Personal Statement

If accepted for the ALT position with the Japanese Exchange and Teaching Program, I would strive to create an environment where Japanese students about learning English in positive and fun environment. In May 2016 I will be graduating from Shepherd University in Shepherdstown, West Virginia with a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts with emphasis on the education aspects of art. Creativity is an influential tool to utilize in the classroom to stimulate a motivational environment. By employing my knowledge of art education through creative teaching strategies I hope inspire students to learn about the English language and American culture through the arts. My Japanese cultural experiences, coupled with my desire to teach, make me an ideal candidate for the JET program.

As a child, my local library sponsoring daily events for children to attend while on their summer vacations away from their classes. On one occasion we had a guest instructor hired by the library for cultural exchange with Japan. Over a week this woman gave us a glimpse of Japanese culture, history, and daily life. This experience was vividly burned into my memory and influenced the path my life would take.

I have volunteered for the T-MODE Japanese Anime, Gaming, and Cultural Convention and I hold two positions with the organization. These positions are the Executive Assistant and Cultural director. These positions allow me to learn and share more about Japanese Culture from traditional aspects to more modern aspects. Over the years I have been able to work with other organizations like Chin Hamaya Culture Center and the Japan America Society DC. While I feel that my position with T-MODE is fun and a great life experience I want have the chance to experience Japanese Culture first hand. My perseverance in learning about the Japanese nation and its people led me to discovering the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET)