JET Programme Series: End of comfort zone - Chantelle Ragoonath
2022/1/6
JET Programme Series: End of comfort zone - Chantelle Ragoonath
If “Life begins at the end of your comfort zone,” then what could be more uncomfortable than packing up your entire life into two suitcases and moving to the other side of the world? Well, that’s exactly what I did as a 2020, now 2021, thanks Covid, JET.
Name: Chantelle Ragoonath. Age: 26. End of comfort zone: moving from Marabella to Minato, Tokyo.
From a young age, I’ve had a fascination with Japan and its culture. The fascination grew to a love and an appreciation over the years and when I had first heard about the JET programme at the end of high school, I had already decided that I was going to apply. It just seemed like the obvious choice because of my interests in Japan and my teaching experiences. That goal seemed so far away at the time though, and now it’s only days away.
I graduated from the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine campus with a BSc. (hons) in Petroleum Geoscience. I then worked as a Biology and Integrated Science teacher through the Scholarship and Advance Training Division’s Associate Professional programme. I also studied Japanese at the Centre for Language Learning at the U.W.I. The goal I had at 18 years old has now been accomplished and I couldn’t be more excited to start a new adventure in Tokyo, Japan.
Tokyo is a bustling city with robots and ramen. That’s probably what most people think anyways, and they’re not entirely wrong. However, as the largest metropolis in the world with a population of ~14 million, I assure you it has far more to offer. From the famous sites like Shibuya Crossing, Sensoji Temple and Tokyo Skytree to the less travelled-narrow-izakaya-filled alleyways, around every corner is a new experience. I’m excited to fully immerse myself in the culture; to live like a local. I of course have my “Japan Bucket List” which consists of things like; experiencing ‘Hanami’ and many local festivals, trying all the new foods that come my way and to one day climb Fuji-san - great, now that I’ve written it, I have to do it.
“There is always something new to learn from everyone you cross paths with,” I want to learn new things, experience the world from a different perspective and grow as an individual. I also want to share my culture, my country and my own experiences with the people I encounter. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I don’t plan to waste it.
I would like to extend my immense gratitude to Ambassador Hirayama and the hardworking embassy staff who painstakingly and tirelessly worked throughout this pandemic to ensure that this opportunity came to fruition. I would also like to thank my support system and my Japanese senseis at CLL UWI for their patience, kindness and all their help.
“And suddenly you know: it’s time to start something new and trust the magic of beginnings”
What’s at the end of your comfort zone?
JET Series: End of comfort zone (Japanese Embassy's Facebook)
JET Programme Series Archives
Name: Chantelle Ragoonath. Age: 26. End of comfort zone: moving from Marabella to Minato, Tokyo.
From a young age, I’ve had a fascination with Japan and its culture. The fascination grew to a love and an appreciation over the years and when I had first heard about the JET programme at the end of high school, I had already decided that I was going to apply. It just seemed like the obvious choice because of my interests in Japan and my teaching experiences. That goal seemed so far away at the time though, and now it’s only days away.
I graduated from the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine campus with a BSc. (hons) in Petroleum Geoscience. I then worked as a Biology and Integrated Science teacher through the Scholarship and Advance Training Division’s Associate Professional programme. I also studied Japanese at the Centre for Language Learning at the U.W.I. The goal I had at 18 years old has now been accomplished and I couldn’t be more excited to start a new adventure in Tokyo, Japan.
Tokyo is a bustling city with robots and ramen. That’s probably what most people think anyways, and they’re not entirely wrong. However, as the largest metropolis in the world with a population of ~14 million, I assure you it has far more to offer. From the famous sites like Shibuya Crossing, Sensoji Temple and Tokyo Skytree to the less travelled-narrow-izakaya-filled alleyways, around every corner is a new experience. I’m excited to fully immerse myself in the culture; to live like a local. I of course have my “Japan Bucket List” which consists of things like; experiencing ‘Hanami’ and many local festivals, trying all the new foods that come my way and to one day climb Fuji-san - great, now that I’ve written it, I have to do it.
“There is always something new to learn from everyone you cross paths with,” I want to learn new things, experience the world from a different perspective and grow as an individual. I also want to share my culture, my country and my own experiences with the people I encounter. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity and I don’t plan to waste it.
I would like to extend my immense gratitude to Ambassador Hirayama and the hardworking embassy staff who painstakingly and tirelessly worked throughout this pandemic to ensure that this opportunity came to fruition. I would also like to thank my support system and my Japanese senseis at CLL UWI for their patience, kindness and all their help.
“And suddenly you know: it’s time to start something new and trust the magic of beginnings”
What’s at the end of your comfort zone?
JET Series: End of comfort zone (Japanese Embassy's Facebook)
JET Programme Series Archives