Welcome!
This site documents my accomplishments over the past years at California State University, Monterey Bay through the Japanese Language and Culture program. Here you will find examples of the works I have done at CSUMB, learn about my study abroad experience, and find my graduation project. Please scroll down and use the links above to learn more about my journey.
Statement of Purpose
While studying at CSUMB I was fortunate enough to be able to join in the study abroad program, allowing me to study at Osaka Gakuin University (OGU) for a year. During this time, my understanding of Japanese culture and society was deepened further beyond the knowledge that any textbook or article could provide. During my time at OGU, I was able to volunteer my time every week at the school's International Chat Lounge and Cafe (iChat Lounge) where I was able to engage with Japanese university students and assist them with English homework and speaking practice. At first this was a major challenge as I did not immediately understand that I was providing an opportunity for the students to use English, which they did not have much confidence in making it hard to create conversation at times. Over time as I learned more about Japanese culture I was able to apply my knowledge to help the students overcome their fear of speaking English and be able to develop conversations successfully.
After returning to CSUMB, I enrolled in the Japanese Advanced Service Learning course through this course I was able to engage with elementary students and introduce Japanese culture and language through activities. Through this I was able to introduce traditions such as written, origami, and even eating etiquette. I found this experience to be extremely rewarding as it contributed to my ability to take a foreign concept and make it familiar to these children while also raise my self-confidence through these engaging activities. This class also helped me grow in being able to hold longer patience, adaptability, and deepen my understanding of cross-culture awareness. It was through this course that my true passion for teaching came about.
With this skills, mindset and adaptable personality, I can become a valuable asset for working in Japan in the education field. As globalization becomes even more a part of modern day life, I can leave a positive impression on Japanese youth while being an ambassador of America.
After gaining experience, I plan to open up an English language school in a more rural area of Japan that will give opportunities for them to engage with outside cultures that they may never otherwise have the chance too. At the same time, I hope to be able to give back to CSUMB and become a mentor for prospective students who wish to study abroad in Japan.
While studying at CSUMB I was fortunate enough to be able to join in the study abroad program, allowing me to study at Osaka Gakuin University (OGU) for a year. During this time, my understanding of Japanese culture and society was deepened further beyond the knowledge that any textbook or article could provide. During my time at OGU, I was able to volunteer my time every week at the school's International Chat Lounge and Cafe (iChat Lounge) where I was able to engage with Japanese university students and assist them with English homework and speaking practice. At first this was a major challenge as I did not immediately understand that I was providing an opportunity for the students to use English, which they did not have much confidence in making it hard to create conversation at times. Over time as I learned more about Japanese culture I was able to apply my knowledge to help the students overcome their fear of speaking English and be able to develop conversations successfully.
After returning to CSUMB, I enrolled in the Japanese Advanced Service Learning course through this course I was able to engage with elementary students and introduce Japanese culture and language through activities. Through this I was able to introduce traditions such as written, origami, and even eating etiquette. I found this experience to be extremely rewarding as it contributed to my ability to take a foreign concept and make it familiar to these children while also raise my self-confidence through these engaging activities. This class also helped me grow in being able to hold longer patience, adaptability, and deepen my understanding of cross-culture awareness. It was through this course that my true passion for teaching came about.
With this skills, mindset and adaptable personality, I can become a valuable asset for working in Japan in the education field. As globalization becomes even more a part of modern day life, I can leave a positive impression on Japanese youth while being an ambassador of America.
After gaining experience, I plan to open up an English language school in a more rural area of Japan that will give opportunities for them to engage with outside cultures that they may never otherwise have the chance too. At the same time, I hope to be able to give back to CSUMB and become a mentor for prospective students who wish to study abroad in Japan.
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