JET Programme Series: Challenge Yourself! – Reegan Samlal

Approximately four years ago, birthed from a desire to change myself, I, Reegan Samlal, age 21, began undertaking seemingly random tasks, tasks which someone like myself would never dare to venture. In this desire to change, I resolved to pursue with fervour, whatever I thought would be extremely difficult and interesting. While these actions have led to many impactful  and beneficial changes in my life, one could argue that the most dynamic was the decision to study the Japanese language at the Centre for Language Learning at the University of the West Indies. It was this decision that kindled the now blazing flame that is my desire to expand my knowledge of Japanese culture and the language, and what ultimately lead to my participation in the JET programme.
 
It is said that humans experience the greatest dopaminergic response in the anticipation or pursuit of something desirable. I would like to consider  myself a rational and logical person. However, in the moments preceding the notification of my successful application to the JET Programme, and at the time I am writing this, which preludes my arrival to my placement in the Tokyo Prefecture of Japan, I find myself caught upon a hedonic treadmill. Rationalizing my current state, I believe, as I  am now is the result of having been relieved of the anticipation. That is not to say I am not looking forward to the many experiences and encounters I will soon be greeted with during my time in Japan.
 
I suffer no illusions that my time in Japan will be free of problems but that is precisely the inducement for my actions. I, having come this far firmly believe that it is in challenging oneself that one learns and grows the most. In moving to a foreign land where I am no longer surrounded by familiar faces, where previously trivial tasks such as commuting and navigating a supermarket are now seasoned with a new level of difficulty, tasked with a new duty of which I have no experience, I am eager to face these unknowns. Whether it be in an attempt to conform to a new society , to avoid making embarrassing mistakes or to learn the language and culture, I imagine that by my own desire I will be forced to find a way to overcome these challenges.
 
“He who has a why can bear almost any how”- Friedrich Nietzsche
 
My reality today began as a thought, thoughts beget actions and actions shape your reality.
 
I say to anyone reading this, go boldly into the unknown armed with the humility of ignorance and the confidence that whatever difficulties you face, you will overcome and be made better from it. So, challenge yourself!


JET Series: Challenge Yourself! (Japanese Embassy's Facebook) 

JET Programme Series Archives