Igniting Your Personal and Professional Growth

Describe one or two, specific learning experiences from your fellowship. In words, show us this experience and explain why it was powerful.

My entire three weeks taken together were powerful. Every language class, learning about tea ceremonies, practicing calligraphy, visiting a busy shopping area, a Studio Ghibli exhibit, seeing Mount Fuji: it was all impactful. My eyes were opened to so many aspects of Japan. But most powerful was my experience in a little diner near the dorm where I socialized on many evenings with some of the locals. There I got to know some regular Japanese folk and made friends I hope to keep forever.

What did you learn about yourself? What did you learn professionally?

I learned that even though I am quite old for a language learner, I can still do very well when I work hard and engage: I made a strong effort to participate fully in as many activities—in and out of the classroom—as possible and spent most of my weekends reviewing the previous material and previewing for the week to come. I was also reminded of what it is like to be a language learner—as opposed to the teacher—and that experience will help me be more empathetic toward my students.

What were some unplanned or unexpected experiences or outcomes of your fellowship? Or, how did the fellowship you crafted differ from the actual learning experience?

I grew up in China and was raised with many stereotypes of the Japanese based on China's experience in World War II. While I learned to question these ideas to some degree in college, for the most part, my views of the Japanese were ill-informed. This fellowship resulted in a tremendous change in my view of Japanese people. I learned that they are so friendly and kind, and I felt as safe in Japan as I have ever felt travelling anywhere. I made friends that I hope to keep for the rest of my life.

Impacting Your Classroom, School and Community

Outline specific plans you have to implement your fellowship and reach your student goals.

I will be developing an entirely new introductory course in Japanese language and culture. With my sharpened language skills and enriched knowledge of culture, I will be able to help my students learn by engaging them in various activities: performing skits, making short dialogues, singing children’s songs, reading menus, ordering food, using correct counter words, designing their dream house, etc.

What is one way you can leverage your fellowship to create one authentic learning experience for students? (e.g. hands-on learning, projects, community engagement)

In addition to the above activities, students will learn cultural lessons such as calligraphy, tea ceremonies, traditional dress, manga/anime, festival dances, and holidays.

How, specifically, will your fellowship extend beyond your classroom? (e.g. families, school-at-large, afterschool groups, surrounding community, colleagues, etc.)

I plan to organize two after school clubs: an anime/manga club and a Japanese culture club. Based on my interactions with students, I am quite sure that both of these clubs will be popular, and they will give students even more opportunities to learn about Japan.