My Statement of Purpose

I firmly believe in the power of culture and of sharing it with people around the world. When

I was young, it fascinated me to see foreigners try on my country's clothing and talk happily

with my fellowmen. Even when people look different from each other, they still have a

natural ability to connect and share their experiences. It was an inspiring moment for me

who then grew up to be someone who loves sharing stories and life lessons with people: a

teacher. Students learn best from stories. It heals. It makes us care, and it also builds strong

friendships. Best of all, stories live on forever, and I, the storyteller, will have made a mark

in the world. With this goal, every opportunity to become a better teacher had been met with

eagerness and passion. I have done immersions at rural schools, applied at online tutoring

sites, and taught at private schools to extend my help. My engagements in these jobs have

solidified my desire to teach in a classroom. So, I am applying for the JET programme to

educate the students and to strengthen the grassroots of culture and friendship between the

Philippines and Japan.

As a child, I first knew about Japan at the same time I was learning about my own country. I

grew up with anime shows like Doraemon, Pokemon, and Inuyasha. I immediately fell in

love with the magic, the worlds they created, and the roller-coaster of emotions they inspired

in me. They were the reasons I could say that my childhood had been amazing and full of

magic. From my avid watching of anime, I became knowledgeable about the country's

culture. At some point, my family adopted the 'itadakimasu' expression before we set to eat.

We would laugh with each other with the new tradition we followed. What I learned from

this experience was that adopting a custom can work wonders in spicing up one’s life.

When I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English language education, I immediately

engrossed myself in online tutoring to help my family earn money and pay the bills. I applied

at Rarejob Inc.: an online tutoring web site who encourages Japanese people to speak
English through interactive and context-based lessons. At first, I was unsure of my

experience in online class since it was my first time. But I was willing to take the risk

because, as an English teacher, I want to help people speak the language fluently. Today, I

am currently in my 10th month in the field and I must say that I enjoyed every moment of it.

I realized that I could meet so many people, learn from their stories, and make friends across

the world. What I loved most from my job was the rewarding feeling I get when I saw my

Japanese students smile and enjoy our classes. I would be ecstatic when the same students

would book me again for another class—a sign of trust and respect. When my Japanese

student begged, "I need your help", I knew I had to be an ALT. From this experience, I have

understood the Japanese people’s struggle in learning English. As a second language

speaker, I knew how hard it was to speak, read, write, and listen to English. From what my

Japanese students told me, they said they had little opportunities in learning English because

they do not have peers who speak it. So, I want to be there for them and give them the

opportunity they need.

What I can contribute to this program are my experiences and dedication as a teacher. My

Rarejob counselors have taught me to adjust my speaking pace, and to use simple

vocabulary. Most of all, to always have the students’ welfare as the utmost priority. After the

JET program, I could see myself employed at a school focused on teaching English to

foreign students. I will also pursue both language and literature for my master’s and

doctorate degrees. As I realized the benefits of JET, I also pondered on the responsibilities it

entails. So, I want to improve myself as an English teacher and offer the best education to

my students. Most importantly, I want to share stories that build friendships and change

lives.

Prepared by: Marielle Dominique G. De la Cruz