Feb 5

Know a Newsletter Editor: Elizabeth Friedman – JETAA Chicago

Interview/Profile, JETAA Chapters, Networking, Writers Add Comment (3)

Elizabeth Friedman (Shimane-ken, 2003-04) recently took over the role of Newsletter Editor for JETAA Chicago.  But how did she find herself in this position?  And what else do we know about this woman who Chicago’s JET alums have entrusted with such informational responsibilities? JetWit decided to get to the bottom of things, and this is what we learned.

Residence: Chicago, IL

Job: Sales representative at Nippon Steel Sales and part-time Asian Art History Instructor at Triton College

What she does all day at work: Listen to people complain about why their steel has, or has not, been shipped

Job she would really like to be doing: I would like to own a gallery of Japanese Buddhist art

First job after JET: I briefly worked for a small company that designed and manufactured clothing. For some strange reason I was assigned to the Christian tee shirt line. My favorite tee shirt phrase was, “Stop, drop, and roll won’t work in Hell.” I thought it was insulting, but hilarious.

How she ended up as the Newsletter Editor: I was the only one crazy enough to take on the responsibility. Plus, I thought it would be a great opportunity for me to get more involved with the Chicago JETAA community

Favorite thing about Chicago: The weather–just kidding. There are so many great museums and restaurants to go to.

What she misses about Japan: The food, and visiting temples and shrines

What she does when she needs a Japan fix: I order Japanese movies on Netflix, or go to the Sunshine Cafe (Japanese homestyle food) in Andersonville

Favorite Chicago politician: Obama!