More JET crap.
For my application to JET, I need to write an essay. Since it will probably be the most important piece I've set out to write in my short life, I'm thinking about it now even though it's not due until September.
And so... Here are the points I will be sure to touch on in my essay:
1. I love English
I mean, I really, really love English. It's a very expressive language that has infinite potential. And I would be delighted to help people learn it so they can see the beauty I see. I have extensive knowledge of the language and a firm handle on grammar and usage. My grades in my English classes reflect that.
2. I love Japanese
I have never been more enthralled with a second language than I have been with Japanese. It's so simple in theory, yet so extremely complicated in practice. I want to learn as much as I possibly can about it, but it's next to impossible to learn it as extensively as I want to in America. I need to be at the source of Japanese if I want to become fluent.
3. I need the life experience
I've never been off the east coast of Florida. Not because I'm unwilling to explore the world, but because my financial situation makes that impossible. JET is my chance to see a mysterious country far away and be completely independent and self-reliant. I'm looking forward to the lasting impressions this experience is sure to have on me. I am more than willing to embrace a new culture that is so very different from my own.
4. I'm a people person and a natural mediator
I am very friendly and likable and enjoy meeting new people and sharing experiences. I would be especially thrilled to meet people from a different culture.
5. I have a very JET personality
By this, I mean I am open to new ideas and extremely tolerant and aware of cultural differences. I realize that behavior that is accepted widely in America may not be acceptable in Japan and vise versa. I adapt easily to new situations and different people. I am tolerant and sympathetic, but I know when enough is enough. I have a lot of experience dealing with situations in which myself and a person have a difficult time communicating. I am very patient and determined. As long as my student is willing, I will keep trying to explain until he/she understands completely. I also have a lot of experience with children and adolescents from the six years and I spent babysitting.
Anyway, that's about it. I think those are pretty good reasons... I have to expound more on 2 and 3, but I have time. Of course, my essay won't look like this-- it'll look like an essay when I'm done joining the pieces together. And do you think I should go with a sappy "I just love, love, love people and stuff" angle, or do you think I should make it seem more genuine? I mean, do people go for sap anymore?
Baaaaah to work. I should have today off, but a dollar's a dollar. And I shall be earning a good many of them tonight.
Last night I was so scared I was getting sick. I was almost in tears at the prospect that I couldn't work today and that I'd have to use the rest of my sick hours. When did hell did this happen to me? But I was fine this morning, thank you loving God. I really, really need this money and need to save my sick hours for when I'm sick from school. ;P
Oh, and I've decided to try very hard not to use any vacation hours. That way, if I do get accepted into JET, I can get the cash for my vacation hours. Sick and Personal hours don't count, however, so I'm not going to be stingy on those. ;] I don't know how many hours I can rack up in a year-- maybe 50 at most, but it'll help at any rate.
Okay, I've gotta pack up and get out of here. I'm spending the night at mom's to save on gas. Yay for frogs that annoy the CRAP out of me!
Um, one more thing: I got up to 25 minutes today!! I'm almost there... I can feel you 30 minutes!
And so... Here are the points I will be sure to touch on in my essay:
1. I love English
I mean, I really, really love English. It's a very expressive language that has infinite potential. And I would be delighted to help people learn it so they can see the beauty I see. I have extensive knowledge of the language and a firm handle on grammar and usage. My grades in my English classes reflect that.
2. I love Japanese
I have never been more enthralled with a second language than I have been with Japanese. It's so simple in theory, yet so extremely complicated in practice. I want to learn as much as I possibly can about it, but it's next to impossible to learn it as extensively as I want to in America. I need to be at the source of Japanese if I want to become fluent.
3. I need the life experience
I've never been off the east coast of Florida. Not because I'm unwilling to explore the world, but because my financial situation makes that impossible. JET is my chance to see a mysterious country far away and be completely independent and self-reliant. I'm looking forward to the lasting impressions this experience is sure to have on me. I am more than willing to embrace a new culture that is so very different from my own.
4. I'm a people person and a natural mediator
I am very friendly and likable and enjoy meeting new people and sharing experiences. I would be especially thrilled to meet people from a different culture.
5. I have a very JET personality
By this, I mean I am open to new ideas and extremely tolerant and aware of cultural differences. I realize that behavior that is accepted widely in America may not be acceptable in Japan and vise versa. I adapt easily to new situations and different people. I am tolerant and sympathetic, but I know when enough is enough. I have a lot of experience dealing with situations in which myself and a person have a difficult time communicating. I am very patient and determined. As long as my student is willing, I will keep trying to explain until he/she understands completely. I also have a lot of experience with children and adolescents from the six years and I spent babysitting.
Anyway, that's about it. I think those are pretty good reasons... I have to expound more on 2 and 3, but I have time. Of course, my essay won't look like this-- it'll look like an essay when I'm done joining the pieces together. And do you think I should go with a sappy "I just love, love, love people and stuff" angle, or do you think I should make it seem more genuine? I mean, do people go for sap anymore?
Baaaaah to work. I should have today off, but a dollar's a dollar. And I shall be earning a good many of them tonight.
Last night I was so scared I was getting sick. I was almost in tears at the prospect that I couldn't work today and that I'd have to use the rest of my sick hours. When did hell did this happen to me? But I was fine this morning, thank you loving God. I really, really need this money and need to save my sick hours for when I'm sick from school. ;P
Oh, and I've decided to try very hard not to use any vacation hours. That way, if I do get accepted into JET, I can get the cash for my vacation hours. Sick and Personal hours don't count, however, so I'm not going to be stingy on those. ;] I don't know how many hours I can rack up in a year-- maybe 50 at most, but it'll help at any rate.
Okay, I've gotta pack up and get out of here. I'm spending the night at mom's to save on gas. Yay for frogs that annoy the CRAP out of me!
Um, one more thing: I got up to 25 minutes today!! I'm almost there... I can feel you 30 minutes!