. Well, it does if you aren't passionate about it; I would definitely be irritated if it was [i]just[/i] a job to an applicant. But that isn't about time, that's about personal motivation.
That being said, I am really excited for everyone getting in. I sometimes feel like I [i]should be[/i] bitter, but I'm not. Me not getting in is related to my performance and shouldn't take away from anyone else's joy in his/her success.
Lastly: CONGRATS!!! To any and all JET participants as they currently wait and wait and wait for their time to finally come in a couple months ^_^
For the rest of us: GAMBATTE!
Tuesday, May 15, 2012
An Anxiety Essay from JET 2012
So, I've talked about how after my rejection last February, I stopped thinking about JET other than to support my friend Staci-chin (check out her blog as she goes to Japan in Staci-chan in Japan). But, that's not the whole story. In this final semester of college, I needed to take Advanced Writing to complete my degree. Stupidly, I volunteered to write an essay for our first workshop day, so I only had two nights to write this essay. It was January and all I could think about was JET, so I wrote an essay about applying for JET. Because of this essay, I never really got to step away from JET or the stress of the application process for the rest of the semester. As I edited and rewrote this paper for my final portfolio over the course of the semester, I learned a lot about myself as a writer, as an applicant, as a lover of Japan, as a person. I think it is one of the best things I've ever written and I would love to share it with you all. If anyone hasn't applied before or if anyone has, they can experience a bit of what applying for JET 2012 meant for me. So here it is. Enjoy.
Anxiety, Excitement, and Dreams
I’m standing at a crossroad. Here, my plans and my dream meet. I graduated from high school, moved out of my parents’ house, went to college, and even got married. But this is the heaviest moment yet. I stand here waiting to see if my dreams will come to pass now or be put off for even longer. Everyone has dreams, most assumed to be unattainable. Mine was never in doubt. “When I graduate, I’m going to do the JET Programme and teach English in Japan for at least a year.” I said it, but I never once stopped to think about how I would actually do it. Now, I’m trapped in that moment at that crossroad.
On my first day of preschool, I told my mother, “I want to be a teacher just like Mrs. Smith.” This sentiment never waned. As I got older, my feelings grew: I wanted to be a teacher like Mr. Forget, Mr. Sauchuk, Mrs. Francescone, and so many others. Teaching was and is my chosen career, not some unreachable dream. I know that I will be a teacher. I was in fifth grade, when my Nana told me about the JET Programme: the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program. JET is the largest exchange teaching program in the world, with a huge success rate. If, hopefully when, I get in, I will be an assistant language teacher. I will teach Japanese students English as a foreign language. It sounded perfect to me, like the coolest thing ever: Japan, some mysterious place so far away that no one I knew had ever gone there. Not only could I go there, but teach there too. At least, in theory, I could teach there someday.
My love of Japan has been a long-growing affair, starting when I was a small child, second grade being my first memories. I loved Sailor Moon, Pokémon, Digimon, and a ridiculous amount of other anime related television. In middle school, my mother joked that it was Cartoon Network’s fault when my grades dropped after Toonami was moved to Saturday nights; how was I supposed to do my homework when my weeknight anime was cancelled? All joking aside, I went from loving the cartoons, to loving the manga, to loving the culture I found. Japan was the beautiful place full of amazing things that I shaped myself and my dreams around. In my freshman year of college, I went to Japan for spring break and even got college credit for it. The moment I stepped off the plane, I felt as if I had come home. It was clean, polite, and impossibly cool, everything I had imagined. Walking around Osaka, Hiroshima, Kyoto, Takayama, and Tokyo, I could not have wanted more out of life. I was changed. Japan was no longer just part of anime and manga or the JET Programme. I now knew that Japan was a place I could belong, despite being a foreigner. Even remembering it, I am in awe, in love with a place so different from my own homeland.
For twelve years, I introduced myself as “Christine, I am going to teach English in Japan when I graduate.” At least, that was the introduction I used when teachers and professors asked for an interesting fact about myself. I defined myself by this dream; it was the thing that made me unique. Choosing to major in English? Easy. Selecting my Education minor? Simple. Working towards being an English teacher? No problem. But in all these twelve years, I never thought about making my defining feature a reality. How to get into JET had never crossed my mind. Now, I know how hard it is hard reaching for my dream, how hard it is straying from the comfortable path of English teacher. But, I want to try reaching, straying onto that scenic route and teach English in Japan.
