Placement Specifics

I found out some of my placement details finally! And, when I say finally, I am very lucky. My shortened time frame means that I didn't wait a month or more to find out YAY ME!

I am a prefectural JET in Hiroshima, which I have already mentioned. My more specific details are that I will be an ALT in Onomichi primarily. I will spend three days a week at Onomichi Commercial High School, working with 2nd years. I will also spend one day each week at two other schools, Setoda High School and Innoshima High School.

The area seems lovely. There are lots of shrines and temples and some nice walks. It is right by the water and two of my schools are on little islands. I will probably need a car, I believe, but it shouldn't be too bad, plus my apartment's rent is cheap. I have lucked out a LOT because there are teacher's apartments involved and my rent will only be about 10,000 yen! It's probably going to be small, but that's okay, cheap and tiny is better than expensive and big (or expensive and small).

Things seem really great so far!

The Day After and More Preparation

Okay, so I gave myself a day to be sad that I wasn't shortlisted and now I am ready to get my ass in gear.

As an alternate or a shortlister, there are forms to fill out, which I haven't gotten yet, and other things to get finished. Today, I got my passport sent out to be renewed with my new name. Tomorrow, I will be setting an appointment to get my fingerprints taken as soon as possible to get my FBI Background Check done.

I will update again as time continues and I get more information on what I am doing as time goes on. I know I'm just an alternate, so as time goes on this year, my blog will become less useful, but I'll try to keep good records on everything as I go.

And, I'm a bit torn... I'm hoping I get upgraded because it is a bit sad knowing that I have already decided that this is my last attempt, at least until some time in the future I might change my mind... I'm not sure if it's better to chase the life I want or if I want to chase my dream... But, I am glad to have been listed as an alternate.

Results and More Waiting

So... I'm an alternate. Which, I guess, means that I must have given some decent advice over this year. It's good to know that what I did didn't result in failure, so hopefully this blog is a good reference for everyone else.

Now, I guess I can start blogging about the rest of this as an alternate, not just an applicant. I guess I now wait for my paperwork to fill out and mail back. I need to renew my passport with my name change (the worst part is I have that all done and ready to go but I need to fax my marriage license to Sallie Mae for them to change my name, they are a bunch of assclowns) and do some other stuff for the official things.

I'm going to be honest that this sucks balls. I mean, realistically "Alternate" means accepted just no position available yet. However, it also sort of means putting life on hold some more. If I get upgraded in like September and I've gone back to school to finish my teaching license, then that kind of sucks... And it means I don't want to make any real plans because spending money on something that I may not end up doing and can't get the money back also sucks... So, the waiting is rubbish... And the not knowing you are rejected and not getting it at all until December also sucks... But, no matter how crappy it seems, it does mean that I was good enough this year, just not necessarily as good as other people, and I am happy enough with that.

Post-Interview Thoughts

Well, first off, I am honored that someone stopped by to tell me to update! My little blog certainly isn't that special, but I'm glad it is worthy of note to at least a few people.

Second, I mentioned posting some interview advice after my interview outfit post; I apologize that I never succeeded at doing that. I spent a lot of time thinking about it, but interviews are interviews. If you got an interview, that means you fit the bill on paper and they just want to know that you in person fits the bill as well. This unfortunately means that all the advice in the world can't help you be a better you. Show up, be you, be comfortable, and just make sure you shine through.

Finally, let me give a brief rundown of me and my interview I guess. The most important part of which is that I will not share any information on the actual interview because there is a clause you sign that you will not share anything. So, I shall discuss basics and things that I have actually learned since (in my phone customer service sales job). For my interview, I loved my outfit, I got my hair done, I felt 100% confident. Until I got into Boston. My dad went with me to drive me to the train and just keep me company on the long journey in and out of Boston and we got dinner with my Nana as well, so I had that to look forward to. Honestly, I think this was something that helped me feel better about my interview. I wasn't stressed because I talked out my anxiety and had something to look forward to. So definitely, if you have a friend or family applying for JET or able to take the time to be your commute-budy, I'd take advantage.

