Jet Programme Series: Going with the Flow – From Claxton Bay to Fukuyama City - Jessica Persad
2022/4/25
Jet Programme Series: Going with the Flow – From Claxton Bay to Fukuyama City - Jessica Persad
Hi! My name is Jessica Persad and I am 25 years old.
I have spent most of my life being tugged by currents, unable to deviate from the ebbs and flows of what I believed to be the course of my existence. I had in fact spent the majority of it at my home in Claxton Bay, achieving a Bachelor of Science in International Relations with a Minor in Spanish (Hons), as a commuting student with the University of the West Indies (UWI).
It was only during my second year of undergraduate studies that existential dread would inevitably interject my youth. And although my approach had little to no hiccups, I could not help but wonder, “What would happen when I could no longer only rely on the currents to guide me?”
It was within this episode of unease, after a Google search of self-discovery, I learned about the JET Programme, and this would begin my journey.
As an International Relations student and language learner, the idea of utilizing English-teaching as a medium of strengthening bilateral relations, epitomized the convergence of both my principal interests. Having coincidentally (and unsuccessfully) pursued self-study of the Japanese language around the same time of researching the programme, I became determined to be a participant of this cultural exchange endeavour.
It was because of this determination I enrolled in the Japanese courses offered at the Centre for Language Learning (CLL) in UWI. A decision that would become most crucial to my expanding interest and understanding of Japan’s rich culture.
In addition to language skills, three years of classes provided me with invaluable insight into Japan, both from my teachers and classmates. Calligraphy (shōdo), tea ceremony (sādo) and kite-making, were among some of the memorable activities I was able to partake in. Furthermore, I had the privilege of participating in the Yosakoi dance at a reception for the Networking of the Friends of Japan, as well as attending a reception for returning JETs, at the residence of the Ambassador of Japan in 2019. The latter attesting to the foundation of the programme’s longevity, further encouraging me along this path.
So, after 5 years of meandering on a passage I had chosen, I will soon (metaphorically) find myself in the Ashida River, docked at the ‘City of Roses’, Fukuyama. Fukuyama City, located in Western Honshu along the coast of the Seto Inland Sea, is the second largest city in Hiroshima Prefecture. Following Post-WWII restoration, Fukuyama grew exponentially and was eventually named one of the core cities of Japan. Much like Trinidad and Tobago, historical landmarks and recreational sites amalgamate with the industrial and commercial sector of the city, creating a unique charm.
From visiting the Fukuyama Museum of Art to hiking up Mount Zao, Fukuyama allows for the exploration of historical and contemporary Japanese culture within its borders, and around Japan with convenience. Though my knowledge of this city up until a few months ago was non-existent, I could not be more excited to continue the Trinbagonian-Japanese cultural exchange there. I could not be more grateful that this is where I extend my course.
JET Series: From Claxton Bay to Fukuyama City (Japanese Embassy's Facebook)
JET Programme Series Archives
I have spent most of my life being tugged by currents, unable to deviate from the ebbs and flows of what I believed to be the course of my existence. I had in fact spent the majority of it at my home in Claxton Bay, achieving a Bachelor of Science in International Relations with a Minor in Spanish (Hons), as a commuting student with the University of the West Indies (UWI).
It was only during my second year of undergraduate studies that existential dread would inevitably interject my youth. And although my approach had little to no hiccups, I could not help but wonder, “What would happen when I could no longer only rely on the currents to guide me?”
It was within this episode of unease, after a Google search of self-discovery, I learned about the JET Programme, and this would begin my journey.
As an International Relations student and language learner, the idea of utilizing English-teaching as a medium of strengthening bilateral relations, epitomized the convergence of both my principal interests. Having coincidentally (and unsuccessfully) pursued self-study of the Japanese language around the same time of researching the programme, I became determined to be a participant of this cultural exchange endeavour.
It was because of this determination I enrolled in the Japanese courses offered at the Centre for Language Learning (CLL) in UWI. A decision that would become most crucial to my expanding interest and understanding of Japan’s rich culture.
In addition to language skills, three years of classes provided me with invaluable insight into Japan, both from my teachers and classmates. Calligraphy (shōdo), tea ceremony (sādo) and kite-making, were among some of the memorable activities I was able to partake in. Furthermore, I had the privilege of participating in the Yosakoi dance at a reception for the Networking of the Friends of Japan, as well as attending a reception for returning JETs, at the residence of the Ambassador of Japan in 2019. The latter attesting to the foundation of the programme’s longevity, further encouraging me along this path.
So, after 5 years of meandering on a passage I had chosen, I will soon (metaphorically) find myself in the Ashida River, docked at the ‘City of Roses’, Fukuyama. Fukuyama City, located in Western Honshu along the coast of the Seto Inland Sea, is the second largest city in Hiroshima Prefecture. Following Post-WWII restoration, Fukuyama grew exponentially and was eventually named one of the core cities of Japan. Much like Trinidad and Tobago, historical landmarks and recreational sites amalgamate with the industrial and commercial sector of the city, creating a unique charm.
From visiting the Fukuyama Museum of Art to hiking up Mount Zao, Fukuyama allows for the exploration of historical and contemporary Japanese culture within its borders, and around Japan with convenience. Though my knowledge of this city up until a few months ago was non-existent, I could not be more excited to continue the Trinbagonian-Japanese cultural exchange there. I could not be more grateful that this is where I extend my course.
JET Series: From Claxton Bay to Fukuyama City (Japanese Embassy's Facebook)
JET Programme Series Archives