When I realized I was graduating, I started looking into the logistics of the program and the experiences of previous JET participants. I read the blogs, every word on the JET homepage, anything I could find. Eventually, I joined the forums for people in the program, people who used to be in the program, and people like me, people who want to be in the program. Together, we watched and waited. We loaded our screens sixty or more times a day, just dying to know when we could start filling out the long-awaited application. November 2, 1:45 pm and there was an application, but the new registration was broken and I had to go to work. When I got home, November 2, 9:45 pm, I hopped on the computer, thinking it was just another useless attempt, but there it was! Twelve years of waiting, and suddenly, I could apply.
Applying was not part of the plan, which might explain why the waiting is leaving me in tatters. The clock had started. The application was due December 2 at 5:30 pm in Washington, D.C. I had one month to compile the main application, authorization and release forms, self-assessment medical form, physician’s form, transcripts from Salem State University and MCLA, proof of expected graduation, proof of U.S. citizenship, two references, and a self-addressed stamped envelope, all of this and less than a month to write no more than two pages explaining why they should want me.
For twelve years, I introduced myself as “Christine, I am going to teach English in Japan when I graduate.” At least, that was the introduction I used when teachers and professors asked for an interesting fact about myself. I defined myself by this dream; it was the thing that made me unique. Choosing to major in English? Easy. Selecting my Education minor? Simple. Working towards being an English teacher? No problem. But in all these twelve years, I never thought about making my defining feature a reality. How to get into JET had never crossed my mind. Now, I know how hard it is hard reaching for my dream, how hard it is straying from the comfortable path of English teacher. But, I want to try reaching, straying onto that scenic route and teach English in Japan.
When I realized I was graduating, I started looking into the logistics of the program and the experiences of previous JET participants. I read the blogs, every word on the JET homepage, anything I could find. Eventually, I joined the forums for people in the program, people who used to be in the program, and people like me, people who want to be in the program. Together, we watched and waited. We loaded our screens sixty or more times a day, just dying to know when we could start filling out the long-awaited application. November 2, 1:45 pm and there was an application, but the new registration was broken and I had to go to work. When I got home, November 2, 9:45 pm, I hopped on the computer, thinking it was just another useless attempt, but there it was! Twelve years of waiting, and suddenly, I could apply.
Applying was not part of the plan, which might explain why the waiting is leaving me in tatters. The clock had started. The application was due December 2 at 5:30 pm in Washington, D.C. I had one month to compile the main application, authorization and release forms, self-assessment medical form, physician’s form, transcripts from Salem State University and MCLA, proof of expected graduation, proof of U.S. citizenship, two references, and a self-addressed stamped envelope, all of this and less than a month to write no more than two pages explaining why they should want me.
How do you condense your reasons and qualifications for your lifelong dream into two pages? It took me three weeks of that single month and over eight drafts to finish, and even now two months after applying, I do not know if it was good enough. It started as four pages and over 1,200 words, then came down to two pages and 700 words.
Draft One: “My passion for Japan is probably almost as defining for me as my fairly obsessive love of English…”
Draft Two: “My passion for Japan is almost as defining for me as my love of English…”
Draft Three: “My passion for Japan defines me as much as my love of English…”
Draft Seven: “My admiration for Japanese culture defines me as much as my love of English…”
I had analyzed every word on the page, every piece of punctuation. I could not read it anymore.
Sending the application was easy. In fact, the time between stuffing my sixty-nine pages of application into the envelope and receiving my applicant number was the least stressful part of the process. Three weeks later I received my number: 1755175. Once that was in my hands, I was consumed.
It is crippling. My chest hurts. It’s hard to breathe. I can’t sleep right. No matter how hard I try, there is nothing else to talk about, write about, or think about. It’s a constant battle: should I be excited? positive? terrified? anxious? prepared? Honestly? I am all of these. My life is a giant knot and has been for months.
I know that I won’t find out if I get an interview until late January or early February. I know this. But, I check every day. My mouse moves over the tab, as the image of the JET U.S. homepage comes up and those big ugly red letters appear.
I know that I won’t find out if I get an interview until late January or early February. I know this. But, I check every day. My mouse moves over the tab, as the image of the JET U.S. homepage comes up and those big ugly red letters appear.