As for the actual interview, and that telemarketing advice, I think I did well and I was pretty happy with my performance. I did not walk out thinking "I failed," but I also didn't walk out thinking "I nailed it!" The biggest flaw was in my answering strategy and I keep thinking about it when I hear certain things. Recently I heard something on the radio about the human need to fill silence; basically, after five seconds you feel anxious if nobody fills the conversation. So when there is silence, I am definitely the person to fill that in and that cna be tragic. And that leads to the next issue. Literally three days after my interview, we discussed, in my job training, that you don't want to overload the information. Pick one strategy and answer. They don't need every possibility or every item that excites you or every detail. Don't overload. I am guilty of overloading if I can't choose an answer. You've probably noticed that I do this in this blog. I just talk a lot about all the options and reasons and everything else like that. Basically, pick something and be confident.

So yeah, that sort of made it sound like I was really concerned about everything, but honestly, I'm at peace with it. I worked hard on my app and got some great advice from current/previous JETs. I didn't prepare a ton for my interview, I just chose to be confident that I was enough. Because I worked hard and got some great advice from current/previous JETs, I got some extra interview advice. So, the best advice I can give you is to prepare thoroughly for JET as a whole. It isn't just an app or just an interview. The people you ask for help and you show yourself to will help you along the way.

Now, I wait. We find out in April and I don't know if I'll update before then. I am trying to keep busy with work and fandom nonsense and soon it will be archery season again. But I shall try and update and express my stress and waiting and just kjhdsglakjhlkj about the length of time the JET application takes.

Also, if people ever have questions and I am not updating, just comment or message me or whatever and I'm happy to answer things and chat at any time ^_^

The Interview Outfit

Nothing is more stressful than choosing clothes, especially for women. I am going to do a brief post on my opinions and thoughts on what to wear and talk a little about what I have chosen.

As Barney Stinson would say, "Suit up!" Really, suit up. If you aren't suiting up, dress conservatively and respectably. For men, you want nice slacks, a good button-down, a tie, and a tailored jacket. I always think that you want to look like you have a bit of style. Maybe go for a colored shirt or a nicely patterned (not scary patterned) tie. But, don't get yourself all nervous and uncomfortable just because you feel you need a suit jacket and a tie and to be crazy formal. This interview is about showing who you are as a professional; if this means that you need to wear your leather jacket (that is well tailored and looks great on you) then do. Just don't look like a schmuck. Wear shine-able shoes, maybe pick something that makes a statement. My brother wears fantastic wing tips done all in black, so they are understated but still worth noting.

Women, I still suggest suiting up. It gets more difficult because society puts so much emphasis on our first impression, but this also means we get a little more fun without having to worry quite as much about stepping out of the box. I live in the US, so in JET, I will be representing the US. I think that this gives me the definite advantage that I should dress like a professional of my country. (No offense to other countries, I just don't know what people wear in your professional communities, so I don't want to pretend I do). Women get to wear color; in fact, a complete lack of color can end up showing that you don't care about your appearance. A nice white button-down shirt is fantastic, as long as it is nice. But, I would be an advocate for picking a pop of color for your shirt, something that makes you look good and feel confident. For skirts and pants, I would pick something that has a bit of modernity to it. I am going with a skirt that has a little pleated detail on the sides, but not so much to be really eye-catching or out there. I am also a huge fan of wide leg pants (as long as the proportions work on your body type). I think that a little bit of detail on the bottoms goes a long way. Lastly, I highly recommend some sort of jacket or cardigan. Layering generally conveys a sense of professionalism and I don't really know why. A great suit jacket goes a long way in enhancing your silhouette (or evening it out if you are like me and have a disproportionately small waist compared to my bust and stomach T_T). Also, a suit jacket is important because, while in JET, you will have to wear a suit at least once or twice, so it's good to show off that you are prepared and understand that Japan's schools have truly formal events. The other option for women is a cardigan, which can be a lot of fun. This can allow for a bit of pattern, or an embroidered detail or two, or something that really pops, as long as it looks professional.

I feel like I have gone on forever, so I am going to shut up now, by summarizing for another few hundred words. This advice all comes from my experience interviewing, opinions of my family and friends, and some reading up on stuff on ITIL and Official. People have gotten in with all sorts of outfits, so really pick something you are comfortable in. The only big thing is (note that I already said this a million times) "professional." If you couldn't wear it while working for JET on a day-to-day basis, then you 100% cannot interview in it. You could wear a suit every day if you wanted (though from what I've seen, you probably won't need to in most places), but you probably won't be wearing your ripped jeans and team t-shirts. So, be professional, express yourself in a reasonable fashion, and be comfortable.

