Admission Essay Example: JET Program

Enrolling in the spring quarter of Sophia University, participating in the intensive Japanese language course and attending the art club at the atelier daily during my course abroad in Tokyo, is an enduring memory as a student of Japanese language and culture. In the hours after our seminar, I'd meet in the art room or meet up with classmates to study Kanji and grammar until late at night. Since my interaction with my first Japanese instructor in elementary school, I’ve had an unquenchable devotion to learning about Japan. For my next objective, I am steadfast in bringing my experiences as an ESL student teacher and former Middle School English grammar tutor to the JET Program as an ALT in elementary classes with the skills gleaned from my recent teaching pursuits. At JET, I will continue to act as a global ambassador by sharing my dedication to learning and teaching while moving forward with my professional career ambitions as a designer heavily influenced by Japanese art and media. 

When I was nine, my elementary school sponsored an exchange teacher from Japan. He couldn't communicate in English, but he was able to conduct classes with our rowdy group of students. He was so kind, patient and intelligent, that it sparked an intense desire in me to learn from and to understand him. During that time, he demonstrated and explained to us about origami and taught us some culture tales like "Momotaro". In high school, I had the opportunity to take a Japanese course and, it genuinely felt magical. I could discern terms and conversations I couldn’t before. As an undergraduate, I attended Seattle University and furthered my studies in the Japanese language while participating in the institution's Japanese Student Association as the Vice President and Treasurer. There, I met with and befriended many Japanese exchange students.

Finally, in my junior year of college, I had the opportunity to study in Tokyo. Here, I enrolled in Japanese art and religion focused courses, and partook in a local art exhibition in Setagaya. After graduation, I volunteered as an English as a Second Language teaching assistant at Seattle Community College where I interacted with adult learners. Often, I would come early and stayed late to ensure they understood the lessons perfectly. I would also encourage students to speak individually in small group settings in order to help them gain confidence in their voice, each time, they were a little bit bolder. This experience taught me how to effectively communicate and bond with my students. At Washington Middle School, I stayed for years as a one-on-one as well as an in class tutor for students in very diverse, yet low income neighborhood. I was able to lead students in how to be safe, kind and responsible by managing classes and assisting the head teacher whenever needed. Both of these experiences allowed me to deeply bond with my students. I wanted them to be successful and knowledgeable individuals who were excited to learn. When they struggled, I encouraged and supported them, never wanting them to be left confused or afraid of speaking up when they needed help. We were a team with a common goal. As an ALT, want to inspire and lead. Additionally, I would love to set up an art club at my school. Merging my abilities in fine art with those of my students, to find yet another way we can connect. 

After completing my role as a JET, I will have gained the necessary skills to focus on my career as an artist and designer while using my knowledge and influence to connect with clients from various backgrounds. My objective is to cultivate a deep understanding of the Japanese language and culture to spark imagination and curiosity by using influences from traditional and modern Japanese art in my work. Therefore, I intend to work as global ambassador via the medium of visual design to aid in facilitating the growth of Japan and its international relations. To work for the JET Program would be an honor as I aspire to bring my background of teaching, tutoring and art to benefit my students and community.