JET Programme Series: Goodbye T&T. Hello Okinawa! - Michaela Phillip
2023/8/14
Goodbye sweet sweet T&T. I never thought I would be writing those words. I will be back but hopefully not too soon.
Hi! My name is Michaela Phillip. I have lived all my life in the city of Chaguanas located in central Trinidad. Finally, after 24 years, I will be embarking on my own adventure. I was never sure which career path was right for me. My mind has changed numerous times from pre-school up until after university. In 2021 I graduated from the University of the West Indies (UWI) where I was awarded First Class Honours for my double major in Film Production and Film Studies.
Typically, people take their gap year before starting university but I chose to take mines after. It definitely confused my family. It is so common for recent graduates to immediately seek employment. Sadly, I had many unpleasant experiences in university which prompted me to deeply reflect on my life. I knew that time in my life was very precious. I soon began my spiritual journey and questioned what I really wanted for myself. In February 2022 I started to watch a YouTube channel called “Abroad in Japan”. If you are unfamiliar with the channel, it was created by a British man named Chris Broad. After completing his film degree, he began documenting life in Japan while working as Assistant Language Teacher (ALT). He has since left The Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme and continues to produce videos about Japan.
This was the first time I was introduced to the concept of working in Japan as a foreigner. As soon as I found out I was eligible, I knew I needed to apply. It was 13 months of stress, anxiety, prayers and ultimately joy when I got accepted into the programme. I am ever grateful for this opportunity. Despite never formally teaching before, I cannot wait to be the best ALT I can be at my 2 schools.
This August I will officially be living in beautiful Okinawa. Even though it was not one of my top 3 choices, I am very pleased with my placement. My only gripe is that my mom found out that the most popular vegetable is goya (I can never escape caraille). Nevertheless, I am more than excited to explore, eat and sweat! This programme will hopefully bring a lot of new and exciting experiences that will help me in different aspects of my life.
Lastly, I would like to thank God, my family, friends, the staff at the local Japanese Embassy, NTA travel agency, CLAIR and all those who have continually supported me throughout this process. I am eternally grateful for the love and patience. Thank you.
JET Series: Goodbye T&T. Hello Okinawa! (Japanese Embassy's Facebook)
JET Programme Series Archives
Hi! My name is Michaela Phillip. I have lived all my life in the city of Chaguanas located in central Trinidad. Finally, after 24 years, I will be embarking on my own adventure. I was never sure which career path was right for me. My mind has changed numerous times from pre-school up until after university. In 2021 I graduated from the University of the West Indies (UWI) where I was awarded First Class Honours for my double major in Film Production and Film Studies.
Typically, people take their gap year before starting university but I chose to take mines after. It definitely confused my family. It is so common for recent graduates to immediately seek employment. Sadly, I had many unpleasant experiences in university which prompted me to deeply reflect on my life. I knew that time in my life was very precious. I soon began my spiritual journey and questioned what I really wanted for myself. In February 2022 I started to watch a YouTube channel called “Abroad in Japan”. If you are unfamiliar with the channel, it was created by a British man named Chris Broad. After completing his film degree, he began documenting life in Japan while working as Assistant Language Teacher (ALT). He has since left The Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme and continues to produce videos about Japan.
This was the first time I was introduced to the concept of working in Japan as a foreigner. As soon as I found out I was eligible, I knew I needed to apply. It was 13 months of stress, anxiety, prayers and ultimately joy when I got accepted into the programme. I am ever grateful for this opportunity. Despite never formally teaching before, I cannot wait to be the best ALT I can be at my 2 schools.
This August I will officially be living in beautiful Okinawa. Even though it was not one of my top 3 choices, I am very pleased with my placement. My only gripe is that my mom found out that the most popular vegetable is goya (I can never escape caraille). Nevertheless, I am more than excited to explore, eat and sweat! This programme will hopefully bring a lot of new and exciting experiences that will help me in different aspects of my life.
Lastly, I would like to thank God, my family, friends, the staff at the local Japanese Embassy, NTA travel agency, CLAIR and all those who have continually supported me throughout this process. I am eternally grateful for the love and patience. Thank you.
JET Series: Goodbye T&T. Hello Okinawa! (Japanese Embassy's Facebook)
JET Programme Series Archives