Last month, the Embassy of Japan hosted a Welcome Back reception for the newly-returned JETs. Embassy officials, family and friends all congregated at the embassy, nestled on Sussex Drive, to celebrate our arrival. (I wrapped up my contract in late July, then took a two-week vacation around Taiwan and Tokyo before moving back to Canada).
I was invited to give a short speech to thank the embassy and the JET Programme. I gave a pretty straightforward speech, given the slice of time I was allotted. I've posted my thoughts below. You can also read about the reception here.
"Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen. Good evening. I would like to thank the Embassy of Japan for hosting this evening’s welcome back reception for newly returned JETs like myself.
My name is Gemma Villanueva. It is an honour for me to be part of the JET family since 2008. It’s also great to be back in Ottawa, where I was born and raised. Indeed, Fukushima prefecture is my second home. I spent three years there as an ALT in one junior high school and its two feeder schools. Nestled in the countryside, Motomiya is home to about 30,000 residents.
Moreover, I want to express my deep gratitude for my fellow Fukushima JETs. Throughout the chaos, we managed to pull together. The unprecedented nuclear situation created a lot of anxiety, influencing many of us to create some distance from the affected coast. I’m so thankful for the JETS who graciously opened up their homes so that we could camp out together. Sitting on the floor covered in futons, we’d share food, monitor the news and pass around laptops to Skype with loved ones back home. Former Fukushima JETs also provided great comfort to us, staying up around-the-clock to pass along breaking news.
The JET Programme has given me the opportunity to deepen my understanding of the Japanese culture and people. I look forward to continuing cross-cultural exchange activities between Canada and Japan, thus promoting our close-knit ties. I’ve often mentioned that the kanji characters behind Fukushima loosely translate into “Lucky Island.” I’d say it is so lucky to receive thoughts and prayers from all over the world. My experience in Japan has empowered me with the skills to be a better global citizen.
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