The 2012 JET Program Application is now CLOSED
I hit refresh once more, the page loads again and those vile words come back. I am stymied once more. Every day, I loiter on the forums discussing the anxiety and excitement that we all share. I talk about JET constantly. My friends and family are exhausted from the roller coaster. Today, I know I got in, tomorrow, I know I won’t, back and forth, sometimes in only seconds, sometimes in days. It never ends.
So here I am, waiting at a crossroads. Down one path is the easy normal life where I teach English in a U.S. high school. But down the other, I can catch a glimpse of Japan where I teach English as a foreign language. All people have dreams, but few actually pursue them. Since I assumed the end result and completely ignored the process, I am paying the price in stress. Now I can only assume that this is how people feel as they apply to be an astronaut or an intern at a hospital. I am wracked with the fear of failure and the excitement of success. Everything in me is pushing towards the scenic route, where I see Japan, my dream. For now, I cannot move forward. I wait, while someone else decides what road I follow next.
Monday, May 14, 2012
Patience is a Virtue I Do Not Have
Patience is a virtue... A virtue I do not have. I despite waiting; waiting probably despises me. We just don't get along. Last year, the waiting was killing me. So, as I meandered the internet impatiently (obviously as long as I stayed online, the application would come out sooner, the interview list would be posted faster... everything would speed up if I kept on pacing the internet and refreshing), I ended up joining the Aspiring JETs forum.
I advise that anyone and everyone join the boards. It is filled with other people stressing, great advice from other applicants and previous applicants, and just good people. This was a saving grace for me. It didn't stop me trolling the internet, it didn't lower the amount of times I would hit refresh, and it didn't really remove my anxiety. But, the forums gave me people with the same issues, great advice, and somewhere to make friends. Plus, chatting with everyone is fun ^_^
And that is it for this fairly short post. Join the forums! Come join in and chat in the thread for US JETs for 2013! Just come have fun ^_^
I advise that anyone and everyone join the boards. It is filled with other people stressing, great advice from other applicants and previous applicants, and just good people. This was a saving grace for me. It didn't stop me trolling the internet, it didn't lower the amount of times I would hit refresh, and it didn't really remove my anxiety. But, the forums gave me people with the same issues, great advice, and somewhere to make friends. Plus, chatting with everyone is fun ^_^
And that is it for this fairly short post. Join the forums! Come join in and chat in the thread for US JETs for 2013! Just come have fun ^_^
Writing Down Everything I've Ever Done
As I get prepared for the next application, I think I have to be looking at my old application. If I wasn't accepted, then every part matters. So, I'm doing it. But, what I found surprised me a little bit. I was looking at my club activities and realized that I had listed a whopping three clubs and extracurricular activities. I listed three, but I did more than that.
How did this get by me?!
Well, the other clubs weren't necessarily my favorites or anything that seemed special to me. Well, that thought is stupid. Something I learned when setting up a theatre resume is that EVERYTHING MATTERS. For theatre, that meant "I can use the 16' ladder," but for something like JET where they care how you'll do with students, how you'll get involved at the school and all that, every club matters. So, I'm currently writing down every club I did, activities I do outside school, even if not "official" like a club, and you should too.
For example, I was a member of MASSPIRG for one semester. It may have only been one semester, but I did activities promoting awareness about the cost of college textbooks, I even went to a hearing for testimony about it for legislation. I did not list this before. This seems important and I spent HOURS working on this and doing other little things. It was brutal (thus, only one semester), but I did it. It counts. So, here is my crazy list of things I've done since I entered college for clubs and other activities, no matter how stupid. I'll figure out what is actually worth adding when I fill out the real application. But, if you don't believe me about how important it is to record everything, well here's my list, and remember that one activity that seems dumb to you might be the one that makes you stand out.
My activities (this is kind of here for my own reference too, so you don't really need to read this):
Anime Club 9/07-5/09
Yorick 9/07-5/09
Writer's Guild 9/07-5/09 VP 9/08-5/09
MASSPIRG 9/08-5/07
Multicultural Student Society 9/07-5/08
Asian Club 9/07-5/08
Gaming Club 9/07-5/08
Church Choir 1/10-5/12
Society for Creative Anachronism 7/08-Now
Some of these seem totally irrelevent or I wasn't that active in, but I think it's important to include them all. No matter how small each of these experiences was, it was still an experience.
