JET Programme Series: Akita - Japan's Best-Kept Secret - Jewell Luke
2023/10/5
JET Programme Series: Akita - Japan's Best-Kept Secret - Jewell Luke
My name is Jewell Luke, and I am a planner. Once I plan to do something, 99 9% of the time, I am going to do it and do it well. I have lived in Laventille all my life. Everyone knows living in one place can sometimes make you feel stuck, but I have always had a plan to travel the world, doing the thing I love the most. Unfortunately, disappointment has always been a very close friend of mine.
I had a plan to have a meaningful life as a teacher, inspiring my students while at the same time having amazing adventures. I longed for a life filled with travels, where I would meet people of different cultures, eat unique foods, and master a language or two. However, all I could realistically hope for was a short trip every two to three years. Then suddenly, my path seemed to change with one phone call- “Congratulations! You were accepted!”
I have shared many of the personal lessons I have learnt with my students as a form of
encouragement. The one they hated the most was “Sometimes no is the best answer.” They disagreed strongly. And in the past, I remember being just like them. I hated being told “no”. Even more, because I rarely asked for anything. Everything I went after seemed to come with numerous obstacles. It was not until 2021 that I finally understood that these disappointments, hardships, struggles, and big fat “no’s” were necessary.
I look back on all the rejections and delays I have experienced and can smile, knowing that if I had gotten everything I ever wanted, I would not be embarking on this journey. Japan will undoubtedly be exciting and filled with new and sometimes overwhelming experiences. It will be the first time I live alone, the first time I sit on a train and the first time I will experience the four seasons—which I look forward to the most. But then there's the ever-so-daunting language barrier which will ultimately force me to improve my Japanese skills.
Akita seems to be Japan's best-kept secret. I look forward to exploring my mysterious but
beautiful prefecture, getting involved with my community, and tasting many different foods.
Despite being in disbelief that this is happening, I am contented. I am glad I received so many no’s that have prepared me for this big yes! My endurance has contributed to the strong character that allows me to have hope despite what I face in the future.
I am truly honoured by this opportunity to teach and connect Japan to my country. And I owe many thanks to my support system—my mother, my closest friends, my Pastor and my church for their love, continued prayers and reminders to keep my trust in Jesus to see me through all things.
A special thank you to those who have made this transition as smooth as possible. The Ambassador of Japan, H.E. Matsubara, Mr Aleron Rajalal (JET Coordinator), all staff at the Japanese Embassy of Trinidad & Tobago, Misato-Sensei (CLL), the Akita Board of Education and fellow JETs of Akita!
JET Series: Akita - Japan's Best-Kept Secret (Japanese Embassy's Facebook)
JET Programme Series Archives
I had a plan to have a meaningful life as a teacher, inspiring my students while at the same time having amazing adventures. I longed for a life filled with travels, where I would meet people of different cultures, eat unique foods, and master a language or two. However, all I could realistically hope for was a short trip every two to three years. Then suddenly, my path seemed to change with one phone call- “Congratulations! You were accepted!”
I have shared many of the personal lessons I have learnt with my students as a form of
encouragement. The one they hated the most was “Sometimes no is the best answer.” They disagreed strongly. And in the past, I remember being just like them. I hated being told “no”. Even more, because I rarely asked for anything. Everything I went after seemed to come with numerous obstacles. It was not until 2021 that I finally understood that these disappointments, hardships, struggles, and big fat “no’s” were necessary.
I look back on all the rejections and delays I have experienced and can smile, knowing that if I had gotten everything I ever wanted, I would not be embarking on this journey. Japan will undoubtedly be exciting and filled with new and sometimes overwhelming experiences. It will be the first time I live alone, the first time I sit on a train and the first time I will experience the four seasons—which I look forward to the most. But then there's the ever-so-daunting language barrier which will ultimately force me to improve my Japanese skills.
Akita seems to be Japan's best-kept secret. I look forward to exploring my mysterious but
beautiful prefecture, getting involved with my community, and tasting many different foods.
Despite being in disbelief that this is happening, I am contented. I am glad I received so many no’s that have prepared me for this big yes! My endurance has contributed to the strong character that allows me to have hope despite what I face in the future.
I am truly honoured by this opportunity to teach and connect Japan to my country. And I owe many thanks to my support system—my mother, my closest friends, my Pastor and my church for their love, continued prayers and reminders to keep my trust in Jesus to see me through all things.
A special thank you to those who have made this transition as smooth as possible. The Ambassador of Japan, H.E. Matsubara, Mr Aleron Rajalal (JET Coordinator), all staff at the Japanese Embassy of Trinidad & Tobago, Misato-Sensei (CLL), the Akita Board of Education and fellow JETs of Akita!
JET Series: Akita - Japan's Best-Kept Secret (Japanese Embassy's Facebook)
JET Programme Series Archives