I applied for JET with the intent to stay in Japan after the program ended, so I already had some language study and travel goals in mind when I arrived at my placement. That same year the Principal gave a speech during the annual winter assembly where he chose a theme for the upcoming new year. That became the year of chōsen (挑戦), or challenge. He encouraged us to find new ways to challenge ourselves, and to keep an open mind to new experiences as opportunities arose.
His speech ignited a spark that I hadn’t even realized I had, one that would lead me onto some of the best adventures of my adult life. I picked up new hobbies, I said yes to just about every event I could, and the connections I made directly contributed to my successful job hunt post-JET. Throughout it all I feel like I really came out of my shell, and will always treasure the memories I made while on the program.