How did this get by me?!
Well, the other clubs weren't necessarily my favorites or anything that seemed special to me. Well, that thought is stupid. Something I learned when setting up a theatre resume is that EVERYTHING MATTERS. For theatre, that meant "I can use the 16' ladder," but for something like JET where they care how you'll do with students, how you'll get involved at the school and all that, every club matters. So, I'm currently writing down every club I did, activities I do outside school, even if not "official" like a club, and you should too.
For example, I was a member of MASSPIRG for one semester. It may have only been one semester, but I did activities promoting awareness about the cost of college textbooks, I even went to a hearing for testimony about it for legislation. I did not list this before. This seems important and I spent HOURS working on this and doing other little things. It was brutal (thus, only one semester), but I did it. It counts. So, here is my crazy list of things I've done since I entered college for clubs and other activities, no matter how stupid. I'll figure out what is actually worth adding when I fill out the real application. But, if you don't believe me about how important it is to record everything, well here's my list, and remember that one activity that seems dumb to you might be the one that makes you stand out.
My activities (this is kind of here for my own reference too, so you don't really need to read this):
Anime Club 9/07-5/09
Yorick 9/07-5/09
Writer's Guild 9/07-5/09 VP 9/08-5/09
MASSPIRG 9/08-5/07
Multicultural Student Society 9/07-5/08
Asian Club 9/07-5/08
Gaming Club 9/07-5/08
Church Choir 1/10-5/12
Society for Creative Anachronism 7/08-Now
Some of these seem totally irrelevent or I wasn't that active in, but I think it's important to include them all. No matter how small each of these experiences was, it was still an experience.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Experience, Experience, Experience
If I want to level up from JET Wannabe to JET Participant, I need the experience to earn that level. Every gamer knows about leveling up of some sort. Levels have prerequisites, new skills require old skills. The basic class requirement for JET Participants are a Bachelor's Degree (high Int, I suppose). This is misleading because there are a lot of needed skills to make the final class-change. You also need to be interested in cultural exchange and in Japan (this seems like Wis to me) and pass an interview (definitely Cha). But, no matter the specific prerequisites, leveling up is all about the experience.
So, now I'm done with my absurd D&D/RPG paragraph. But seriously, experience. Experience with a capital E. Sure, plenty of people get chosen that may not have actual classroom teaching experience and maybe even lack job experience, but these things make you look good. At least, I think I look good wearing all my experience (sorry, if you are reading this, I am apparently in a strange mood and thus am writing strange things). Get experience where you can and realize that even small experience is experience (enough 5pt exp moments eventually equals 100pts and so-on and so-forth).
I am an English major (graduating on Saturday!!!!! w00t!) and a Secondary Ed minor. I have wanted to teach since I was just under three-years-old. Literally, I walked out of the first day of preschool and told my mum that I'm going to be a teacher. I was awesome. Anyways, this gives me some experience, but not that much. This means that I am a pro at grammar and editing and English (well, this is what it should mean). I'm in love with grammar. If I have poor grammar somewhere, it's because I was either super lazy or it was actually intentional (yeah 1337 and internetspeak make me look n00bish in my writing sometimes... on the computer anyways). So, Grammar & Style was my favorite course for English; I'm weird. Then I have Ed classes. Well, they are and are not as useful as they might seem. Honestly? Observation hours are a lot of watching and rarely interacting. Lesson and unit plans in class are not usually executed, so how do we know if they are actually any good?
But! There is hope for me yet! I do have an internship. I recommend boring hours of interning to everyone. Mine is for college credit and volunteerism. I started a Writing Center at my high school. Fortunately, I started it, so it also shows initiative, leadership, and perseverance. Well, perseverance because parts of it have been a flop. ^^; Working with students is good, working with English is good, and working in a high school is good.
This is not enough. At least, I want more experience before I get to level my stats up and celebrate becoming a JET Participant. (Every time I type this, I sort of want to go Pokemon about it... and say I evolve into it... Weird morning...) So, I'm looking for more things to do. I've found a few interesting programs for TESOL certification Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. I have to figure out exactly what I'm going to do, but I really want to do this... I'm super interested in teaching non-English speakers and I think it's really important to be able to do this no matter where I end up teaching, at home or Japan.
