JET Programme Series: Purpose and persistence: a new chapter to be told - Lauren Chin
2024/12/6
JET Programme Series: Purpose and persistence: a new chapter to be told - Lauren Chin
They say “third time’s a charm” and that proverb certainly held true for my experience with the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme. As I sit here trying to gather my thoughts for this piece, I am overwhelmed with emotions. Embarking on a journey often involves overcoming obstacles, and my quest to Japan has been no exception. I find it hard to believe that it’s been 6 whole years since the first time I tried to apply to the programme. Yet it feels even more surreal to say that this time, after two unsuccessful attempts and a worldwide pandemic later, I will soon be starting a new chapter of my life in Kiryu City, Gunma. Where do I really begin my story?
Fond childhood memories of my father reading stories to my siblings and me in Spanish, French and also singing in a Chinese dialect, was what initially motivated my pursuit of language studies and linguistics at the University of the West Indies. My interest in Japan also began at a tender age – watching anime and learning to make origami paper cranes planted seeds in my mind that would blossom as I explored more of my natural artistic talents. Although the path I chose at university was centred on Spanish, my curiosity for the Japanese culture never wavered as I immersed myself in various opportunities and events that facilitated it.
I had never considered myself a teacher, but my major in Spanish granted me the privilege of participating in a teaching programme in Colombia very similar to the JET Programme, and it was there that I developed a passion to share my knowledge. However, the most profound moment for me was the time I boldly accepted the lead role in a play with the university’s theatre group – entirely in Spanish. When I saw how much all the students and lecturers involved were inspired by my dedication to go beyond my own limitations, I discovered how much I wanted to continue igniting this spark in others, opening their minds to the endless possibilities foreign language acquisition can provide.
That’s why JET seemed like the most natural option to me. After prayerful consideration, I thought God was leading me… but on two separate occasions I applied and my efforts were fruitless. Did I misunderstand God’s direction? COVID and rejection dampened my resolve. I chose to bury the idea and occupied myself with my small crafting business (making many Japanese anime and game related things I might add! haha) However, with life not turning out the way I had hoped, a couple of friends encouraged me to give it one last try. If the door remained closed, I would truly put this behind me and seek another path. I remember saying if I hadn’t heard anything by my birthday, that was it. My birthday came and went, so I got up, dusted myself off and said “What’s next?” To my utmost surprise, exactly 8 days after my birthday, I received the call that would alter the course of my life. I had made it to the interview shortlist!
I would love to say everything was smooth sailing from there. From reaching seconds before my interview, to embarrassingly blurting out the word “ebi” (shrimp) as the answer to one of the interview questions, I was almost certain I wasn’t going to make the cut. I remember one of the candidates that afternoon saying “Don’t worry, all of you here are going to get through!”. Two months later we were able to celebrate that what she said came true - every person who was in the room at that time was selected!
Nevertheless, this was literally only the beginning! When I finally received my placement, I knew nothing of the city nor the prefecture. A quick internet search revealed an article that said “A decade ago or so, Gunma Prefecture ranked last in a survey of the most interesting of Japan’s 47 prefectures. This became a big joke online…” I chuckled as I was reminded of my experience with Colombia since the city I went to was also not highly appreciated; I wouldn’t let that sway me. I continued my search and found out that Kiryu City is renowned for producing high quality silk used for making the most intricate kimonos and scarves. As a crafter, this intrigued me. From exquisite landscapes to exciting festivals and experiencing my first winter, Kiryu and Gunma undoubtedly have many gems in store for me to discover. Of course, not forgetting the magic of inspiring my students and co-workers to pursue new worlds and dreams.
I thank God that He continues to show me how everything is being worked out bit by bit. Will uprooting myself again and moving so far away from my friends and loved ones be easy? Quite the opposite. Yet sufficed to say with all my ramblings, I hope that what anyone can take away from my story is that: persistence, patience and prayer will get you where you need to be. Despite many setbacks, just as Bilbo Baggins felt like a tiny Hobbit who had gotten himself lost in a huge adventure, I share his sentiments in these words: “Go back?” he thought. “No good at all! Go sideways? Impossible! Go forward? Only thing to do! On we go!”
