Valdosta Personal Statement

Teaching is my passion and fuels my determination to make a difference. Through my work both domestically and abroad, I believe that I have effectively demonstrated my skills as a leader, mentor, and team member and will be an asset to the JET Program. In my hometown of Valdosta, GA, I am heavily involved in our local international community as a Cultural Ambassador (CA) for The Azalea International Folk Fair (AIFF) which unites various groups from all cultural backgrounds to highlight the diversity of our community. As a CA I understand the importance of grassroots internationalization in the community. My work as a CA sparked my drive to become a TESOL teacher and increased my interest in Asian culture. Although I’ve always had an interest in world history, Japanese history and culture has been

While teaching in Taiwan as a CA with AIFF, this philosophy proved to be essential as I was challenged with coaxing my students out of their comfort zones and inspiring them to have confidence in their English abilities. The best way to make learning English exciting is to have interactive games and songs that connect with students on a personal level. In addition to incorporating games and songs, I created a musical play that even those with beginner level English skills would be able to perform. Although several of the students had never had a full conversation in English, let alone had to memorize an entire script with accompanying dance moves, we ended our time together with smiles, thousands of photos, and a sense of accomplishment. I hope to motivate my students in Japan with this same assurance so that they can become confident in their English abilities. Furthermore, I will seek to promote JET’s goals of internationalization and English education by integrating myself socially outside the classroom, joining after-school organizations, and attending local