I think it went pretty well...

My interview to teach in Japan was this past weekend in LA. I had stayed up late, just about a week ago trying to finish an essay on "Why I wanted to live and work in Japan." Not even expecting any type of call back at least for a few weeks, I got one the next day asking me to make it to an information session/group interview that upcoming Saturday, the 17th. So next thing you know, i'm back in so cal. The intense information session was definitely something I was happy to see. They talked about so many different aspects with the job. They discussed everything in the contract stipulations, and five considerations to go through before deciding to move to Japan. A couple of the five considerations that I was very happy to hear them discuss was Financial and Family considerations. 

Financial Consideration- AEON pretty much broke it down for you when they put everything on paper concerning the costs to get there. They suggest bringing about $1,500 USD for the first couple of months, because your first big paycheck won't really come until about a month or two after you arrive in Japan.  That money would of course be for rent and cost of living for the first few months. On top of that, they're talking about clothes, airfaire, etc. They added everything up, and pretty much it would cost around $2,500 for everything. They also mentioned debt. They had asked if I had accumulated any debt and if I would be carrying over that debt if I would have decided to leave for Japan. Uhhhhhh, yea I have debt. I did in fact think all of this over prior to deciding to even apply. I want to become financially situated before I leave. Yea, thats a lot of money. But it shouldn't be too hard to handle this financial dilemma of mine if this is something I really want to do. I told them that. I said that is why I would not want to leave until the fall, most likely the end of August beginning of September.  I want to get everything sqwuared away before I leave. Almost leaving with a clean slate...

Family Consideration- AEON explained the importance of having your family and friends support you in your decision to move across the globe into a completely different environment.  I am lucky to have great family and friends.  The few people who fueled this thought into my mind, to the family and friends who have continued to support me whenever I tell them. Positive motivation. They began to give examples and explain this importance because there have been plenty of people who have decided to go, and bailed on the company after a few weeks/months.  Not only does that affect the person, but the company as well.  The company spent a lot of time and money to help that person get the job and transition into Japan. The recruiters began to list several situations such as family arguments, running away from problems, family health issues, etc. When they expressed their concern about family health issues, they made it clear that it was not a good idea to go if someone in the family had a serious health concern. It is for the benefit of the person to be here with their family during their time of need. "AEON has been here for over 35 years since 1973, and will continue to be here for the next 35 years and beyond. The opportunity will always be here. Your loved ones may not be..." After that line, we took a break. i overheard two people speak with the recruiters saying that they would not continue for the rest of the day because of what they said. The recruiters obviously were very understanding, but the two people were ever so grateful.  One of the interviewees said that the thought was always in the back of her mind, whether or not she should go. She thanked the recruiter for breaking it down to her, and possibly making a mistake by leaving too soon. I have no doubt that the person will be back and make it to Japan one day. I saw it in her lesson plan demonstration. I saw it when I had talked to her throughout the day. She has the passion to teach and the love to travel. She explained her reasons on going, but never once did she mention anything that would hold her back. Best of luck to you...

My lesson plan demonstration I feel went fantastic. Everything went a lot better than I had planned. I'm just happy I practiced the lesson plan with Diana and Zo before we left that morning. Thanks for the tips yo! I was able to slow down the speed of my talking and continue to have the energy needed. But... apparently I don't smile enough. I guess that can be fixed. I feel way corny smiling all the time especially when there isn't anything funny or if in a dull moment. That's the only thing the recruiter said I could have done better, other than a few things that had to do with the lesson plan itself (all minor though). 

During the personal interview, the recruiter surprised me with a task. I had to create a lesson plan based on one of their handouts and give a five minute presentation, with only ten minutes to prepare. The recruiter was to leave during those ten minutes, then when he came back he would act as a Japanese student. That shit was hard yo... I am to teach Japanese children/adults conversational English. It is really hard when they don't understand you fully or you find it difficult to explain/demonstrate what certain words mean.  All while smiling and having a high energy. It's quite difficult to keep smiling and have high energy when the person you're teaching looks at you hella dumb, with a straight face, and answers back like I had done something wrong to them. I'm not sure if it was just me, but damn... It's gonna be a rough learning experience if I get this chance. All in all, I think the personal interview portion went pretty well. I answered all the questions with carefully and with confidence. I left that interview knowing I did my best, leaving everything on the table. 

This whole process has even further solidified my decision to go to Japan. I feel like everytime I write another blog, there is just something else to write about that helps with that decision to go. I am grateful. I am happy I am still able to continue a positive outlook despite certain things going on.  I continue to stay happy because of the support I have. I am pleasantly content...

I should hear back in about two weeks...

"I can do all things through Him, who strengthens me." Philippians 4:13