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!