I received an email today from Christiana Aretta (Okayama-ken, Mimasaka City, 2004-07), currently a Washington, D.C.-based photographer, letting me know about a terrific project she just completed that is just one of many creative examples of the the positive influence of JETs and the JET Program:
“Since I read Jim Gannon’s post about JET on the chopping block, I’ve been putting together a project called 100 English Dreams based on my students’ experiences with English and my photographs of them. I initially planned this project as a book but decided to put it together as a website to show support for the JET Programme. I’ve just finished it today…..I’d like [this project] to be used in a way that garners support for JET and perhaps a deeper consideration for its budget.”
Here’s the website for 100 English Dreams: www.storiography.com/english-dreams If you ever question the value of JET or are concerned about its ongoing existence, this well-conceived site is very much worth a look.
It’s also a reminder that the JET and JET alumni community is made up of wonderful and talented people. And much of Japan’s Return on Investment from JET will come in unique and previously unanticipated forms such as what Christiana has created. Many seeds have been planted as a result of JET. Many have already blossomed (even if you haven’t heard about them) and many, many more will continue to do so.
–Steven Horowitz (Aichi-ken, 1992-94)
2 comments so far...
Wow, this is incredibly compelling and beautiful. I love the simplicity yet power of this project. The full-browser width photos are great.
This is brilliant!