I'm also looking to find a way to volunteer my time as a writing or English tutor or other teaching things. As well as find work that is somewhat relevant. Conveniently, any work that I WANT to do is fairly relevant because I want to teach. So, that's where that is at. I'm sorry this post rambled so much... I'm trying to keep things useful and semi-entertaining; today, I seem to just be a bit crazy...
So, now I'm done with my absurd D&D/RPG paragraph. But seriously, experience. Experience with a capital E. Sure, plenty of people get chosen that may not have actual classroom teaching experience and maybe even lack job experience, but these things make you look good. At least, I think I look good wearing all my experience (sorry, if you are reading this, I am apparently in a strange mood and thus am writing strange things). Get experience where you can and realize that even small experience is experience (enough 5pt exp moments eventually equals 100pts and so-on and so-forth).
I am an English major (graduating on Saturday!!!!! w00t!) and a Secondary Ed minor. I have wanted to teach since I was just under three-years-old. Literally, I walked out of the first day of preschool and told my mum that I'm going to be a teacher. I was awesome. Anyways, this gives me some experience, but not that much. This means that I am a pro at grammar and editing and English (well, this is what it should mean). I'm in love with grammar. If I have poor grammar somewhere, it's because I was either super lazy or it was actually intentional (yeah 1337 and internetspeak make me look n00bish in my writing sometimes... on the computer anyways). So, Grammar & Style was my favorite course for English; I'm weird. Then I have Ed classes. Well, they are and are not as useful as they might seem. Honestly? Observation hours are a lot of watching and rarely interacting. Lesson and unit plans in class are not usually executed, so how do we know if they are actually any good?
But! There is hope for me yet! I do have an internship. I recommend boring hours of interning to everyone. Mine is for college credit and volunteerism. I started a Writing Center at my high school. Fortunately, I started it, so it also shows initiative, leadership, and perseverance. Well, perseverance because parts of it have been a flop. ^^; Working with students is good, working with English is good, and working in a high school is good.
This is not enough. At least, I want more experience before I get to level my stats up and celebrate becoming a JET Participant. (Every time I type this, I sort of want to go Pokemon about it... and say I evolve into it... Weird morning...) So, I'm looking for more things to do. I've found a few interesting programs for TESOL certification Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages. I have to figure out exactly what I'm going to do, but I really want to do this... I'm super interested in teaching non-English speakers and I think it's really important to be able to do this no matter where I end up teaching, at home or Japan.
I'm also looking to find a way to volunteer my time as a writing or English tutor or other teaching things. As well as find work that is somewhat relevant. Conveniently, any work that I WANT to do is fairly relevant because I want to teach. So, that's where that is at. I'm sorry this post rambled so much... I'm trying to keep things useful and semi-entertaining; today, I seem to just be a bit crazy...
Saturday, May 12, 2012
The Reference Fiasco and How I'm Fixing It
So two posts in one day, I know it's a lot for no reason... But, I wanted that backstory-ish post first.
Now, I am applying again. This is my second time. Last time I applied, I had an incredibly weak reference as I mentioned last time. I had asked my department manager from Sears to write me a reference a month before the application was due. I gave her the directions the JET provided for me, my reference, and I summed it up in a note I gave to her with the form. When I went to get it, the reference was in a plain envelope, sealed, not signature and it looked wrinkly and ill-treated. I was concerned about the lack of a sealing signature, so I took it to the HR department to have it put in an official Sears envelope and signed by her. Instead, she opened the envelope and took out the letter. Unfortunately, I saw the "reference." It was about 6 lines long, tops, not on official letterhead, not in an official envelope, not signed and sealed, not anything that a reference should be. Despite my asking repeatedly, she did not get to me until a week before the application was due. So, I had no time to find a new reference.
To prevent this for my new application, I have already done a few things:
1) We need two references, so I started looking for two in my field.
2) I am in teaching, so I have asked a well-respected professor for a reference. He works in adolescent literacy around the North-East, in New York, Massachusetts, etc.
3) I have had the chance to do an education related internship at a writing center that I started in a high school. So, I asked my advising teacher for a reference relating to my actual work.
4) I have already asked both of these people for the references. I asked both of these people in April and got a response that they will write me a reference. I now just need to give them the form when it comes to the appropriate time.
