“Far and away the best prize that life has to offer is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.”
– Theodore Roosevelt

As most of you are already aware, I’ve finally come to the final stretch of the JET Program application process. It’s been a long and tedious process in the midst of various quizzes and midterms that took place, but I’m finally almost done.

All I’m really waiting for now are reference letters (and forms) from Konomi-Sensei and Watanabe-Sensei, as well as my confirmed graduation date from my Advisor; which I should get on Monday. For those of you that are curious about the process, here’s the checklist they had for this year. Based off of the job you’re applying for and your history, some forms are not applicable while others are required.

☑ Main Application Form – Signed
☑ Authorization and Release Form – Signed
☑ Self Assessment Medical Form – Signed
☑ Physician’s Form
☑ FBI Criminal History Summary
☑ Certificate of Health
☑ Statement of Purpose
☑ Official Transcripts
☑ Proof of Study Abroad
☑ Proof of Graduation
OR (if currently enrolled)
☑ Proof of Expected Graduation Date [edit/received]
AND
☑ Proof of Current Enrollment
☑ Proof of Teacher and/or TEFL/TESL certification
☑ Proof of Japanese Proficiency
☑ Proof of U.S. Citizenship
☑ Letter of Reference and Reference Form (1 of 2) [edit/received]
☑ Letter of Reference and Reference Form (2 of 2) [edit/received]
☑ Self-Addressed Stamped Envelope

I just have to make sure that I’m diligent this upcoming week so that I properly collect the final pieces and then mail it all in to the Embassy of Japan (Washington, D.C.) no-later-than Tuesday, November 26th. To be honest, I’ll probably send the package in no-later-than Friday, and as express, to ensure there are no hiccups along the way. I can’t tell you how nervous and anxious I am about what the future holds. I’ll still keep my options open, of course, in the event that things don’t go according to plan, but if things manage to go smoothly I think I’m ready for this new chapter.