JET Programme Series: Round 2: Fight! - Rachel Khan
2023/6/16
JET Programme Series: Round 2: Fight! - Rachel Khan
Some years ago, I accomplished a lifelong dream to come to Japan. I lived and studied here, and I knew I always wanted to return. The JET Programme granted me a second chance at life in this amazing country. I’ll admit, some part of me said, “What’s there to worry about, you got this!” but something I was quickly humbled by upon my return to was just how much remained for me to learn. That is how I’d characterise my life in Japan: one of continuous learning. My placement in the Kinki region for JET feels as though I’m in another Japan, one starkly different from the northern territories where I once lived. I had never been here before, and thought, “Well, what can be THAT different?”
Everything. Everything can! The city of Kobe in the Hyogo Prefecture is one that consistently surprises me. Life here in the Kansai area is bustling, loud and busy—a far stretch from the more slower paced, quieter north. Kobe is a stone’s throw away from Osaka, Kyoto and Nara. One month, I didn’t realise until after that I had spent every weekend hanging out in Osaka’s shopping districts or at Universal Studios Japan. As I am experiencing this new change of lifestyle, so too am I getting my bearings as an elementary school teacher.
Remember that comment I made about learning humility? Nothing will humble you faster than young children! My students are full of life, energy and an endearing directness that both delights and surprises me at every turn. Maybe my sense of humour is childish, but they make me laugh as much as my bad jokes make them laugh too. I was truly nervous to work with children, but I look forward to work every day. I also enjoy teaching my students and colleagues different things about Trinidad and Tobago. They are curious about life in another countries, and part of our job is cultural exchange, be it through teaching about festivals, history or climate. Actually, one of my favourite things to teach the students is about banana-flavour soft drinks. Without fail, their jaws drop in shock as they exclaim, “Banana soda!?”
I look forward to all the things my second round in Japan will bring me and I’m so grateful to be here.
JET Series: Round 2: Fight! (Japanese Embassy's Facebook)
JET Programme Series Archives
Everything. Everything can! The city of Kobe in the Hyogo Prefecture is one that consistently surprises me. Life here in the Kansai area is bustling, loud and busy—a far stretch from the more slower paced, quieter north. Kobe is a stone’s throw away from Osaka, Kyoto and Nara. One month, I didn’t realise until after that I had spent every weekend hanging out in Osaka’s shopping districts or at Universal Studios Japan. As I am experiencing this new change of lifestyle, so too am I getting my bearings as an elementary school teacher.
Remember that comment I made about learning humility? Nothing will humble you faster than young children! My students are full of life, energy and an endearing directness that both delights and surprises me at every turn. Maybe my sense of humour is childish, but they make me laugh as much as my bad jokes make them laugh too. I was truly nervous to work with children, but I look forward to work every day. I also enjoy teaching my students and colleagues different things about Trinidad and Tobago. They are curious about life in another countries, and part of our job is cultural exchange, be it through teaching about festivals, history or climate. Actually, one of my favourite things to teach the students is about banana-flavour soft drinks. Without fail, their jaws drop in shock as they exclaim, “Banana soda!?”
I look forward to all the things my second round in Japan will bring me and I’m so grateful to be here.
JET Series: Round 2: Fight! (Japanese Embassy's Facebook)
JET Programme Series Archives