Now, I promised to state what I am planning to wear, so I will. I tried finding links for pics on Macy's website, but apparently my outfit doesn't exist online. I bought a black suit, that has a well-tailored suit jacket and a skirt to the knees that has a little pleating detail at the hem on the sides. For my top, I bought a patterned shirt that has a pleated collar and a fairly bright blue base-color. I can't say exactly what I am doing for shoes (I am torn at the moment) or accessories (I don't know that I will wear any) at the moment because I just don't know. But, I will try to compile some more thoughts on hair, shoes, accessories for a later post. Also, I apologize because I haven't really talked much about actual interview strategies because I am not really the person that stresses over the contents of the interview, but I'll try to get to that too.

Statement of Purpose

So, the SoP is a big point of argument amongst the masses. Some of us are very dry and professional. Some of us are more casual and conversational. People get in with all sorts of SoPs, but I thought I might share mine. This was my final draft of my SoP (please nobody steal it, that would be bad) for this year. I am not going to post my SoP from last year since I didn't get an interview, but if someone really wants to see it, feel free to message me and I am happy to share if you want to compare my two statements.

Again DO NOT STEAL THIS it is not good enough to steal, so just don't. Plagiarism isn't cool.

In a Kyoto crepe shop during March 2008, I had my nose buried in my first manga in Japanese. A man’s voice called out, “Are you reading that?” I paused and turned around to see a Japanese man smiling at me. I smiled back and managed an awkward “Watashi wa Amerika-jin desu.” We chatted in English as I told him that I only knew hiragana, but was trying to learn Japanese. The man’s smile grew as I explained; he was as excited to understand my interest in his culture, as I was to learn about his culture. Years later, I am surprised to remember this exchange more vividly than most of the other experiences I had in Japan.

I discovered Japan as a child through Pokémon and other children’s anime and manga. As I grew older, my interests expanded as I learned more of the history of traditional Japanese clothes, food, and music. My knowledge of Japanese culture is mostly self-taught, but I have been chasing better understanding for years, which is a large part of why I wish to travel to and live in Japan. I have joined the Society for Creative Anachronism, a group that studies and recreates medieval society from around the world, where I have had the chance to increase my own knowledge and the knowledge of those I meet, in classes I have attended and classes I have taught.

I decided to be a teacher when I was in preschool and began my interest in the JET Program while I was still in elementary school. I began by teaching my peers to tie shoes, tutored other students when I was older, and edited papers and songs for friends. The classes that I enjoyed the most had a constant exchange of ideas through workshops or roundtable discussions. My interest in working on the JET Program helped me take a special interest in my course focused on adolescent literacy, as we focused in on how to teach English to non-speakers and low-level speakers. Once I began working, I learned quickly and started training other new employees on the cash register, in customer service, folding, and displays. The employees I trained frequently received positive customer comments and lasted longer in the job than other new employees.

To complete my Education program, I was required to take four courses and an internship. For my internship, I created a Writing Center at Triton Regional High School. The experience was unforgettable. I found my strengths as a teacher: I worked hard to know the students and address them in ways that suited them best, and I was happy to take all the time required to answer every question and complete every assignment.  In my position, I worked one school day a week, when students could get help one-on-one. I also made sure to be available via email. I spent hours reading papers, writing comments, editing grammar, and learning the best ways I could teach the students to be better writers. It was the most fulfilling job I had ever performed, reaffirming that teaching is the profession I wish to pursue. By the end of the semester, I had helped students improve their writing abilities and their re-writing abilities. And, I had learned to be a better teacher with the help of those experiences and those students.

With each education course I took, my passion for teaching expanded. I found new ways to interest students, new ways to incorporate my interests in my teaching, and new ways to understand students. A part of this was getting my TESOL certification, where I learned new techniques that I look forward to using in teaching English as a second language. My experiences will help me to work alongside the Japanese English teachers. Through JET, I can share my culture, help teach others English, and learn about another culture and education style. Participating in JET will allow me to build memories and better understanding for others, as well as myself, like I found in that Kyoto crepe shop. The more I expand my own experiences and knowledge, the better I will be as a teacher on the JET Program.

Receiving Notification of an Interview!