When the fall comes and it is time to apply and the forms become available, I will get my reference as early as possible to make sure everything is done correctly. This was probably one of the most stressful parts of applying because it felt the most out of my hands. I could not force my references to write them, I could not make time for them to write them, all I could do was wait and ask them about them. But, I am already better prepared than I was last time.
Now, I am applying again. This is my second time. Last time I applied, I had an incredibly weak reference as I mentioned last time. I had asked my department manager from Sears to write me a reference a month before the application was due. I gave her the directions the JET provided for me, my reference, and I summed it up in a note I gave to her with the form. When I went to get it, the reference was in a plain envelope, sealed, not signature and it looked wrinkly and ill-treated. I was concerned about the lack of a sealing signature, so I took it to the HR department to have it put in an official Sears envelope and signed by her. Instead, she opened the envelope and took out the letter. Unfortunately, I saw the "reference." It was about 6 lines long, tops, not on official letterhead, not in an official envelope, not signed and sealed, not anything that a reference should be. Despite my asking repeatedly, she did not get to me until a week before the application was due. So, I had no time to find a new reference.
To prevent this for my new application, I have already done a few things:
1) We need two references, so I started looking for two in my field.
2) I am in teaching, so I have asked a well-respected professor for a reference. He works in adolescent literacy around the North-East, in New York, Massachusetts, etc.
3) I have had the chance to do an education related internship at a writing center that I started in a high school. So, I asked my advising teacher for a reference relating to my actual work.
4) I have already asked both of these people for the references. I asked both of these people in April and got a response that they will write me a reference. I now just need to give them the form when it comes to the appropriate time.
When the fall comes and it is time to apply and the forms become available, I will get my reference as early as possible to make sure everything is done correctly. This was probably one of the most stressful parts of applying because it felt the most out of my hands. I could not force my references to write them, I could not make time for them to write them, all I could do was wait and ask them about them. But, I am already better prepared than I was last time.
Friday, May 11, 2012
A first entry and some exposition about me and JET
So, I am starting this blog partially because my friend was asking about how to start a blog and if blogger was easy (it is) and partially because I am currently applying for JET for my second time. I applied last year during my senior year of college. So let me give my long-winded intro me and my relationship with JET. I have loved Japan for a long time, starting with anime back in first or second grade when I watched Sailor Moon at 5 in the morning. But, I found that as I learned anime came from Japan and little bits and pieces of Japanese life, I came to love so many other things about Japan. I love the anime, music, other tv shows, movies, etiquette, language, and just about everything else. When I was 11, my Nana told me about a program my second cousin worked with: JET. I had wanted to be a teacher even longer than I loved Japan. I walked out of my first day of preschool and declared, "I am going to be a teacher, just like Mrs. Smith!" And that was that. As I got older, I went through a brief stint of wanting to be a manga-ka, but realized I wanted to doodle, not make a hobby into a career. In high school, I realized that I love literature and English Language Arts, so thus I want to be a high school English teacher.
Now, I had known about JET longer than anyone else I've heard of (other than people that might have parents who were involved). I shaped myself around this dream. My interesting fact for clubs, new classes, etc was that "I am going to go to Japan and teach English as a second language for a year, when I graduate." So, last summer, I realized that I would actually be graduating in May 2012. I will finally be eligible for JET! I applied. I got together the huge list of parts and applied. I was terrified, excited, and just incomprehensible. I was 100% invested. Then, I realized as I was getting everything together and after I had sent it that I had some issues with my application. First off, one of my references was garbage. I needed three copies in a signed and sealed envelope on official letterhead. There was one copy that was barely a reference and the envelope was not sealed. I made it worse by asking the HR manager to put that in an envelope and at least sign and seal that. This was a mistake that I am to blame for. Your references speak volumes about who you are as an applicant. If a sloppy reference is all you've got, then that is not good. Secondly, I hadn't actually graduated yet, so that had issues. Thirdly, I lacked experience to add to my application. Fourthly, my Statement of Purpose was too slanted by my excessive adoration for Japan. I accidentally sounded as though I was putting down the American education system. I was so busy talking about what I loved about Japan, where I could have been talking about things to actually qualify me for the job. If love of Japan were all it takes to get the job, I would have it. ^^;
