5 Days To Go!

It's now 5 days until I jet (pun intended) off to Japan and I AM READY! My bags are officially packed and thankfully under the weight limit due to a little finagling on my end. I'm going to have to leave some cherished things behind (such as the beautiful purse and puffer jacket my bestie bought for me 😔), but on the plus side I've been able to pack all my essentials without needing to ship boxes.

My bags are soo stuffed, my obese carry-on must be propped up with my overstuffed purse.
I also have my portable luggage scale hanging on my blue suitcase -- just in case! 😉

In addition to fully locked and loaded luggage, I've had awesome constant contact with my predecessor as well as my senpai ALT I will be working with at my schools.  Everything seems pretty organized and the schools and kids seem excited to meet me :) 

Although I know I will probably be emotional at the airport (thanks to my Mom), I am so excited and sooooo ready to start this new chapter in my life  💚🎌🗾✈

Time to Pack!

I wish my bags were as neat as this!

With less than 5 weeks left before I ship out to Japan, it's time for me to pack!!! Well, technically I've been accumulating stuff and slowly packing it since I was upgraded to the shortlist...but now its almost crunch time and I need to make sure I don't forget anything important (which I am very prone to doing).

According to info received from my consulate, I am allowed two 50 lb suitcases, one carry-on bag  and one personal item (the last two items don't specify a weight limit - i.e. however much I can fit!). While this may seem like more than enough space, you do have to take into account that the luggage itself will weigh a certain amount. Therefore I won't be able to stuff exactly 50 lb into each piece of luggage :(  I'll need to be very particular about how much of things I will take with me.  I'm literally packing my life in a few suitcases - crazy!

Just to make sure that I don't leave out any important items, I've created a Excel spreadsheet of everything I plan to bring. This spreadsheet does include personal information, so I won't post it here. However I will post a general list of everything I intend to bring with me.

*This list will be particularly helpful for my lovely POC women as I will be discussing the various hair products, makeup, and other essentials that we need and definitely can't find easily in Japan.

Without further adieu, here is my packing list - which also happens to be organized by category :)

Important Documents 

(Don't forget to make at least 2 copies of these docs and leave one copy with a trusted family member, just in case)

• US Passport 
• Driver's License 
• Social Security Card 
• Debit Card + check book
• Credit Card
• IRS Form 6166 - this you'll apply for and receive once shortlisted 
• Japanese bank card - I actually have an already open bank account from my study abroad (with a nice chunk of change in it that I plan to withdraw ASAP)
• Suico Card - also from study abroad
• 2-4 Passport-sized photos - This is just planning ahead for any documents in Japan that will require passport photos (I hear there are a few)
• International Drivers License - Although I'm pretty sure I'm not going to drive in Japan, the IDP took less than 10 minutes to get from AAA and cost me a mere ~$20 bucks - why not get it just in case?
• Old Driver's License - should I decide to drive in Japan longer than 1 year, I'll need to take the Japanese driving test. My old license will provide them proof of my driving ability longer than 3 months. 

Important and Miscellaneous Objects

• iPhone + Charger - Although my phone is locked to the US, I always use my phone as my primary alarm clock 
• Laptop + Charger
• Earbuds - If you can, don't bring the crappy iPhone earbuds. Instead, invest a few bucks in some better quality earbuds that don't bleed noise so easily - to avoid disturbing your neighbors and fellow train buddies on long early morning commutes. 
• Computer mouse + mouse pad
• Day Planner - I am a planning/list making freak! I love writing things down in my planner and I always make sure to invest in a quality planner every year. This will be really helpful for planning your first lessons/life as a new ALT.
• 2 Silk/Satin pillow cases - LADIES (especially my ladies of color), a silk pillow case will make a huge difference in preserving your hair and prevent hair tangles! Cheap ones can be found on Amazon or in inexpensive stores like Marshall's or Bed Bath and Beyond.  You'll thank me later ;)
• Selfie Stick - of course
• Ear Plugs
• Travel luggage scale - This has been really helpful for making sure my bags are not overweight! This will save you from RIDICULOUS overweight luggage fees.
• Notebook
• Tide To-Go Pen
• Small Travel Pillow