I received notification last night that I will be interviewing in Boston at the end of February! I am super excited and I guess this now means I have something to blog about again in relation to JET.

Honestly, I don't think that it is worth stressing too much over any interview. If you don't know yourself and your qualifications, then maybe you just aren't right for the job. That being said, some preparation and foresight is certainly worthwhile. I am going to get back into regularly studying Japanese (as best I can), as a start. I'm also hoping to buy a new interview suit, so that I can present myself well. Last, I am going to read up on a couple things for Japanese news.

In general, it is also good to review your SoP once maybe twice just before the actual interview. Hopefully, you actually know your own resume well enough to not need to read your application, but if it makes you more comfortable, definitely read through and remind yourself of what you had on there and maybe check what you have done since the application to be even better.

If I think of anything actually worthwhile for advice, I'll put that up here. But there is already a lot of information out there on interviewing in general and a lot on the JET Forums and ITIL Forums on JET interviews in particular.

SASE Received

I just wanted to post that I have received my SASE back, which means they have started through the apps received on the second to last day, possibly last day. So to people still stressing about not getting it back yet, they are still coming and they still aren't that important ^_^

For people stressing out, DON'T ^_^ Find something to do, find a hobby or practice your Japanese or watch Supernatural and talk to me about it. Just, do something, not stress. JET is a waiting game, there is still so much time left and you don't want to wear yourself out freaking out about this stuff.

Good luck everyone!

Waiting and Waiting and I Don't Really Have Anything to Say

So I see lots of people are receiving/have already long past received their SASEs, CONGRATS ^_^ That's awesome.

For anybody who has yet to receive their SASE, it isn't a big deal If you sent it in some fashion that gave you proof that it was signed for, then they have it. If you sent it USPS and have no proof, they probably still received it. Don't worry.

The SASE is literally nothing but a slip of paper with your name and ID number. Your ID number is also on your application. If you are one of the unfortunate people whose apps were weird and the number wasn't on the print out, you should be able to log into the app website and get your number from there (if memory serves me right). Getting your SASE back does not say that you did anything right other than put the SASE in the packet and they got your app. It doesn't say that you aren't disqualified because of a mistake, it doesn't say anything about your app. Just that the envelope with all your stuff made it to DC.

So please, no stress ^_^ It isn't a big deal. Keep your mind on other things, finals if you are in school, work, hobbies, whatever floats your boat. There is still SO much time before interviewees will even be announced, don't let the anxiety make the holiday season even more stressful!

People really need to stop stressing about the SASE it is no big deal, but whatever.... I have been enjoying Supernatural and looking for a job like crazy, but barely thinking about JET. I feel like I suck for basically never updating in a long time, but I had already gotten my advice out there early on and didn't have much left and once apps start, it's just a doing not a planning... Now it's waiting and waiting on the interview list and maybe once that comes out I will hunt for some interview advice...

Anyway, have a nice holiday season everyone ^_^ Don't stress too much!

September Progresses...

As September moves on, the new required docs still aren't available, but c'est la vie. I am trying to get myself together and slowly accumulate my paperwork. It's a bit frustrating to feel trapped at the point I am currently at.... Supposedly the paperwork will be out sometime this month, when it does I'll update that it's out, in case  anyone isn't stalking the page ^^;

Anyway... I finished my kosode... If you search for Endewearde's Fort Knox Demo, you can probably find pics or I posted on with an explanation on the fb group... I'm also teaching a small class on momiji-gari in two weeks, so hopefully that will go well ^^; And other than that... I guess I can update my check list

App-N/A
Medical Forms-X
SoP-in progress
LoR-requested from three people, just need the form
Proof of Graduation-just need copies
Proof of Citizenship-just need copies
Proof of TESOL-just need copies
SASE-Check
Transcripts-just need copies

Basically, I have everything together that I need, except what isn't available and I need copies of everything (including the kitchen sink)

Hobbbies and the Possibility of JET

I feel like hobbies are something that we need in life. They are the things that keep us active and excited and keep our minds functioning (if you have a good hobby). Though, I've been thinking about it lately and, I think, less people are "hobby" people nowadays. More often than not, people seem to think that craft-y hobbies are for children or old people or that other hobbies are weird... It's kind of sad that the most common "hobby" I can think of is probably playing some FPS video game...

