A Letter to Field Placement

That's the thing about goodbyes; they don't really feel real until the very last moment. 

When a handshake turned into a hold and final a hug is when it hit me. I was leaving and this would be the last time in a long time. The last time I would see them in this moment, in this year, but not in this life. It is important to know that though this chapter has come to a close it will not be the final time we will meet. At least the plan is to return and to visit, but enough of reflecting, you guys don't even have the heartfelt story to join me in this reminisce.  So, let's go ahead and change that with a heartfelt send off to my time in Field Placement. 

Field Placement, a class I chose after a lot of thought and consideration. The thought of being able to experience the workforce in Japan sounded like such a unique and special opportunity. It was something that felt like a given to take, who wouldn't want to take a field placement class.  The answer is a lot of people, could you imagine my surprise when I walked in and only saw five other people in the class. Together our class made up a total of six people who were all placed in different work environments based on their personal preferences. Ishikawa-san did such a beautiful job finding what I believe the perfect fits for everyone's individual interests and curiosities.  

Of the six placements we had a tennis coach, a teacher assistant, a researcher in an environmental firm, a restaurant server that also performed on stage in a small cafe, an immigration law firm helper, and mine a boxing assistant coach. While there were similarities in some placements everyone's placement had featured very different experiences in terms of what they did and what they learned during their time there. The intimacy of having such a small class added to the feeling of beauty of being in that class. Being able to talk so in depth about our experiences every class was something I barely get to experience back at my own school. That class was able to curate such a special and safe environment that everyone felt comfortable to speak up and speak out. Tada Sensei was also such a wonderful teacher during our class, and I will definitely look back fondly on those memories. The encouraging and wise words that were always offered up gave me new perspectives on life that I hadn't previously gave thought to. I thoroughly appreciate the care she took in reading through our experiences on our written papers and gave us thoughtful feedback and comments. 

Some of the things I mentioned within my own papers was how much I learned from being able to experience work culture firsthand than just watching or reading about it in media. There were a lot of things proved right, and a lot of things proved wrong, because as we know the media is an unreliable narrator. One thing that is very easy to notice is the higher level of respect in Japan than in the states, or it is at least expressed more forwardly than in the states. The children I coached would always come in and greet all of the coaches and listen intently when talked to. Though there is still respect in the sports world in the states it feels a little more unspoken than in Japan. One of the falsities I came across was the strictness of the workplace. I had accidentally gotten lost on my FIRST day to my field placement and ended up being late. As I was panicking running full speed to the site I was greeted by my supervisor Keita-san who, instead of looking down at me disappointedly, look upon me with kindness and understanding. Instead of being upset or angry he had told be to relax and that he understands stuff happens. The very first experience changed my whole perspective on how my placement was going to go for the rest of the semester. It was indeed a world-shattering moment in the best way possible. So, as we are on the topic of my field placement, I guess it is time to get to the heartfelt words I have kept locked in my mind files. 

Though I know this is not the final goodbye it is indeed the closing of one chapter of my life, for no book goes on forever. Even so I am happy to have shared this time in my life with all who were in both the field placement class and at the KN-Link Boxing Club.

A Poem of sorts because I am feeling sappy, hopefully it captures some feeling of wonder

Be it pouring rain or scorching heat, nothing's got KN-Link Boxing beat

Through sun and through the shine, every moment felt genuine

Pink pool noodles fly through the air, whacking kids everywhere 

Time for class to start, everyone giving all their heart

When all is said and done, we reset for a rerun

Expect now I have left; I have all but wept

May the tears subside, and the tides rise.

I rule the days where we met again, until then I will continue to cherish the lessons I have learned and the memories that we share. From the bonds we have forged are unforgettable. Thank you again for a beautiful experience