Libby Wolfensperger

My name is Libby Wolfensperger, and I was an Assistant Language Teacher in Chiba-ken from 1992 to 1994. I also had the opportunity while in Japan to work for the National Youth Authority, to be a representative of Japan at the International Youth Conference, and to edit and translate documents for the NYA. I am currently the Co-President of the JETAA of Northern California and the JETAANC International representative. In this role, I help coordinate the Alumni-Led Orientation, the Career & Networking Forum, participate on the JETAA International By-Laws Committee and assist or coordinate other events with the Consulate General of Japan in San Francisco and the JETAA.

The JET Programme has profoundly affected my life. I feel a kinship with Japan, but even more than this feeling of "Japan," I feel open to other cultures and more capable of understanding and empathizing with others. A few weeks ago, I found myself speaking with a friend whose uncle had been in the Pacific theater in World War II. When the war ended, his uncle had assisted in the liberation of allied POWs. His uncle had told him about the things he had seen, and this had a strong effect on his nephew, who told me that he felt he could not "trust" the Japanese after hearing stories like these from a member of his own family.

I was able to understand his sentiment, but was also able to direct him towards a more constructive way of thinking. I was able to do this by drawing on the cultural experiences I had had in Japan and my experience working with Japanese youth. I explained that to keep a closed-minded way of thinking is to repeat the mistakes we fear the most. I felt that on a personal level, I had influenced my friend. It made me realize though, that while I may have been able to say these things prior to my JET experience, it is my JET experience that made me believe in what I was saying.

One of the most powerful moments that I experienced in Japan as an ALT was on graduation day at the diploma ceremony. We were all dressed formally, sitting up straight and hoping the ceremony would go smoothly. Each homeroom teacher would go to the podium then read the names of each of his or her students. The students, in turn would stand, say "Hai," bow and sit down again.

When Otaka-sensei went to the podium, we all sat a bit straighter in our chairs. Would the three senior "bad boys' pull a stunt ... or would they behave ... ?

The first student, Shuji Takamatsu, came up. "Sensei," he called out in a loud voice, and we sucked in our breath.

Next, Kenji Kaneko came up and yelled, "Honto ni," in a loud voice. We were now getting quite nervous.

Finally, Takeo Nagayama came up to the stage and called out, "Arigato gozaimasu!" in the loudest voice yet.

We had tears in our eyes and looked at our feet. Otaka-sensei was moved, could barely speak, and for a brief moment, could not continue. And then it was over. Yet in that moment, I knew as teachers, friends and JETs, that we were positive and strong influences on these three boys and their futures.