Toiletries

• Travel-sized toiletries (Face wash, shampoo, toothpaste, body wash, deodorant, etc) 
• 4 bottles of Aveeno Face Moisturizer - My skin is very sensitive and this products works wonders for me.  4 bottles should hopefully last me a good 1-1.5 years at least. 
• 2 bottles of Aveeno Face Wash - I want to bring more, but it will put my luggage weight over the limit :( I'll send for more later 
• 3 packages deodorant - this is probably the most suggested item in various JET blogs and forums and they often suggest to bring as many as you can fit. However, in my past experience in Japan, it's not THAT bad. Three packages should be fine and I'll grab more from Amazon if needed. 
• A couple razors 
• Gold Bond Eczema body lotion - I have mild eczema which sometimes flares up. This lotion helps quite a bit in soothing my skin
• 2 boxes of Playtex tampons and 1 box Always Pads- You may think this is a little excessive. After all, tampons and pads are widely available in Japan. NO! Japanese tampons are somehow uncomfortable to use (Too stiff?) and the pads are thick like a mattress and also ended up giving me a small rash 😳 (sorry TMI) I highly, highly recommend bringing your own preferred feminine hygiene products. 

Medication

• Pain relieving medication - Pain meds in Japan are excessively WEAK and unnecessarily expensive.  Bring a decent supply of pain medication.
• Cold/Flu medication - This is a touchy subject as some cold/flu ingredients are illegal in Japan. Please make sure to check with Japanese customs about prohibited medication ingredients.   Like pain medication, cold/flu meds in Japan just don't work.  Plan to bring at least a box or two of (Japanese custom-approved) cold/flu meds because YOU WILL get sick.
• Pepto Bismol/Heartburn tablets - changing your diet sometimes messes with my tummy

Makeup

• 5 bottles foundation - As you might guess, finding foundation that fits my skin color is impossible to do in Japan. I personally use CoverFX and Fenty Beauty foundation
• 2 Fenty Beauty concealer sticks
• Face powder - I use CoverFX setting powder
• Makeup setting spray - the combo of face powder and setting spray will help maintain my makeup throughout one hot and humid school day. I use Urban Decay makeup setting spray.
• Face primer 
• 2 Eye shadow palettes - one neutral for everyday wear and one "fun" palette for going out
• Eyebrow pencil
• Eye primer
• Mascara
• Eyeliner - I recommend Kat Von D for precision and lasting power
• A few eye makeup brushes
• Beauty Blender sponge + soap bar
• Makeup bag
• 1 Full-size perfume 
• 1 Roll-on stick perfume
• Lipgloss and Chapstick

Hair

• Silk/Satin head wrap - Similar to the silk/satin pillowcase, this will also save your hair. It also can be worn outside on very humid days to keep your hair protected.
• Humidity/Anti-Humectant Spray or Gel - If you are a POC with hard to manage curly hair, anti-humidity spray will help prevent your hair from frizzing up in the intense humidity of Japan. Amazon has some promising options for all types of hair. 
• Coconut Oil 
• Hair Grease - My POC ladies already know what I'm talking about
• Braid Oil 
• 5 Packs Crochet Braiding Hair - Although I have my hair in a protective weave right now, as time goes on, I'll need more methods to maintain my hair. I plan to bring several packs of crochet braids (they are kind of like faux angel locs) and hope that I can learn how to install them properly off YouTube 😧  Hair salons that can properly handle foreign hair are not common in Japan. I recommend that all ladies (and men) consider other options for maintaining their hair.  I'll be sure to include a more in depth post about my hair experience in Japan in the future 😉
• Flat Iron
• Hair Ties
• Headbands
• Bobby Pins
• Mixed Chicks Deep Conditioner - This conditioner in particular has been wonderful in moisturizer my dry hair - I highly recommend!
• 1 Full-Size Shampoo - My curly hair doesn't respond well to Japanese products, so I'll have to replenish from home as needed

