JET Programme Series: Perfect fit for me - Patricia Lewis
2021/12/9
JET Programme Series: Perfect fit for me - Patricia Lewis
My name is Patricia Lewis and I am 30 years old. I grew up in a meek village in south Trinidad named Barrackpore. I attended The University of the West Indies and studied Biology and Agribusiness.
I remember when I was about 15 years old thinking that the best life I could muster was having a 9am-5pm job and being able to afford housing and food. When I look back now, if 15 year old me told my older self that I would graduate from University, land a great paying job and eventually be flying to Japan to work, share my culture and learn about Japan and all that Japan has to offer I would have had a hard time comprehending what my younger self would have been saying to me. I know it is such a cliché to say that this opportunity is the best thing to have ever happened to me, but in my case, coming from where I have this is the purest truth I can tell.
When I heard about the JET Programme and what it offered I immediately disqualified myself from applying. This was because I thought that I had to be a teacher and have a background in Japanese language and degree related to International Relations. However, the more I found out about the programme I saw myself as an ideal candidate. The programmes’ main focus is cultural exchange and helping children learn English. I fit ideally into these criteria as I have been trained in traditional Indian dance; I have dabbled in African dance and done both jujitsu and karate for many years. The programme calls on individuals that have outgoing, strongly social personalities as well. This made me eager as I thought that I would be doing a job that would pay me to be my authentic self. This was the perfect fit for me.
I applied to the JET Programme because I have a thirst for learning about other cultures and I enjoy making the learning process fun and memorable. Within the JET Programme I am able to share my Trinbagonian culture with the Japanese people, while drinking in Japanese culture and customs at the source. I see the JET Programme as such a huge stepping stone for me as I would gain immense experience in designing and executing lesson plans and lessons and gain a better understanding into how children at the Elementary and Junior High school level learn.
I am ecstatic to go to my host town of Uchiko, which is in Ehime prefecture on the island of Shikoku. Ehime is such a scenic and nature based prefecture which is perfect for me as I am an avid hiker and someone who loves to go running and exploring. Ehime is also famous for its onsens which I intend to take full advantage of using. I am also eager to explore the parts of town that was preserved and remains a pillar of Ehime’s history.
I am simply overjoyed and thrilled as I am about to embark on this new journey and adventure. I am going into this experience with an open mind and the intention to absorb as much as I am able too. I am eager to learn from the Japanese people about their culture and also to share with them about Trinidad and Tobago’s foods, Carnival and all of our celebrations.
I would like to thank the hardworking JET Coordinators at the Embassy of Japan and Ambassador Hirayama for this incredible opportunity.
JET Series: Perfect fit for me (Japanese Embassy's Facebook)
JET Programme Series Archives
I remember when I was about 15 years old thinking that the best life I could muster was having a 9am-5pm job and being able to afford housing and food. When I look back now, if 15 year old me told my older self that I would graduate from University, land a great paying job and eventually be flying to Japan to work, share my culture and learn about Japan and all that Japan has to offer I would have had a hard time comprehending what my younger self would have been saying to me. I know it is such a cliché to say that this opportunity is the best thing to have ever happened to me, but in my case, coming from where I have this is the purest truth I can tell.
When I heard about the JET Programme and what it offered I immediately disqualified myself from applying. This was because I thought that I had to be a teacher and have a background in Japanese language and degree related to International Relations. However, the more I found out about the programme I saw myself as an ideal candidate. The programmes’ main focus is cultural exchange and helping children learn English. I fit ideally into these criteria as I have been trained in traditional Indian dance; I have dabbled in African dance and done both jujitsu and karate for many years. The programme calls on individuals that have outgoing, strongly social personalities as well. This made me eager as I thought that I would be doing a job that would pay me to be my authentic self. This was the perfect fit for me.
I applied to the JET Programme because I have a thirst for learning about other cultures and I enjoy making the learning process fun and memorable. Within the JET Programme I am able to share my Trinbagonian culture with the Japanese people, while drinking in Japanese culture and customs at the source. I see the JET Programme as such a huge stepping stone for me as I would gain immense experience in designing and executing lesson plans and lessons and gain a better understanding into how children at the Elementary and Junior High school level learn.
I am ecstatic to go to my host town of Uchiko, which is in Ehime prefecture on the island of Shikoku. Ehime is such a scenic and nature based prefecture which is perfect for me as I am an avid hiker and someone who loves to go running and exploring. Ehime is also famous for its onsens which I intend to take full advantage of using. I am also eager to explore the parts of town that was preserved and remains a pillar of Ehime’s history.
I am simply overjoyed and thrilled as I am about to embark on this new journey and adventure. I am going into this experience with an open mind and the intention to absorb as much as I am able too. I am eager to learn from the Japanese people about their culture and also to share with them about Trinidad and Tobago’s foods, Carnival and all of our celebrations.
I would like to thank the hardworking JET Coordinators at the Embassy of Japan and Ambassador Hirayama for this incredible opportunity.
JET Series: Perfect fit for me (Japanese Embassy's Facebook)
JET Programme Series Archives