I attended the University of California at Berkeley, where I
graduated in May 2011 with an A average. As a History
major, I gained exceptional research, writing, and orating
skills, and have received several scholarships for my work.
My intent was to focus solely on American history, but after
taking one Japanese history course, I decided the allure of
Japan was too significant. Japan’s aesthetic beauty, with its
complexities, reflected eloquently by writer Junichiro
Tanizaki, and continual resilience, still resonant in
contemporary issues, struck me. I pursued both
concentrations fervently. I extended my interests by
participating in the Global Studies Program at Meiji Gakuin
University (MGU), for which I was fully subsidized by the
competitive Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
and other grants. There, I made a commitment to return as
an ALT to help bridge the gaps between America and Japan,
and more generally to further global efforts towards
internationalization. Not only are these trends crucial to the
future, they are also an intriguing way for students to learn
about and connect with different cultures. In addition to this
insight, my education, experience, and career aspirations to
become a teacher make me a valuable candidate for the
Assistant Language Teacher position in the JET Program.
Though I spent only five months abroad in the town of
Totsuka, I experienced the pleasures and difficulties in
learning about a new culture. I found a deep appreciation for
the smallest details in life: the beauty and transience of the
sakura in front of my dorm and the peace that comes with
the long commute to school, for example. My visits to
Kamakura, Hiroshima, and other places that I have only
previously read or heard about were adventures and luxuries
to me. However, I was also forced to face deeper thoughts
and harder questions about my own culture, history, and
politics in relation to Japan, and I believe that that’s what
made my experience truly valuable. In this process, I learned
compassion. On one occasion, I left my wallet on a public
bus, and with the help of a kind, older woman was able to
retrieve it in perfect condition at a nearby station the
following day. I was puzzled by this culture’s kindness but
harbored a deep respect for it. With that said, I would have
no reservations about adapting to the Japanese culture. I
understand that it requires more than mere interest to be
successful as an ALT. There will always be unpredictable
moments, good and bad just the same, and I have the
leadership and teaching experience to guide me.
As a leader, I possess the ability to wear many different hats.
As the Event Coordinator for UC Berkeley’s History Honors
Society, I demonstrated my professionalism and flexibility. I
personally reached out to faculty, students, and staff to
ensure the club’s effectiveness in creating a more sociable
and productive atmosphere. My efforts resulted in the
highest number of attendees at our annual events to date.
Through creative mediums such as writing, song, dance, and
theater, I taught lessons on nondiscrimination and enhanced
my own communication skills as a team leader in the Theater
for Social Justice program. For five years, I held a
managerial position at Seaport Coffee & Fudge in which I
went above and beyond my job’s asking by accepting
additional responsibilities as a shop accountant. These
experiences have only helped me in my teaching practices.
As part of Pilipino Academic Student Services (PASS), I
tutored high school students and assisted them with their
college applications on campus, at schools, in their homes,
and through online correspondence. As a teaching assistant
at MGU, I helped Japanese students complete assignments
despite cultural and language barriers in the already
complex topic of ethical dilemmas. I listened carefully to
their needs as well as their stories, and gladly shared some
of my own.
During my commencement ceremony in 2011, I was
personally commended by the Department Chair for my
“amazing capacity to understand the people around me and
to brighten up any environment.” In a Japanese history
seminar at Berkeley, my professor identified teaching as my
“ikigai,” or life meaning and purpose. I must attribute at
least part of my abilities and career goals to my memorable
experiences in Japan. In the ALT position for the JET
Program, I see an opportunity in which all parts of me count–
my cheerful personality, previous experience, and career
interests. Just as I have been introduced to Japanese culture,
I hope to introduce American culture and the English
language in ways that will challenge, delight, and enlighten
my students.