Anyways, I love hobbies and craft-y things. I have a stupid amount of hobbies and I think my poor husband is going to cry if I take up any more of them in the near future (though, there is a local bead store that has a really cool beaded kumihimo class available >.>). So, I thought maybe I'd talk about my hobbies I have now and hobbies that are a part of Japanese culture that I'd like to try.

First, a list of my current hobbies (that I can think of off the top of my head):
-archery
-sewing (mostly garb)
-kumihimo (learned a month or so ago)
-embroidery (I just started a week ago >.>)
-RPGs, everything from D&D to video game RPGs
-baking
-drawing (not as much as I used to)
-collecting manga (though, only when my wallet can handle it)
-bento

Most of these I can continue in Japan, if I get into JET. In fact, after Staci got to Japan, it took a few weeks to get her phone and internet taken care of, so taking some craft-y fun with me seems brilliant. I probably shouldn't bring my bow and quiver because I don't know that I'll have anywhere to actually use it (I'll get super out of practice and be even worse than I already am >.<). Some of these hobbies I would almost like to ignore. I don't want to spend my time in Japan on video games (unless I hit up a  cafe :P) because I want to be out seeing the culture. Most of my craft-y hobbies are fairly portable and so I can take them with me or save them for days when I end up stuck inside. And bento and baking are good for sharing with people ^_^ I look forward to that :)

Secondly, a list of the hobbies I would like to check out, maybe try, and maybe find a class for:
-archery (the yumi is really cool and harder to learn where I live)
-kendo (I don't know that I want to do it, though it would be cool, but I'd like to see it)
-Japanese embroidery
-fabric collecting

The big one used to be archery, I think, but now the embroidery and fabrics are the big one. Japanese embroidery has caught my heart and I really want to learn it. Sadly, the only thing I can find in my chunk of Maine is a book in the Bangor Library on it, so I'm going to try that for now and hold out for Japan and a class in embroidery. I also want to collect fabric so that I can have inspiration for making kosode or other things as I learn new crafts (I want to eventually learn weaving and making my own fabrics). I'll definitely be visiting some of the historical museums to see some of the old garments on display and to improve my own garment making. I'm really excited ^_^

I Keep Finding New Things About Japan

I assume that it is really obvious that I love Japan and am a silly fangirl for the country. I'll admit that a large part of my interest stems from a love for manga. I'm a manga addict. However, I also find that as time progresses, I am coming to love more about the history of Japan. I have mentioned before that I am trying to read through Genji Monogatari (and I must admit, that I haven't been super successful, just because it's so long... maybe in the winter I'll curl up with my book), but I am currently learning more of other things too. I just thought that maybe I'd talk about some of why that is, which, sorry, is not terribly JET related, but is a little bit.

Firstly, I have to thank JET and the SCA for getting me to really look more into Japan's reality. A large part of why I want to do JET is because I want to see the real world that inspired and created the world's I have found in manga because clearly manga and real life are nothing alike. But, in applying for JET, I have found that I want to start learning more about Japan either way and have begun searching out more things on my own. The SCA has been a large part of this. It was an easy decision to have a Japanese persona because I find Japan the most interesting because it is so different from what I got stuck learning throughout my educational career. So, I picked a name, but I had no idea who "Oguri Tatsuko" would be. I lacked a career, a family, a history for my persona and this has encouraged me to learn more. Now, I sort of want to talk about the different subjects that this has opened for me ^_^

-I like bento a lot, so I started looking into historical bento and learned a lot about when bento really started and what its predecessor was like.
-I wanted to be able to make medieval Japanese garb, so I started looking up patterns to sew my own kosode. Now I want to improve my garb, so I have started looking into Japanese embroidery and medieval patterns and prints for clothes
-I'm really excited to try and learn Japanese embroidery, it is GORGEOUS. Before I start to try and search more about nuido, I am learning Western-style embroidery to build up the basics.
-I will be modeling my garb at the Fort Know Demo in Maine on September 8 (though I don't think I'm a decent model, I'm excited to share my garb attempts) because I decided to chase after Japan's history. This is something I never imagined I could share with people, try and teach a little bit about the construction of old Japanese clothing.
-I have been asked to teach a short Arts & Sciences class on Momiji-Gari at the Endewearde Hunt. And though I don't know a lot about it yet, I am learning more and looking forward to building up a base to continue finding out more about it ^_^
-I want to find out more about festivals of all sorts, so that we can set up our own festival event in Endewearde. Maybe set up a yearly Momiji-Gari event during the Hunt or possibly celebrate snow-viewing or so many other options.

