JET Programme Series: JET-ting off to Japan - Dana Williams
2023/8/22
JET Programme Series: JET-ting off to Japan - Dana Williams
Hello, my name is Dana Williams. I’m a 31 year old “island girl” from Barataria, Trinidad. Growing up in an impoverished neighbourhood, it would have been easy to be molded into the stereotype that these “ghettos” produce. However, the love, support and push from my family, provided me with the drive that was required to ultimately break the pattern and achieve a BSc. International Relations and MSc. Strategic Leadership and Management; both from the University of the West Indies.
My interest in the JET programme came at a young age after a friend’s parent (knowing about my love for anime and the Japanese culture) introduced me to the programme. That very brief interaction was the spark that lit the fire of my burning interest in JET.
After completing my BSc, there appeared to be flashing signs everywhere all pointing me in the direction of JET application. Be that as it may, as life moved forward, obstacles fell into my path and time metaphorically did not wait for this woman, the embers that kept my passion ablaze were snuffed out. All thoughts of JET, became so buried under the ashes that it was forgotten altogether.
The flare that reignited my interest came at age 30, after bumping into a friend at the mall (of all places) and learning of her successful selection to participate in the programme. That same year, I began the application process for the 2022 JET intake. A process that was left incomplete, due to academic transcript inconsistencies that went previously unnoticed. It was at this point that I began to question my decision. Maybe this was a sign that this wasn’t for me? Maybe I’m too old to think about starting my life over?
Coupled with these questions, events in my life (a recent promotion), seemed to be tipping the scales of success and financial security in my favour. Maybe I should try harder to be happy with the life I currently possess? But, contentment was nowhere on the horizon, as I still felt a sense of…incompletion. With the encouragement from my family and friends, I decided to ignore these negative thoughts and submit my application for the 2023 intake in November 2022.
Fast forward to present time and I am proud to say that I will be getting on a JET plane and making my way to Japan. When I learnt of my successful selection, I felt this overwhelming relief as I was finally one step closer to realizing my dream. For the next year, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Abu Town will be the home that my tenacity gifted. There, I would work as an ALT and not only contribute to the English language learning process but share countless learning experiences about a language and a culture that I had only dreamed about for so long. I also look forward to exposing all the good, sweet T&T has to offer.
Not knowing a thing about Yamaguchi before my placement, Google quickly became my best friend as I dove head first down the research rabbit hole. I believe that this rural gem is just what I needed to quiet the hectic life that I previously led. Rich in scenery and history, I could hardly wait to visit the various shrines, castles and beaches (a must for this island girl) this prefecture has to offer. I cannot wait to see the cherry blossoms in bloom, relax in onsen, indulge in the delicious seafood that Shimonoseki boasts and attempt to try all 100 flavors of ice cream at Musashi. My sense of adventure also calls for a visit to Akiyoshadai Quasi National Park where I could visit the Akiyoshido caves.
For me, the JET programme is an instrument that allows for a synthesis of cultures. It offers the possibility to share aspects of my culture and witness how it would impact the students – and teachers – involved in the process, while synchronously aiding in the re-construction of my own way of thinking, by granting me the privilege to engage with Japanese culture and the people that embody it. I don’t know what my future holds, but I’m certain that my participation in this experience will aid in the development of many useful skills. All my life I’ve been like a rolling stone – not knowing where I want to stop but enjoying using the tools that I’ve picked up along the way. I still can’t say that I’m 100% sure of what my future holds but, I know that my JET experience will take me one step closer to finding out.
I want to offer a heartfelt thanks to the Japanese Embassy and the ambassador for giving me this once in a lifetime opportunity, to be a part of continuing the break of divide between cultures, to be a student as much as a teacher and to achieve the tremendous individual growth that this programme will undeniably encourage.
JET Series: JET-ing off to Japan (Japanese Embassy's Facebook)
JET Programme Series Archives
My interest in the JET programme came at a young age after a friend’s parent (knowing about my love for anime and the Japanese culture) introduced me to the programme. That very brief interaction was the spark that lit the fire of my burning interest in JET.
After completing my BSc, there appeared to be flashing signs everywhere all pointing me in the direction of JET application. Be that as it may, as life moved forward, obstacles fell into my path and time metaphorically did not wait for this woman, the embers that kept my passion ablaze were snuffed out. All thoughts of JET, became so buried under the ashes that it was forgotten altogether.
The flare that reignited my interest came at age 30, after bumping into a friend at the mall (of all places) and learning of her successful selection to participate in the programme. That same year, I began the application process for the 2022 JET intake. A process that was left incomplete, due to academic transcript inconsistencies that went previously unnoticed. It was at this point that I began to question my decision. Maybe this was a sign that this wasn’t for me? Maybe I’m too old to think about starting my life over?
Coupled with these questions, events in my life (a recent promotion), seemed to be tipping the scales of success and financial security in my favour. Maybe I should try harder to be happy with the life I currently possess? But, contentment was nowhere on the horizon, as I still felt a sense of…incompletion. With the encouragement from my family and friends, I decided to ignore these negative thoughts and submit my application for the 2023 intake in November 2022.
Fast forward to present time and I am proud to say that I will be getting on a JET plane and making my way to Japan. When I learnt of my successful selection, I felt this overwhelming relief as I was finally one step closer to realizing my dream. For the next year, Yamaguchi Prefecture, Abu Town will be the home that my tenacity gifted. There, I would work as an ALT and not only contribute to the English language learning process but share countless learning experiences about a language and a culture that I had only dreamed about for so long. I also look forward to exposing all the good, sweet T&T has to offer.
Not knowing a thing about Yamaguchi before my placement, Google quickly became my best friend as I dove head first down the research rabbit hole. I believe that this rural gem is just what I needed to quiet the hectic life that I previously led. Rich in scenery and history, I could hardly wait to visit the various shrines, castles and beaches (a must for this island girl) this prefecture has to offer. I cannot wait to see the cherry blossoms in bloom, relax in onsen, indulge in the delicious seafood that Shimonoseki boasts and attempt to try all 100 flavors of ice cream at Musashi. My sense of adventure also calls for a visit to Akiyoshadai Quasi National Park where I could visit the Akiyoshido caves.
For me, the JET programme is an instrument that allows for a synthesis of cultures. It offers the possibility to share aspects of my culture and witness how it would impact the students – and teachers – involved in the process, while synchronously aiding in the re-construction of my own way of thinking, by granting me the privilege to engage with Japanese culture and the people that embody it. I don’t know what my future holds, but I’m certain that my participation in this experience will aid in the development of many useful skills. All my life I’ve been like a rolling stone – not knowing where I want to stop but enjoying using the tools that I’ve picked up along the way. I still can’t say that I’m 100% sure of what my future holds but, I know that my JET experience will take me one step closer to finding out.
I want to offer a heartfelt thanks to the Japanese Embassy and the ambassador for giving me this once in a lifetime opportunity, to be a part of continuing the break of divide between cultures, to be a student as much as a teacher and to achieve the tremendous individual growth that this programme will undeniably encourage.
JET Series: JET-ing off to Japan (Japanese Embassy's Facebook)
JET Programme Series Archives