JET Programme Series: Blessed! - Monifa Blondell

Blessed in Location. Located just north of Tokyo, I live in a strategic prefecture, which is part of the urban sprawl. I could easily commute to downtown Tokyo in an hour by subway, and enjoy the capital’s attractiveness sans the exorbitant living costs of it. My placement is a harmonious coexistence between suburban and rural. You can retreat to the west to enjoy the abundant beauty of nature and encounter traditional practices.
 

Blessed in School. I have been blessed with absolutely the best senior high school in Japan! The teachers and administrative staff are extraordinarily supportive and the students are gems! Students are eager to greet me or have conversations in English. Additionally, I often cheerfully encourage non-English language teachers to speak in English. Usually, during lunchtime we have a sort of international exchange where English is the medium. Moreover, I was even graced with the opportunity to teach a few Geography classes in English! (Yay!) Although I must mention that my school is quite big and is often very busy and active. I often have to work overtime. (Fear not. I get to take back my time).
 

Blessed in Language. Although not required for the JET programme, Japanese language ability sure makes life more advantageous. After politely refusing my Japanese co-workers’ offer, I was able to open my bank account, purchase my phone, and get internet etc. All. In. Japanese! All by myself!! (Adulting...in Japanese 1000 points!). Also, with some language acquisition I was able to make acquaintances in my neigbourhood faster and even obtain valuable information. There was a time I understood an important train announcement and got off some stops earlier than the regular station to transfer because there was an accident. Japanese language saved me time and confusion! Not to mention the time when I had to hastily communicate with several strangers to find out where my departing overnight bus was located and sprinted to catch it as it was about to leave. I made it with 2 seconds to spare! (I think Bolt would have been proud).
 

Blessed in Experiences. I have been ever so fortunate to join in many cultural activities here, such as, going to summer festivals and dancing with some dancers (oh, my knees!), learning to play the Wadaiko (Japanese drum), writing Japanese calligraphy, arranging Ikebana (Japanese floral arrangement), watching Kabuki (Japanese traditional play), and going the school’s gym with some of my co-workers (#TeamMuscle). In exchange for all these wonderful experiences, I’ve made Trinbagonian food for some of my Japanese friends (persimmon chow was a success!), and introduced steelpan and Soca music to my students (Follow the Leader was a hit!).
 

All in all, I’m truly blessed and grateful for such an incredible placement. A prefecture where tradition shakes hands with modern society. A place where the viridity of nature is not jeopardized by suburban convenience. A place where the people are very reserved yet polite; the children are extremely shy yet keen. A place which has become home away from home. Welcome to Saitama!!!


JET Series: Blessed! (Japanese Embassy's Facebook)


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