Really, I have encountered so many new things as I try to find out more about who someone might have been in medieval Japan. But I am doing all this because of the SCA and JET. I am taking JET as a cultural exploration and getting to participate in the program would help add so much to my knowledge that I couldn't begin to explain how cool it would be. I am also working, slowly, on learning Japanese and I hope to keep working on that too.

Basically, it's wicked cool to get into more about something you love. And, please, take it a step further and build up your knowledge in things you want to know about. In fact, if you don't quite know exactly what you want, google some of the things I've talked about or google something you are generally in and follow all those tangents and ideas that you come upon so that you eventually find something to set your sights on. If I get into JET, I want to find a class in Japanese embroidery and one of my eventual goals will be to make a folding screen that I embroidered ^_^

Also, it's getting closer and closer to JET application time! I hope everyone is getting prepared okay ^_^

Reference Things That Make Me Happy

So, I know I go on and on and on and on and on about references, but I finally have a nice thing to say about them. You know that you have picked a good person to be your reference, when they ask you about your deadlines, ask about getting a copy of your resume, ask about the requirements, and ask to meet you in person to make sure the formatting is all right. One of my references this year is going to be a professor that I absolutely loved having. He taught my adolescent literacy class for my education minor and he does a lot of work with improving literacy education in the northeastern US. Basically, he is awesome. He is really nice, really smart, and a really good teacher. And he thinks I am a decent fit for the JET Program and is more than happy to help me out by writing a reference letter for me! I am super excited XD

In other news, there are more people on the forums almost every day ^_^ And the Miami coordinator is back and helping us with good advice and we have the LA coordinator this year too! It's great to see that there are so many people willing to take time to help us applicants out, even this early on.

Summer Is Coming to a Close and JET Season Is Approaching

Two weeks ago, I went to a party for my friend Staci, who has now been in Japan for a few days with JET!!! Then I went to spend two weeks in Pennsylvania at Pennsic 41, living in the middle ages ^_^ I had tons of fun and wish Staci the best of luck!

Being at Pennsic, I finished three kosode. One is a white under-layer and then I have two outer layers or layering layers, one blue and one orange. The layers looked pretty good together and I look forward to getting some pictures of them. The next step for my medieval Japanese garb is to make some patterns on the kosode I've made. Traditional Japanese patterns are typically larger than modern prints in Japan and elsewhere, so it's easiest to dye your own or use fabric paint to accomplish your goal. I have a fall-ish orange that I want to do maple leaves (or something like that) for a fall event, since that seems most accurate. But, I will try to get pictures up soon ^_^

And most importantly, it is now mid-August! This means that it is truly almost time for the JET application XD I am going to start asking again about my letters of reference and getting myself together. After finishing my TESOL certification course, I really want to do more work with the IEI and hopefully get a reference there. The course really got my back into the game as far as JET is concerned. As I met some of the kids and talked about the TESOL process, I realized that I definitely want to do this. The man that runs the IEI taught in Japan for years, so his comments helped me see some of the reality of what I want to do and in doing so, brought the fire back.

Other things on my to-do list: get my new ME license, get my new-to-me car registered, get my passport done, make more kosode, and take a new look at my SoP ^_^

Any ideas on what I should talk about here would be awesome. I know that I have covered my own experiences fairly completely, but I can look for other advice or repost some of the things that have been more useful. I just want to get back to being helpful, especially since it is now time for the help to be more needed. I am going to try to post at least once a week, maybe more, but I will definitely try to get things that are useful up here each time ^_^ (or things that are at least interesting, maybe, if you like Japan).

Some Post-TESOL Certification Course Thoughts

I just finished my TESOL course on Friday and I really enjoyed taking the class. It may be that I just like learning about education, but I found it quite fun and interesting. Chris Mares and Faye Olsen of the Intensive English Institute at UMaine Orono taught the course. Both have traveled a lot and taught both overseas and here in the US. Chris had taught for years in Japan, so that gave some extra info for me to work from ^_^ Over all, it was very well done. They provided us with a lot of basic info that we would be able to do further research through, rather than trying to stuff our heads full with everything in a single week. They taught using the ideas that they were teaching about, so that everyone could grasp the theory, rather than just learn vocab without a working knowledge of the skills. The allowed time for observation and are happy to have anyone come and visit the IEI to do more observation, help out, or do an elective.

