Dana’s 2 cents

            I seriously doubt I am saying anything that hasn’t already been said a thousand times.  At any rate, these are my observations and insights I have gained during my time in Japan.  I feel that life is a combination of the experiences we allow ourselves to experience and the way we react to those experiences that are totally unexpected.  Flexibility is freedom.

1.                        One time, a Japanese teacher friend of mine and I were discussing the importance of individuality to Americans.  She said she had heard that in American Kindergarten classes during art time, students are given supplies and told they can paint anything they like.  In contrast, she said that Japanese children are told to draw an apple.  They draw an apple.  Remember to be patient when asking teachers and students to “step outside the box.”  You can have them doing it without thinking twice if you do it patiently.

2.                      Erik and I requested a rural placement when we applied to the JET Program.  We feel very lucky to have been placed in Yamagata.  Our town of Tsuruoka is actually one of the largest cities in which I’ve ever lived.  It has all of the conveniences one needs, but it is also smack in the middle of some spectacular natural beauty.  Make sure and venture out into your own backyard.  I know that trips to Sendai and even Tokyo are musts for most, but make sure and soak in the natural wonders of this country.  It does wonders for the weary soul.

Some of the local favorites:

In Shonai (Sakata, Tsuruoka, Atsumi, Mikawa, etc.) Chokai-san towers over the Sea of Japan.  It’s a great climb; tough, but well worth the agony.  There’s also the Dewa Sanzen in the Asahi Mountain range.  This is a triumverate of sacred mountains including Yudono-san, Haguro-san, and Gas-san.  And of course, near Yamagata City is the famous Zao-san with the fabulous crater-lake, Okama.  There are tons of other places tucked here and there.  Take advantage!

3.                      I remember reading this advice before I came to Japan.  I didn’t think too much about it then, but I find myself repeating the words of the advice in my head quite often these days.  Don’t do without those small luxuries that really do make you happy, as shallow as it may seem.  I can’t tell you what a difference an ice-cold glass of Sugar-free Cherry Kool-aid makes on an August day in Japan.  Eat what you want; however, girls beware!  Something in the water here makes females gain weight and graciously aids males in losing weight.  Go figure!  (pun intended)  Have stuff sent from home or order it from the Foreign Buyer’s Club.  You will find that you’ll have no problems swinging it financially.

4.                      Speaking of finances…. We JETs come from different walks of life:  we come from different countries; we are in different stages of life, we all have different goals, etc.; but we are all members of this global community so we all have one thing in common: the importance of money.  One can argue that it is of the devil; I will not deny this.  One can say it is love that makes the world go ‘round, not money; O.K. that’s fine.  No matter your philosophy concerning the greenback (or whatever it is to you), you can do well for yourself while in the JET Program.  If you have bills (ie. Student loans, Credit cards, etc.), pay them off as quickly as you can.  The rush one receives from liberation of debt’s nasty clutches is inexplicable.  Living in a cash-based society is great.  You don’t need to have your life planned out, obviously, but have a really good idea about how much you want to have for the next step and stick to it.  You’ll have enough money to make it reasonable for yourself (this is of course for those people who choose not to use their money for expensive vehicles, trips every weekend, beer every night, etc.).  Just make sure to allot enough money for good food and the occasional beer, entertainment and travel, and save the rest!  It truly is rewarding, and it’s quite simple here for some reason. 

5.                      More than anything, open yourself up to this experience.  I think that one of the keys to making this a successful stop in your journey of life is not to take yourself too seriously.  It took me a while to get used to the “assistant” part of ALT.  Back in the States, I was a teacher, a coach, and an athletic director.  I am a certified teacher with a Master’s Degree.  I couldn’t understand why these people couldn’t see the gem they had been blessed with… O.K., maybe not; but I did feel like I wasn’t getting the respect I deserved for my credentials; but I learned that it’s all relative.  Be confident in yourself and remind yourself that you have nothing to prove to anyone but that which you wish to prove to yourself; and believe me, there’s no better opportunity for that than this program!