JET Programme Series: JET Moments - Michael Daly

This year was filled with a lot of heart warming moments.

The graduation ceremony, in particular struck a chord with me. An advantage of teaching is being able to witness the physical, emotional and academic growth of your students. The graduation ceremony was quite a grand and impressive affair. The principal wore a tailcoat while other staff members were dressed in kimonos. Graduation ceremonies from a teacher’s perspective are quite different from that of a student. Now that I am a teacher, I view graduations from a different angle. As a teacher you reflect on the journey that you have embarked on with you students and how they have grown and evolved right in front of your eyes.
 

The day ended with the students exiting the hallways one final time. Both students and teachers lined the hallways saluting the graduates for their hard work with the Japanese words ‘Omedeto’ or ‘ganbatte’ which means congratulations or work hard in English. Although I was extremely proud of my students, I must admit that the day was also quite a sad one as it would possibly be the last time that I would see some of my students.
 

While in Niigata, I had the pleasure of visiting many festivals. These include the Kashiwazaki Fireworks festival, the world famous Nagaoka festival and my hometown’s very own Ojiya festival. The one that stood out the most for me was the Kashiwazaki festival. It was not the biggest nor was it the most impressive one - but it was a fireworks festival that was held on the beach. The ocean breeze , the alluring smells from the many food stalls as well as the reflection of the fireworks on the ocean created unforgettable memories.. The Kashiwazaki festival felt surprisingly relaxed despite the number of people that were in attendance and it is definitely a highly recommended alternative to the crowds at the Nagaoka festival.
 

Sushi, karaage, ramen, soba, tempura, tonkatsu, miso soup, japanese curry and rice too many foods to try them all - Japan’s cuisine is very diverse. While Caribbean food may overwhelm you with flavor and spices, Japanese foods focus on subtle changes (with the exception of wasabi). I’m constantly on the lookout for a new restaurant to try.
 

I spent the new year learning from the local community. After attending soft volleyball a couple times, I was invited to go skiing and duly obliged. This old dog learned a new trick. Coming down the mountain at breakneck speed in an ocean of white powder is an experience that I will never forget. This was an exercise in patience and the will to succeed. At times it felt impossible but I eventually got the hang of it.
 

On my walk home I ran into Nishiwaki-san whom I had previously met but I couldn’t recall. Very assured she called me and I nodded. What transpired after was a yakiniku (Japanese barbeque) rendezvous with her equally boisterous and amicable friend. After which I was invited to a spring family barbeque and a great friendship was born. Making and building local relationships helped to feel more at home among the community.
 

I look forward to the new academic year and the exciting adventures that lie ahead. Without a doubt I can say that I have no regrets about coming to Japan. Two years ago, at the JET Alumni Open forum in CLL, one JET alumni said, ‘The reason we go is not the reason we stay’. After my first year here I feel like I have finally found my reason to stay.

JET Series: JET Moments (Japanese Embassy Facebook)


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