JET Programme Series: The first 3 months in Sakata City, Yamagata Prefecture - Lee Charles
2022/3/3
JET Programme Series: The first 3 months in Sakata City, Yamagata Prefecture - Lee Charles
Sakata City is nestled in the northeast coast of Yamagata Prefecture. It is a quiet place, and the people are welcoming. The winter here has been the coldest that I have personally experienced, and I have seen hail, rain, strong winds and snow all in the same day. To say that Sakata City is different from my hometown of Arima would undoubtably be the understatement of the year. I’ve spent most of the first three months here trying to settle in, build meaningful relationships and survive the winter.
The best part of this experience so far has been teaching at the two high schools, Sakata Higashi High School, and Kyoro High School. The teachers have been good natured, communicative, and open minded. As a result, my transition from primary school teacher to ALT has been a rather seamless one and for that I am truly grateful. The students at both schools are as different as night and day but I appreciate having that contrast in personalities and academic proficiency. My self-introduction lesson was very well received by both schools. I taught the students about Trinidad and Tobago’s diversity, music, cuisine, and natural resources. I introduced them to the vibrant sounds of the steel pan and soca, I still smile when I remember hearing some students singing Kes ‘Hello’. I am allowing my work to speak for itself, and I am slowly introducing different aspects of my culture to my colleagues and students.
Although teaching is a major part of my life here, I’ve been able to see a glimpse of what Yamagata Prefecture has to offer. I skied and ice skated for the first time here so now I have two less activities on my bucket list. I visited Ginzan Onsen, a beautiful secluded hot spring town that offers its visitors a picturesque backdrop of snowy mountains in the winter with restaurants, hotels and souvenir shops littering both sides of the street. The rich, delicious food offered at the restaurants there give you an authentic taste of Japan while adding to the overall appeal of one of Yamagata’s gems. It is a must see for most people, but it is a must repeat for me. I also took a weekend trip to Mt. Zoa a place famous for its wide range of hot springs and in winter it can be described as a skier’s dream resort. There is much more waiting for me in Yamagata Prefecture, and I can’t wait to experience as much as I can.
This part of my life is still in its infancy stage so I cannot predict where I will go next, what I will do and who will accompany me along the way, but I do know that I am ready for every challenge and adventure. I hope that I will leave a lasting impression on all the people that I encounter during my stay here because Yamagata Prefecture will most certainly leave a lasting impression on me.
JET Series: Carnival - The first 3 months in Sakata City, Yamagata Prefecture (Japanese Embassy's Facebook)
JET Programme Series Archives
The best part of this experience so far has been teaching at the two high schools, Sakata Higashi High School, and Kyoro High School. The teachers have been good natured, communicative, and open minded. As a result, my transition from primary school teacher to ALT has been a rather seamless one and for that I am truly grateful. The students at both schools are as different as night and day but I appreciate having that contrast in personalities and academic proficiency. My self-introduction lesson was very well received by both schools. I taught the students about Trinidad and Tobago’s diversity, music, cuisine, and natural resources. I introduced them to the vibrant sounds of the steel pan and soca, I still smile when I remember hearing some students singing Kes ‘Hello’. I am allowing my work to speak for itself, and I am slowly introducing different aspects of my culture to my colleagues and students.
Although teaching is a major part of my life here, I’ve been able to see a glimpse of what Yamagata Prefecture has to offer. I skied and ice skated for the first time here so now I have two less activities on my bucket list. I visited Ginzan Onsen, a beautiful secluded hot spring town that offers its visitors a picturesque backdrop of snowy mountains in the winter with restaurants, hotels and souvenir shops littering both sides of the street. The rich, delicious food offered at the restaurants there give you an authentic taste of Japan while adding to the overall appeal of one of Yamagata’s gems. It is a must see for most people, but it is a must repeat for me. I also took a weekend trip to Mt. Zoa a place famous for its wide range of hot springs and in winter it can be described as a skier’s dream resort. There is much more waiting for me in Yamagata Prefecture, and I can’t wait to experience as much as I can.
This part of my life is still in its infancy stage so I cannot predict where I will go next, what I will do and who will accompany me along the way, but I do know that I am ready for every challenge and adventure. I hope that I will leave a lasting impression on all the people that I encounter during my stay here because Yamagata Prefecture will most certainly leave a lasting impression on me.
JET Series: Carnival - The first 3 months in Sakata City, Yamagata Prefecture (Japanese Embassy's Facebook)
JET Programme Series Archives