JET Programme Series: Is it just fate? - Isiah Archer
2022/1/7
JET Programme Series: Is it just fate? - Isiah Archer
Hey there, my name is Isiah Archer. I am a proud Trinidadian born in Port of Spain and moved to Couva about 5 years ago. I have had extensive qualifications in the field of International Relations with a Bachelors Degree in International Relations with honours and a masters of Science in Global Studies with Distinction. And even though I have traveled to over 20 countries through Europe in the past and speak 3 languages fluently including Spanish and French, never in my life would I have thought I would be traveling halfway across the world to live and work in Asia, but…… here I am.
Is it just fate? Maybe. Happenstance or luck? Perhaps. I couldn’t really care less. All I know is that I have a chance in front of me and I am grabbing it with both hands. Why am I doing this? Maybe it’s the prevailing stereotype from my adolescence, from years of watching Japanese animation on Cartoon Network while munching on a bowl of frosted flakes, soggy from the milk on a Saturday morning. Maybe it’s all the fantastic stories and narratives about the lives of the Japanese from foreigners who have lived in Japan that drew me here. Perhaps its just my adventurous spirit? Who knows? Regardless, as a full fledged adult, I have to accept the responsibilities of the position that I chose in becoming a JET representative of Trinidad and Tobago to live and work in Japan and embrace the beauty (and flaws) that Japan has to offer.
I will be working as a JET in the Kyuushu island in the Oita Prefecture in a region called Hita-Shi. With the region being known for its hot springs, it’s no guess that I will be taking advantage. I’ve actually done teaching before in France and Trinidad, so I understand the basics of dealing with young children in terms of discipline and also engaging the class. Regardless, each new culture presents its unique challenges on teaching. A challenge that I am willing to accept.
I have had many questions have plagued my mind for weeks after being accepted and having signed form after form affirming my desire to go to Japan: “Am I making a mistake?”, “Am I ready for this?” and “What is a guy like me going to do there anyway, would I even fit in?” as I pack my luggage with my local seasonings and spices, knowing what I’ll leave behind. And while my identity as a “Trini” will remain with me until death, I do feel as a sort of traitor to my own culture, an imposter, for seemingly abandoning my home country. And then I thought, I’m not necessarily abandoning my home, but rather, I have been presented with the opportunity to impart the knowledge of my own culture to young Japanese minds (many of who have never even heard of Trinidad and Tobago) about who I am and where I come from as well as our culture and traditions.
As I embark on my journey, I can’t predict what will happen. Nor can I even say how long I will stay in Japan. But if there’s one thing I know, is that I am not going to change who I am, a positive, adventurous individual who is willing to experience new cultures and meet new people. Hopefully Japan will be willing to accept me with open arms.
JET Series: Is it just fate? (Japanese Embassy's Facebook)
JET Programme Series Archives
Is it just fate? Maybe. Happenstance or luck? Perhaps. I couldn’t really care less. All I know is that I have a chance in front of me and I am grabbing it with both hands. Why am I doing this? Maybe it’s the prevailing stereotype from my adolescence, from years of watching Japanese animation on Cartoon Network while munching on a bowl of frosted flakes, soggy from the milk on a Saturday morning. Maybe it’s all the fantastic stories and narratives about the lives of the Japanese from foreigners who have lived in Japan that drew me here. Perhaps its just my adventurous spirit? Who knows? Regardless, as a full fledged adult, I have to accept the responsibilities of the position that I chose in becoming a JET representative of Trinidad and Tobago to live and work in Japan and embrace the beauty (and flaws) that Japan has to offer.
I will be working as a JET in the Kyuushu island in the Oita Prefecture in a region called Hita-Shi. With the region being known for its hot springs, it’s no guess that I will be taking advantage. I’ve actually done teaching before in France and Trinidad, so I understand the basics of dealing with young children in terms of discipline and also engaging the class. Regardless, each new culture presents its unique challenges on teaching. A challenge that I am willing to accept.
I have had many questions have plagued my mind for weeks after being accepted and having signed form after form affirming my desire to go to Japan: “Am I making a mistake?”, “Am I ready for this?” and “What is a guy like me going to do there anyway, would I even fit in?” as I pack my luggage with my local seasonings and spices, knowing what I’ll leave behind. And while my identity as a “Trini” will remain with me until death, I do feel as a sort of traitor to my own culture, an imposter, for seemingly abandoning my home country. And then I thought, I’m not necessarily abandoning my home, but rather, I have been presented with the opportunity to impart the knowledge of my own culture to young Japanese minds (many of who have never even heard of Trinidad and Tobago) about who I am and where I come from as well as our culture and traditions.
As I embark on my journey, I can’t predict what will happen. Nor can I even say how long I will stay in Japan. But if there’s one thing I know, is that I am not going to change who I am, a positive, adventurous individual who is willing to experience new cultures and meet new people. Hopefully Japan will be willing to accept me with open arms.
JET Series: Is it just fate? (Japanese Embassy's Facebook)
JET Programme Series Archives