To all of the newly departed 2013 JETs,
I was exactly where you are now 5 years ago. I was also one the youngest people in the room. I had spent that summer travelling around Europe. As a consequence, I had missed all the pre-departure activities. The Farewell Reception of 2008 was the only pre-departure activity I attended. I spoke zero Japanese. I had no teaching experience. Actually, I’m not sure what the selection committee saw in me as a candidate. I was genki but felt completely unprepared. Everyone else around me was far into their Japanese lessons. Many seemed to have been to Japan before. Some have even previously taught overseas.
Needless to say, I was nervous. I was also incredibly excited to see the country and to experience living there. I had no idea what was about to happen. (Ask me later about my JET stories – there is a sea of them.)
Looking around the room now, I can sense that same feeling – the butterflies in your stomach, the mix of nervousness and excitement at the same time. I can’t help but catch that same nervous excitement all over again. I’m sure I speak for all the alumni present in the room.
Which, of course, brings me to my next point: Today you join a family. Once a JET, always a JET. You now have a vast support network of JETs and JET alumni not just here in Toronto but all over the world. There will be many good experiences ahead, as well as some challenging ones. During those challenging moments, remember that we are here for you. (And I’m not just saying that because my brother is one of the departing JETs this year.)
Get in touch. Facebook us. Write to us. We are here for you.
Nadine Bukhman,
Co-Chair JETAA Toronto
Photos by Daisuke Nakamura