JET Programme Series: We are Here! - Rishma Ramdeo
2022/2/9
JET Programme Series: We are Here! - Rishma Ramdeo
There is a saying that goes “Man plans, God laughs”. I think it’s safe to say, that no one expected when we were accepted into the JET Programme, that it would be almost two years before we were able to embark on this adventure. Hi, my name is Rishma Ramdeo and I hail from the southwestern borough of Point Fortin, Trinidad.
I have been a biology teacher for the past twelve years with the Ministry of Education. Interestingly enough, this was my second time applying to the JET programme. In 2008, whilst attending the University of the West Indies I applied to the programme and remembered saying to a fellow applicant after the interviews were finished, that even if I was unsuccessful, that I would find a way to visit Japan and experience their culture. Who knew that twelve years later that I would finally be coming to Japan as a JET participant!
As an educator, I am very interested in observing and integrating the pedagogical skills utilized by Japanese educators into my toolbox. The JET programme enrolls many people from different cultures and countries, that I hope to grow my cultural intelligence, whilst sharing about my own little piece of paradise that is Trinidad and Tobago. It is an exciting prospect to be a cultural ambassador for Trinidad & Tobago.
My fascination with Japan started with their huge strides in technologies and quickly grew to other areas. Having been placed at Higashihiroshima, in the Hiroshima Prefecture, how could I not plan to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. From sampling their desserts like wagashi and the fluffy pancake, to dressing in kimono, hiking the trails, maybe even Mt Fuji and making my own ceramic pottery, I hope to experience as much of Japanese culture as I can. Fingers crossed; the Hiroshima Flower festival will happen during the Golden Week next year!
Throughout the pandemic, the Embassy of Japan and JETATT have kept us updated and provided such timely and encouraging words of advice on living and working in Japan, that it behooves me to say thank you for all the efforts made on our behalf to get us here. Though COVID -19 measures initially placed a damper on my excitement, finally arriving in Japan, even while in quarantine, has solidified the fact that we are here! It’s finally beginning, this new chapter. In this Land of the Rising Sun, new adventures await.
JET Series: We are Here! (Japanese Embassy's Facebook)
JET Programme Series Archives
I have been a biology teacher for the past twelve years with the Ministry of Education. Interestingly enough, this was my second time applying to the JET programme. In 2008, whilst attending the University of the West Indies I applied to the programme and remembered saying to a fellow applicant after the interviews were finished, that even if I was unsuccessful, that I would find a way to visit Japan and experience their culture. Who knew that twelve years later that I would finally be coming to Japan as a JET participant!
As an educator, I am very interested in observing and integrating the pedagogical skills utilized by Japanese educators into my toolbox. The JET programme enrolls many people from different cultures and countries, that I hope to grow my cultural intelligence, whilst sharing about my own little piece of paradise that is Trinidad and Tobago. It is an exciting prospect to be a cultural ambassador for Trinidad & Tobago.
My fascination with Japan started with their huge strides in technologies and quickly grew to other areas. Having been placed at Higashihiroshima, in the Hiroshima Prefecture, how could I not plan to visit the UNESCO World Heritage site Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. From sampling their desserts like wagashi and the fluffy pancake, to dressing in kimono, hiking the trails, maybe even Mt Fuji and making my own ceramic pottery, I hope to experience as much of Japanese culture as I can. Fingers crossed; the Hiroshima Flower festival will happen during the Golden Week next year!
Throughout the pandemic, the Embassy of Japan and JETATT have kept us updated and provided such timely and encouraging words of advice on living and working in Japan, that it behooves me to say thank you for all the efforts made on our behalf to get us here. Though COVID -19 measures initially placed a damper on my excitement, finally arriving in Japan, even while in quarantine, has solidified the fact that we are here! It’s finally beginning, this new chapter. In this Land of the Rising Sun, new adventures await.
JET Series: We are Here! (Japanese Embassy's Facebook)
JET Programme Series Archives