Accessories/Socks/Underwear

• A few earrings and necklaces
• 1 Digital Watch 
• 2 Scarves
• 2 Beanies 
• 1 Belt
• 3 Pairs of Athletic Socks
• 2 Pairs Thick Socks
• 5 Pairs Pantyhose - Women typically wear pantyhose anytime they wear a skirt at work in Japan. 
• 5 Bras - Although I can fit into Japanese style bras, they are often overly padded and frilly - not really suitable for everyday wear. I recommend bring several of your own reliable bras.
• Underwear - 'nough said. I recommend at least 2 weeks worth of underwear. Otherwise it would be a pain to do laundry several times a week.  
• Pajamas
• Bathing Suit
• Purses - I'm actually bring four purses:
• My large black Kate Spade Purse - Which will function as my work bag
• Rose Kate Spade Bag - Medium sized for everyday use (can you tell I love Kate Spade? 😻)
• Small Black Clutch Purse - I'll use this for going out on the town :)
• Small Beige Purse - For everyday use 

Shoes

* I am bringing quite a few pairs of shoes because my feet are larger than the average Japanese woman and I won't be able to find shoes easily abroad. If you have smaller feet, feel free to bring half as many shoes as me!

• 2 Pairs of Comfortable Work Pumps 
• Black Oxford Pumps
• Black Flats
• Brown Flats 
• Black "Inside Shoes" Flats - In Japan its customary to wear "inside shoes" at school. There shoes can be anything really (Crocs, flats, tennis shoes, etc.) but must be brand new and not worn outside.
• Brown Leather Boots
• Gray Uggs
• White Tennis Shoes
• Nike Running Shoes
• Several Pairs of Sandals
• Snow-safe/Water-Resistant Boots
•  1 Cheap Pair of Flip Flops

Jackets/Sweaters

• 3 Work Sweaters
• 3 Casual Sweaters
• Rain-proof Jacket
• Pea coat 

Casual and Work Tops

• 2 Plain White Tee Shirts
• 2 Plain Black Tees Shirts
• 2 White Undershirts
• 2 Black Undershirts
• Several Casual Tops

Jeans/Pants/Shorts/Skirts

• 6 Pairs Jeans
• 5 Pairs Leggings
• 2 Pairs Shorts
• 4 Work/Causal Skirts
• 5 Casual Skirts 
• 1 Casual Dress

Work Clothing

• 1 Black Suit Jacket + Matching Skirt - Make sure to bring at least one well-fitting suit for various orientations and school ceremonies
• 7 Long Sleeve Dress Tops
• 4 Short Sleeve Dress Tops
• 2 Long Dress Skirts
• 4 Pairs Dress Pants 

Although this may look like A LOT, so far I've actually been able to fit about 95% of it without exceeding my weight limits or busting my suitcases! Thank you Space Bags :)  The remaining 5% I plan to send over in box via USPS later on. For now, I will packing, repacking and purging items to cut down as much as possible. Hopefully this list will help you in your packing as well!

Why Did I Decide to Apply For JET?

JET has been a long time coming for me. I first heard about JET probably around my sophomore year of college during a presentation in my Japanese class.  The (quite good-looking) guy presenting talked about how awesome JET was and how it really helped improve his Japanese ability.  Immediately I was interested, but kind of wrote it off as being too difficult, if not impossible, for an average person like myself to get into.  A short while later a classmate of mine applied and was accepted into the JET Program. Facebook stalking her adventures in Japan made me quite envious, but still hesitant to actually consider applying. My junior year, after another classmate had been accepted to study abroad at Waseda University, the Japan bug finally took a hold of me and i decided bite the bullet and apply to study abroad in Japan myself. I wanted to see if I could really enjoy living in Japan in the future.  I wanted to put all the stuff about Japan I had read and studied to the test - and find out if Japan is really the awesome place I envisioned.  In 2014, I applied and was accepted to study abroad in Japan at the University of Tsukuba for 1 year....and it was an awesome, transformative experience! I had a great time at the university, made new friends, and generally enjoyed the atmosphere of living in Japan.  At the end of my study abroad experience, I knew there was no way in HELL I would not be coming back.