JET Series: Purpose and Persistence: a new chapter to be told (Japanese Embassy's Facebook)
JET Programme Series Archives
Fond childhood memories of my father reading stories to my siblings and me in Spanish, French and also singing in a Chinese dialect, was what initially motivated my pursuit of language studies and linguistics at the University of the West Indies. My interest in Japan also began at a tender age – watching anime and learning to make origami paper cranes planted seeds in my mind that would blossom as I explored more of my natural artistic talents. Although the path I chose at university was centred on Spanish, my curiosity for the Japanese culture never wavered as I immersed myself in various opportunities and events that facilitated it.
I had never considered myself a teacher, but my major in Spanish granted me the privilege of participating in a teaching programme in Colombia very similar to the JET Programme, and it was there that I developed a passion to share my knowledge. However, the most profound moment for me was the time I boldly accepted the lead role in a play with the university’s theatre group – entirely in Spanish. When I saw how much all the students and lecturers involved were inspired by my dedication to go beyond my own limitations, I discovered how much I wanted to continue igniting this spark in others, opening their minds to the endless possibilities foreign language acquisition can provide.
That’s why JET seemed like the most natural option to me. After prayerful consideration, I thought God was leading me… but on two separate occasions I applied and my efforts were fruitless. Did I misunderstand God’s direction? COVID and rejection dampened my resolve. I chose to bury the idea and occupied myself with my small crafting business (making many Japanese anime and game related things I might add! haha) However, with life not turning out the way I had hoped, a couple of friends encouraged me to give it one last try. If the door remained closed, I would truly put this behind me and seek another path. I remember saying if I hadn’t heard anything by my birthday, that was it. My birthday came and went, so I got up, dusted myself off and said “What’s next?” To my utmost surprise, exactly 8 days after my birthday, I received the call that would alter the course of my life. I had made it to the interview shortlist!
I would love to say everything was smooth sailing from there. From reaching seconds before my interview, to embarrassingly blurting out the word “ebi” (shrimp) as the answer to one of the interview questions, I was almost certain I wasn’t going to make the cut. I remember one of the candidates that afternoon saying “Don’t worry, all of you here are going to get through!”. Two months later we were able to celebrate that what she said came true - every person who was in the room at that time was selected!
Nevertheless, this was literally only the beginning! When I finally received my placement, I knew nothing of the city nor the prefecture. A quick internet search revealed an article that said “A decade ago or so, Gunma Prefecture ranked last in a survey of the most interesting of Japan’s 47 prefectures. This became a big joke online…” I chuckled as I was reminded of my experience with Colombia since the city I went to was also not highly appreciated; I wouldn’t let that sway me. I continued my search and found out that Kiryu City is renowned for producing high quality silk used for making the most intricate kimonos and scarves. As a crafter, this intrigued me. From exquisite landscapes to exciting festivals and experiencing my first winter, Kiryu and Gunma undoubtedly have many gems in store for me to discover. Of course, not forgetting the magic of inspiring my students and co-workers to pursue new worlds and dreams.
I thank God that He continues to show me how everything is being worked out bit by bit. Will uprooting myself again and moving so far away from my friends and loved ones be easy? Quite the opposite. Yet sufficed to say with all my ramblings, I hope that what anyone can take away from my story is that: persistence, patience and prayer will get you where you need to be. Despite many setbacks, just as Bilbo Baggins felt like a tiny Hobbit who had gotten himself lost in a huge adventure, I share his sentiments in these words: “Go back?” he thought. “No good at all! Go sideways? Impossible! Go forward? Only thing to do! On we go!”
JET Series: Purpose and Persistence: a new chapter to be told (Japanese Embassy's Facebook)
JET Programme Series Archives