On the final day of the course, we got to do an activity or very short lesson, so I chose to use TPR and do a vocab lesson for archery. We had three of the IEI students attend, which allowed us to see the response of some actual ELL students. My activity went pretty well and Chris asked if I might be interested in doing an actual elective for the IEI for doing archery. I have to figure out details, but I think it would be phenomenal to do that ^_^ I had a lot of fun in classes I got to observe and I can't wait to do more.

Also, I know in my own searches for TESL/TEFL/TESOL certification courses, there are a lot of questions about what is valuable and helpful and what is not. During my course, Chris talked a bit about English language teaching around the world. TESOL is the international group that sort of governs English language teaching (not actually governs, but is important and I can't come up with a better word at the moment). TESOL stands for Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages and TESOL as an organization has a lot of more localized branches around the world. For those of us interested in teaching in Japan, the Japanese branch is JALT. If you live up in my area, Northeastern US, I know that I am in the area of NNETESOL Northern New England TESOL. So, they are a well-respected group within English language teaching and finding your local area may help you better figure out what you want out of your TESOL/TESL/TEFL course.

Other updates... Well, I went to GNEW and had a great time ^_^ My father-in-law got a cool award and a there was a bunch of other great news/awards at the event too. This past weekend I went to my parents' house to go to a wedding shower for my cousin and his fiancee. I had also gone home for SMAUG (Smoking Meats And Ubiquitous Gaming), a gaming event hosted by my father during the summer. I had a great time at both of these events and can't wait for my cousin's wedding and my dad's next gaming event ^_^ Next weekend I leave for Pennsic. Today (and the rest of the week), I will be making kosode to wear. Hopefully I will have pictures of that to post within a couple days, since I know a few people wanted to see it, since it is Japan related. Also, I have a going away party to attend for Staci, my friend leaving for JET in a couple weeks!!!

General Update

I am still contemplating my current feelings towards JET. I moved into my first actual apartment last weekend (I think I may never finish all the dishes @_@). And I've started looking into my loans and looking into job postings, which has made me a little more indecisive. I wish something would push me more one way or the other, but I really want to think hard about this because JET was my dream for a long time and I now need to decide if it is still that same dream.

That being said, I have my TESL course next week ^_^ I'm pretty excited about it. School loans have made me question where I am spending that money, but it's something I think will be worthwhile in the long run.

Also, GNEW and Pennsic are coming up, so I am completely stoked about some SCA stuff ^_^

A Strange Place to Be

I have just had a really weird realization...

I have known about and wanted to do JET since I was eleven years old. That was over twelve years ago now... When I was eleven, I knew I wanted to teach and I knew I was interested in Japan. When I was eleven, I never expected to get married or find a place that I felt I belonged.

I actually owe this entire idea to the fine folks over at ITIL. They were awfully mean to me, but I understand why. I know that I am kind of a freak. I am the girl that has been bullied for most of my life. I needed books, comics, stories, anything where there was a hero. I couldn't get by without it. And Japan worked well in that because Japan gave birth to so many great heroes and stories in manga and anime. I know that I have an unrealistic view of Japan because I can't experience it where I am from. When I went to Japan, it was beautiful and I really did enjoy meeting the few people I encountered... But, if I went to Japan, I would probably stick out even more as a freak. We don't want to send unbalanced people to represent us and it is definitely a no-no to hire someone who can't handle it. I don't think that I'm unbalanced or so unrealistic as to expect that Japan in real life would be a manga. I am not that crazy.

But, as I read more about other people's experiences and examine my life as it is now, I am realizing that maybe JET is no longer the dream it used to be... I have a husband, something I never expected. I am moving into my first apartment this weekend. I found a family that it seems I was made to be a part of. I found the place that doesn't seem to think I'm a freak. I have a cute little sister-in-law who tries to play dating sims with me. I have a real friends that I don't think I ever expected to have. I have a family that has given me  the community I never had in school. I still read tons of manga and tons of fantasy novels... But, maybe I don't need to run away after some dream anymore...