Fast forward to 2016, and not one, but 5 or 6 of my friends/classmates have applied and been accepted into the JET Program! Seeing their excitement about starting this new chapter in their lives cemented in me that JET would also be a definite step in my journey as well.  I started preparing immediately - in fact I wrote and rewrote my essay during this time, even though it would be 1 more year before I could even apply. I began squirreling away clothes, makeup, toiletries, winter clothing and other supplies that I would need for 1-5 years living in JET. Right now I actually have two plastic bins full of stuff that I'll need for JET ready to be packed into my suitcases.  Although I am a weirdo list maker and daily planner enthusiast by nature, I have only spent so much time preparing for JET because it so important to me.

In addition, I spent many, many hours searching the internet for tips on creating the perfect application, reached out to several people to critique my essay and practically hassled my recommendation letter writers when the application came due.  Mind you, I was completing my last semesters in my biology degree and taking difficult biochemistry and microbiology courses, but the thing that kept me going was the thought of participating in JET.  In other words, I am a very focused and determined individual.

When the time came for results, I was a little bit dismayed to see that I had been made an alternate.  Luckily, I was apparently high enough on the reserve list and was upgraded about 2 weeks after initial results were posted.

And, here I am now - a 2018 JET Program Shortlist Candidate - and I could not be more excited. I can't wait to start my new life in a new city. I am sure it will be an amazing learning experience that I will treasure for the rest of my life!  D(eparture) Day is only 42 days and counting!!! 😝⏳🌎

Sittin On The Dock Of The Bay, Watchin The Tide Roll Away...

Yep, I feel like I am just twiddling my thumbs and waiting for each day to end so that I can get a little bit closer for JET departure. There really isn't much to do besides wait. I originally planned to work at a summer camp in the mountains for the several weeks leading up to JET, but my Camp Leader pay was minuscule and the expected working hours were hellish. After a few days of working there, I decided to cut my losses and head back home early for the duration of the summer.  Unfortunately, without a job and having already packed my luggage for the most part, I've found myself with nothing to do but wait, wait and wait some more.

I'm toying with the idea of applying to some very short-term job opportunities (like working at the upcoming state fair or perusing Craigslist for opportunities), but I also want to be free to relax and spend time with friends and family for the last time.  Well, before I know it I will be shipping off to Japan and will likely have NO free-time while I figure out my new job and new life.  I guess I better sit back, relax, and enjoy the multitude of free-time while I have it!

UPDATE: I've Received My Placement!!

Mere hours after complaining about having to wait for my placement, I've received my placement email! And...I am going to Yabuki-machi, Fukushima :O  I'm not sure exactly how I feel about this placement because there is so little information available. In fact, I typed in Yabuki, Japan and pulled up various pictures of a sexy-looking manga and girls in their underwear. All I know so far is that the town is pretty small - less than 20,000 people and has just one middle school and one high school. Also, I am about 3 hours by train away from Tokyo.  I wonder what my town will think when this random black girl shows up?!

All I can say is that this will certainly be an adventure. I am up for it! Like I said in my previous post, I will make the absolute best of this placement and have a great time. Yabuki is officially my new home!

JET 2018 Placements Are Rolling Out

JET Program 2018 placements have begun coming out in various (mostly east coast) consulates. Unfortunately, I am a west coast JET and likely will have to wait several more days. From what I have observed, notifications of any kind tend to arrive last to the west coast - SF and LA consulates in particular. I have no idea why this is the case but it might be due to the larger size and greater number of applicants to the SF and LA consulates vs others.  Additionally, being an upgraded JET, I might be facing even longer wait time to finalize my placement.

I was really hoping to receive notification before May 18th as that is the date of my long awaited graduation(!) and I was hoping to be able to finally announce to my family and friends where I'm going to be spending the next 1-5 years of my life.  Oh well, I'm frankly just grateful that I've made it this far. No matter where I am placed I will make the absolute best of it and have an amazing time!

Upgraded to Shortlist!

That's right, I am officially Shortlisted!! On April 18th 2018 I received the email that I had been upgraded to the Jet Program Shortlist!!! I'm still in shock and haven't yet gotten used to calling myself a "shortlist candidate." Ahhh its a great feeling though to finally make it into the program that I spent so long working towards.  There is so much to do and so little time! I can't believe it!!! 😁😁