JET Programme Series: A late but grateful JET- Nikita Skeete
2022/1/22
JET Programme Series: A late but grateful JET- Nikita Skeete
I learned about the JET Programme while studying Japanese as an elective for my B.Sc. in Psychology at the Centre for Language Learning (CLL), University of the West Indies here in Trinidad and Tobago. My first thought was that it was a fantastic and once in a lifetime opportunity but, for me, applying to the Programme was not something that was not done lightly. Like all decisions I consider to be important, I took quite some time and thought deeply about all the things it would entail and changes it would bring about, before I made a final decision. Little did I know at the time that this certainty would serve me greatly. Having to endure an almost two-year wait caused by COVID-19 would be enough to test even the toughest resolve. But, endure I did because I knew without a doubt it was what I wanted.
This decision to apply to and follow through with the JET Programme was greatly influenced by the fact that everything about it seemed to be made for me. I have loved Japanese culture since I was 7 years old and living there has been a lifelong dream of mine. Add this to the fact that I get to teach and work with children/adolescents, it was impossible to not see it as a perfect fit for me, with Teaching and Child/Youth Counsellor being two careers I can never seem to choose between. At the age of 35, however, uprooting my whole life and moving halfway across the world was quite unnerving and to be honest, a bit daunting, especially during a pandemic. COVID- 19 has made what is usually a smooth and easy process, into a positively Herculean undertaking. In the end though, I am incredibly glad I stuck it out.
My placement is in Tohoku Town, Aomori Prefecture, located in the northern most part of Honshu (largest and most populous) Island and which is a rural town with a population of about 17,215. This part of Japan is quite cold and is currently approximately 10 degrees celsius during the day (end of November) according to my supervisor and fellow ALT. I have been warned but, apparently won't be warmed. From what I have heard from my future co-workers and seen during my research of the area, it also snows a lot in Tohoku Town. Having lived in Trinidad my entire life, I can't say I'm looking forward to all that cold and snow. Guess I'll be learning to ski or snowboard, which interestingly enough I really do want to do. Sounds super exciting and fun, even though I'm pretty sure I’ll have many battle wounds to show for my efforts. I also want to travel and experience as many towns and cities as possible and all the different events and activities that each have to offer while I'm in Japan.
Taking part in the JET Programme will earn me invaluable hands-on experience and training in teaching and working with youngsters. Perhaps then, this practical knowledge will help me to finally choose between what I like to refer to as my "two callings" and decide what to pursue further once I get back to Trinidad. I know that whatever happens, I will be forever grateful and proud to count myself as one of the people who have had the honour of this opportunity and experience. One that will no doubt, stay with me for and shape the rest of my life.
JET Series: A Late but grateful JET (Japanese Embassy's Facebook)
JET Programme Series Archives
This decision to apply to and follow through with the JET Programme was greatly influenced by the fact that everything about it seemed to be made for me. I have loved Japanese culture since I was 7 years old and living there has been a lifelong dream of mine. Add this to the fact that I get to teach and work with children/adolescents, it was impossible to not see it as a perfect fit for me, with Teaching and Child/Youth Counsellor being two careers I can never seem to choose between. At the age of 35, however, uprooting my whole life and moving halfway across the world was quite unnerving and to be honest, a bit daunting, especially during a pandemic. COVID- 19 has made what is usually a smooth and easy process, into a positively Herculean undertaking. In the end though, I am incredibly glad I stuck it out.
My placement is in Tohoku Town, Aomori Prefecture, located in the northern most part of Honshu (largest and most populous) Island and which is a rural town with a population of about 17,215. This part of Japan is quite cold and is currently approximately 10 degrees celsius during the day (end of November) according to my supervisor and fellow ALT. I have been warned but, apparently won't be warmed. From what I have heard from my future co-workers and seen during my research of the area, it also snows a lot in Tohoku Town. Having lived in Trinidad my entire life, I can't say I'm looking forward to all that cold and snow. Guess I'll be learning to ski or snowboard, which interestingly enough I really do want to do. Sounds super exciting and fun, even though I'm pretty sure I’ll have many battle wounds to show for my efforts. I also want to travel and experience as many towns and cities as possible and all the different events and activities that each have to offer while I'm in Japan.
Taking part in the JET Programme will earn me invaluable hands-on experience and training in teaching and working with youngsters. Perhaps then, this practical knowledge will help me to finally choose between what I like to refer to as my "two callings" and decide what to pursue further once I get back to Trinidad. I know that whatever happens, I will be forever grateful and proud to count myself as one of the people who have had the honour of this opportunity and experience. One that will no doubt, stay with me for and shape the rest of my life.
JET Series: A Late but grateful JET (Japanese Embassy's Facebook)
JET Programme Series Archives