Pride and Humility: Learning to Balance Both on the JET Programme
摘要
In this chapter, the author reflects on her experiences as an Australian on the JET Programme over the course of three years. During her three years on the Programme prior to writing, she was able to learn a great deal from her co-workers and students alike. The first section of this reflection deals with arrogance and humility. The author examines how it is easy to fall into thinking that one knows more than one perhaps does through experience. It examines how, when participating in the JET Programme, it is important to keep one’s frame of mind open to being imperfect, but also always open to learning. The second section explores solving boredom in the workplace. Being underutilised is a common complaint among JETs, and the author writes about her own experience with it, and how she worked to use free time proactively. The third section focusses on building confidence as a new ALT in a foreign country. The author writes about feeling powerless and that her presence wasn’t making a meaningful contribution. The section then focusses on ways that an ALT can make a difference and how to be proud of the work one does on the JET Programme.