I want to settle down. I want to save money for a house. I want to finish getting my teaching certification. I want to find a steady job. I want kids. I want a life. I don't want to pick up and leave for a year just because I have no place here... So... Do I still really want to do JET? Is JET the dream it used to be? I am really looking at my reasons... Why JET? Why don't I just have the life that I want and save money so that I can go and see Japan through vacations or other experiences? It's strange to look at something you wanted for twelve years and suddenly realize that, maybe, it isn't what you want most anymore...

I have a feeling that I will have to keep looking at this for a long while... I owe the people at ITIL a huge thanks. For all their harsh comments, they ended up opening my eyes and making me really examine and appreciate the place that I am at now.

Prolly no posts for a while

So, I am moving to a new apartment this weekend. This means I have packing to do and cleaning and moving. After that, we have to get internet set up before I'll be back on. That being said, I honestly have nothing terribly useful to advise on, at the moment. I have stuck most of my mistakes up on here already. I have mentioned helpful and good advice that I have found in various places. Until someone has something specific to ask about or I have something that I think up, I will probably only have posts about my own progress, if there is anything specific.

Moving this weekend... Pennsic War at the end of July/beginning of August... TESL in July... Making my kosode in there somewhere too. So I may have stuff to post, but it's summer... Go do some stuff and have fun. Organization, OCD, and JET can wait until the school year! Have a good time ^_^ I'll post something about TESL and kosode at some point.

Name Troubles

In my time examining all the things that could have gotten my app last year disqualified, I found something really obvious and stupid on my part. My name. I got married last October and that meant that I did not have the correct documents to submit with my name. For my proof of citizenship (or whatever that is), I used my birth certificate, clearly, this has my birth name on it, not my married name. This year, I am hoping to use my passport, which I want to renew and, thus, would have my married name.

If you are in the same situation, you can submit your birth certificate as your proof of citizenship, but you need to provide documentation showing your name change. Things that can prove this in most situations are the paperwork from changing your name at Social Security (I needed this for my license) or just your marriage certificate. You probably want to spend the extra dough to get a real official copy of your marriage certificate from town hall, just in case photocopies are not official enough.

Please, don't be stupid and mess these things up. You don't want to be me and realizing eight-ish months after the application that something as dumb as your name not being verified correctly got you disqualified from such a great program. So, correct documentation of your name, do it, it's not hard.

Location, again

So, I know that some people feel like it is still super early for applying (it is), but want to be doing something for JET now, I really want to emphasize that location is something worth looking into. I think that it is beyond worthwhile to look into places you might like to be, not necessarily to set your heart on any specific location, but to have an idea on the kind of place you'd like to be. You can really find some cool stuff that might make you rethink your preferences for locations.

In my own searches (I am so sorry, if I already talked about this), I have found a whole bunch of stuff. I discovered that Kyoto is the sister city of Boston; I am 40ish minutes north of Boston and LOVE Boston. I loved Kyoto when I went to Japan and I can see that relationship making sense. Both cities have this old feel to them, they breath history, but they also have so many modern additions adding new life to them. I did not list Kyoto as a preference last year because I know that it is really unlikely that I'll get placed there, but I am going to list it this year because this new information has added to my desire to live there.

I also found out that Hokkaido is the sister region/prefecture/state to Massachusetts, my home state. I love New England, the northeast, Mass (except its politics), and the climate of our area. I did list Hokkaido, twice, last year because I already knew that I wanted to live somewhere with snow. Last year, I didn't know about this sister relationship between MA and Hokkaido, but now I can add that to my app for part of why I want to live in Hokkaido.

Lastly, I discovered that Springfield, MA also has a sister city,Takakikawa in Hokkaido. This was especially cool to me because I just didn't know about the sister city relationships in my area. I don't know yet, if I will list this as a preference because I don't love cities.

As a final note, it is worth finding a general idea of where you want to live because different places may suit you better. I don't know that I want to live in the inaka, but I don't know that I love the idea of living in a city. I think I may want to live in a bigger town (my hometown has 5,500 people in the 2000 census) because it'll be a new experience and I want to have access to public transportation. Also important is that I don't want to drive in Japan, so placement somewhere that will require driving would be bad for me. So, even if you are going to put no preference, I think you ought to think about where you want to live, just know your options.