APRIL 2020 - MARCH 2021
JETAA JAMAICA NEWS
Page 10
Reflections in Poetry
Nadine Karen Thompson Kagoshima (2016-2011)
Nadine was an Assistant Language Teacher (ALT) at a high school in Amami Oshima, a small island in the Kagoshima Prefecture. She also visited junior high schools and elementary schools once a month. During her 5-year sojourn, she enjoyed exploring Japan - from Fukuoka, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Tokyo to Hokkaido (and many more places) - and immersing herself in the Japanese culture. Nadine has lived in several other countries, including her current home, China, however Japan and the JET Programme still hold a special place in my heart. Nadine states: "I always get a feeling of 'natsukushii' when I talk about Japan. It was truly memorable experience." Nadine is the author of a poetry compilation titled: "Encounters" (see page 21). Below are two poems written by Nadine on her JET Programme experience.
Remembering JET Jetlagged excitement Starting out the JET journey Tokyo a gathering.
Nareru What I remember of Japan, Is wrapped up in a ball of yarn. Threads extending and connecting all the people I met. Students communicating in Oral English classes,
The streets massively busy, fast walking, running to catch a train. The hotel breakfast: rice, fish and miso soup. Nihongo sounds chattering and clambering all around. Another train, another flight, a designated pickup car, we arrived at home. Meeting new colleagues, a collective bow. The apartment, tatami floors, futons and square bath in a bathroom. The first day of school eager students, questioning eyes, sensei attached to my name. Diving in! Everyday a new experience. People full of kindness and genuine care. A new home filled with leisure bound up with “genki desu ka, ki o tsukete, oskaresama deshita” flowing into “nomihoudai, tabehoudai and karaoke.” Accomplishing everyday tasks in new dimensions. Appreciating summer festivals, fireworks and graduation tears. Forming a true acceptance. An ALT role, Eigo, cool, brilliant, fun Culture immersion.
At lunch time, on the street, always a call of sensei. The towns, cities; places I visited, Travelling on taxis, ferries, trains, trams, buses, airplanes, Enjoying onigiri, sushi, sashimi and sake. Professional through work seminars, judging speech competitions, Laid back in playing sports, games, arranging English corner. Trying local dishes, adopting local traditions, Hanami and Hanabi. Eating takoyaki and okonomiyaki, Every city a unique taste. Getting dressed up in summer kimonos and dancing in the streets. Being adopted into a family, A community, stretching through time and distance, Becoming friendships! Outliving memory. Sumi yasui. Ni naremashita.
Notes: (Sumi yasui - it is easy to live) (Ni naremashita - you have become acquainted)
