やった (Hooray)!!

I recently received notification that I have an interview with the JET Program. I am so excited!!!

Ever since I received the notice, I’ve been scouring the internet for blog, vlogs (like a video blog), and info on the JET Program. In case you are unfamiliar with the program, check out this website OR this one to learn more about it.

So, I’ve begun my last semester and I’m praying that I will end up in Japan by the end of this summer. Honestly, I wouldn’t mind being anywhere in the world (preferably outside the U.S. though for a little bit), but I imagine living in Japan will be easier than living in a country I’ve never been. I understand the culture shock and language  I’ll experience in Japan.

However, until February 18th (the day of my interview), I will be a player in the waiting game. AND THEN, after the interview I have to wait until April for notification. So much waiting!!

~Steph

Hello All!

I have been a horrible blogger, but I’ve realized I loved keeping this blog while in Japan! Also, I’m about to start the application process for the JET Program and Law School, and if I get into the JET program to teach English in Japan I KNOW family and friends will want me to keep a blog again. So, why not just keep this one running with not so often updates, but at least keep you informed.

I checked out the JET Program website today which took me to the U.S.’s official JET program website, where I found out I can’t start applying until October when they will put the application up. I also ran into my former Japanese teacher who once again told me to come to her when I start the application process. I’m so excited to start applying for this program and I cannot express in words how I hope to get in. BUT, at the same time I need to keep up with my classes (I’m assisting my Japanese teacher in teaching Japanese), I’m taking 21 credits (including this teaching assistance) and work about 10 hours a week. I’m also taking some pretty tough classes, like International Economics and Business Law, but I love these challenging courses. As my Dad keeps reminding me, I just need to stay on top of everything and make sure I go to EVERY class and turn in EVERY assignment. Which has always been something I overlook, as crazy as it sounds. But on top of applying for the Jet program and taking all these classes, I need to prepare for the LSAT and start the application process for Law school. I took a diagnostic LSAT last Saturday and scored a 153, which is only one point above average and not the best score. But, I figure this is my score starting out without any studying. What will my score be once I understand why I got questions wrong and understand how to answer them correctly? I’m going to shoot for a 180 (which is a perfect score) because why shouldn’t I?

I’m also living in an amazing apartment with great roommates who are all just as busy. Our schedules don’t exactly coincide, but I love having them around to chat with or rant my frustrations to… don’t worry though, they do the same to me so we’re equal We each have our own room which is nice. It’s nice to come home and enter my almost ALWAYS clean room (I expect to hear a snort coming from my parent’s direction). Also, I did buy a bike! I absolutely love it. I’ll post pictures sometime soon… or I may just e-mail them out to you all (Family!).

Anywho, I’m going to try and keep up with this blog a little. I figure I should, since the Study Abroad Office hired me to keep up with their Facebook and Twitter page for two reasons 1) whenever I came into their office to talk about applying to Kansai Gaidai I was fully prepared (which I need to thank my dad for) and 2) they loved my blog! So thanks everyone for the comments and the continuous harassment to update more!

Miss you all!

Steph