1. The Choice

Konnichiwa readers, let me begin by introducing myself. My name is Laura, I am a high school teacher here in St. Louis and a student of Asian cultures. As an anthropologist, as well as a teacher, I enjoy studying all cultures but my strongest interest has always been that of the Asian cultures. I think my initial interest in Asia stemmed from my father, an American Veteran of the Korean War, who always spoke of the beautiful country and fascinating people of Asia. I recently returned from a year abroad teaching English in Japan; thus combining two great joys and achieving a dream. I was a teacher of English conversation at a Japanese high school, as well as at a cram school for ages 4-16, and through adult classes held in my home. 

The overseas experience has had a profound effect on me and I hope to share some of my fun, trying, and insightful experiences with you all through these excerpts from my travel journals. By the way, whenever you plan to travel for recreation, always be sure to pack a journal or at least a notebook so as to jot down notes along the way. You will be glad you did because often our memories fade but the text lives on.

The first question many people ask is why???? Why leave the comfort of home, family, friends, and a good job? Well I have always dreamt of the experience to be gained from teaching in Asia, but I never found the time to go or rather, I never took the time. Essentially, I feel we can all make excuses based on not having time but it really comes down to how we choose to spend that time. I chose not to have the regret of..."wish I had done that". So on a whim, while driving alone to Atlanta for my spring break, I decided to go for it. I did not renew my teaching contract at Riverview Gardens (RGHS), much to the surprise of many of the staff and students, for they knew I loved my alma mater, the kids and the great At-Risk Program of which I was involved; but I decided no time like the present. Now keep in mind, at this time I had not yet begun my search for an overseas teaching position, let alone be offered a job. In that respect, many people thought I was a bit off in my thinking...but I knew if I left myself no alternative, I would follow through on this dream and make no more excuses.

The search began on-line, applying for teaching positions in Malaysia, Hong Kong and Japan. I even applied for all expenses-paid teacher programs run through Japan, however I was turned down do to my age and extensive teaching experience. I understood that it was "fresh from college" instructors they sought and I certainly did not fit that profile but I felt that I had a wealth of knowledge to share and yet to learn, so I continued my search independently. Another frequent question is: Why choose Japan then? Well, actually I feel like Japan chose me. Thanks to a new friend I met in the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL), I was given an email contact of a woman, Reiko Nemoto, in Japan who had a house to rent. I emailed her immediately and she called me from Japan to express her interest. She was willing to rent me a house and help me with the visa obligations, as well as contact local schools to find work for me, as long as I would help tutor her two daughters and work at her cram school, which is a place where students come to get additional tutoring. GREAT! This was October of 2000 and I had 4 months to pack my townhouse, store most of my belongings, sell all my furniture to finance the move, and organize mounds of paperwork before leaving February 1, 2001. In Japan, the school year runs from April through March, with small breaks during summer, winter and spring. So it was decided that I needed to arrive by early March so as to prepare for my classes and get settled into my new home in Kamogawa, JAPAN.

It was in January of 2001 that I had a memorable farewell party with guests including members of my family; colleagues; former junior high, high school and college classmates, and many friends from all the organizations I have worked with: The Coalition of Asian-Pacific Americans (CAPA), The Organization of Chinese-Americans (OCA), and the JACL. On February 1st, I left St. Louis to begin my new adventure but first I made a side trip to Hong Kong, Malaysia, and Singapore to visit friends and relax a bit before moving on to my new home in Japan.

Next: #2- Side Trip

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