During the past year, JETAA Portland has experienced some exciting growth. We have more people coming to our events and activities than ever, making things like the Iron Chef cook off, our annual parties, and the J-Kaiwa conversation club hugely successful.

As a JET participant originally from the Seattle Consulate, my first introduction to JETAA Portland started when I ended up here after two years in Japan. As a municipal ALT, I taught at six junior high schools, including two high level “model schools,” where I helped develop and execute demonstration classes for area teachers. Overall my relationship with teachers, students, friends in my community, and time in Japan overall had a huge impact on my life.

Since then I’ve actively attended meetings, created and designed an exciting new newsletter, and am a regular participant in the J-Kaiwa conversation club. I also planned the 2008 Shinnenkai, a huge success with record attendance, lots of fun, and best of all came in under budget.

As President, I would like to build on this success to help us all make the best of an exciting year ahead for JETAA Portland. I hope to increase our budget by expanding our partnerships with local businesses and organizations, similar to what I’ve done with local Japanese restaurants. I think some of our events could be more family-friendly, while others could include more outings reminiscent of the rowdy times we had in Japan. I’d also like to reach out beyond the JETTA community, see more members coming back to events, and provide the best support for new returnees soon to arrive from Japan.

Most importantly, I’d like to help us all have a fun and rewarding year for JETAA Portland. Thanks for your support!

Jarod Bishop

 

Hi, my name is Amanda Gray and I am the current VP of JETAA Portland. While in Japan, I was an ALT in Fukui prefecture’s Sabae city and taught at Sabae Junior High School and the city's 12 elementary schools.

Since returning from Japan, I have been a proud and an active member of JETAA Portland. Being a part of JETAA has enabled me to meet new friends in Portland and continue learning about and experiencing Japanese culture. I have thoroughly enjoyed my role as VP since April 2007 and wish to continue being a contributor to JETAA Portland’s missions, growth and future success.

I believe I am qualified to represent you as Vice President of JETAA Portland because of my organizational and leadership skills and my dedication to the organization thus far. I am a competent problem-solver, enjoy being social and interacting with anyone who has an interest in Japan. Thank you for your time and consideration.

My name is Beth Schnyder and I was an ALT in Nagasaki Prefecture from 1993-1996. Over the past several years, I have had the opportunity to serve JETAA Portland in a variety of different officer positions, including treasurer.

Having taken a break as we welcomed a new baby into our lives, I am excited to jump back in to an active role. My past experience makes me uniquely qualified to serve as treasurer again and I welcome the challenge of assisting the JETAA Portland chapter with budget cuts that will affect the upcoming fiscal year. My goals as treasurer are to manage our finances in a way that supports the Japanese Consulate and furthers our mission as JETAA Portland. I feel that my active support will be beneficial in making this a great year for JETAA Portland.