In February, I found out I didn't get an interview. Honestly? I was crushed. Twelve years of my twenty-three years of life had been spent dreaming of this program. I knew there were flaws with my application. I had been bouncing between confidence and terror for months while I waited. I had a feeling I wasn't going to get it. But, I was still obliterated when I found out that they didn't want me. I felt like I was the problem, like I wasn't good enough. I clearly know this is wrong because I really fit the program's goal and the applicant-type they are looking for, so I knew I would be re-applying. I left the forums and stopped thinking about my application for months. During this time, my friend Staci-chin (as I like to call her) got an interview. This was the best thing that could have happened for me as an applicant. People could say I was great for the program. People could acknowledge what I already knew. People could tell me they knew somebody or knew somebody that knew somebody that was in JET at some point. But none of that mattered. I didn't know anyone that had gotten in. Other than a travel course in college, I knew nobody who had ever been to Japan. About a month ago, Staci-chin found out that she was placed as an alternate. For me, I felt like that was a "Yes, but we don't know where to put you yet." That was the moment I realized that I had a chance, that people really get into JET. Just last week, Staci-chin was upgraded and will be leaving in August for Japan. I could not have been happier because now I can go visit her in Japan and she thoroughly deserves it,
When I learned that Staci-chin was an alternate, I knew it was time to start thinking about my application. So, now that you have heard a brief synopsis of my past experiences, I am going to chronicle my path to JET. I will go through this year as I apply again and hopefully get an interview and shortlisted. If I get rejected I will go through that too. But the point is this: I am going to get into JET and here I will show that process no matter how many times I have to get back on that horse.
Now, I had known about JET longer than anyone else I've heard of (other than people that might have parents who were involved). I shaped myself around this dream. My interesting fact for clubs, new classes, etc was that "I am going to go to Japan and teach English as a second language for a year, when I graduate." So, last summer, I realized that I would actually be graduating in May 2012. I will finally be eligible for JET! I applied. I got together the huge list of parts and applied. I was terrified, excited, and just incomprehensible. I was 100% invested. Then, I realized as I was getting everything together and after I had sent it that I had some issues with my application. First off, one of my references was garbage. I needed three copies in a signed and sealed envelope on official letterhead. There was one copy that was barely a reference and the envelope was not sealed. I made it worse by asking the HR manager to put that in an envelope and at least sign and seal that. This was a mistake that I am to blame for. Your references speak volumes about who you are as an applicant. If a sloppy reference is all you've got, then that is not good. Secondly, I hadn't actually graduated yet, so that had issues. Thirdly, I lacked experience to add to my application. Fourthly, my Statement of Purpose was too slanted by my excessive adoration for Japan. I accidentally sounded as though I was putting down the American education system. I was so busy talking about what I loved about Japan, where I could have been talking about things to actually qualify me for the job. If love of Japan were all it takes to get the job, I would have it. ^^;
In February, I found out I didn't get an interview. Honestly? I was crushed. Twelve years of my twenty-three years of life had been spent dreaming of this program. I knew there were flaws with my application. I had been bouncing between confidence and terror for months while I waited. I had a feeling I wasn't going to get it. But, I was still obliterated when I found out that they didn't want me. I felt like I was the problem, like I wasn't good enough. I clearly know this is wrong because I really fit the program's goal and the applicant-type they are looking for, so I knew I would be re-applying. I left the forums and stopped thinking about my application for months. During this time, my friend Staci-chin (as I like to call her) got an interview. This was the best thing that could have happened for me as an applicant. People could say I was great for the program. People could acknowledge what I already knew. People could tell me they knew somebody or knew somebody that knew somebody that was in JET at some point. But none of that mattered. I didn't know anyone that had gotten in. Other than a travel course in college, I knew nobody who had ever been to Japan. About a month ago, Staci-chin found out that she was placed as an alternate. For me, I felt like that was a "Yes, but we don't know where to put you yet." That was the moment I realized that I had a chance, that people really get into JET. Just last week, Staci-chin was upgraded and will be leaving in August for Japan. I could not have been happier because now I can go visit her in Japan and she thoroughly deserves it,
When I learned that Staci-chin was an alternate, I knew it was time to start thinking about my application. So, now that you have heard a brief synopsis of my past experiences, I am going to chronicle my path to JET. I will go through this year as I apply again and hopefully get an interview and shortlisted. If I get rejected I will go through that too. But the point is this: I am going to get into JET and here I will show that process no matter how many times I have to get back on that horse.
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