Hi everyone, I'm Stephanie, a 25 year old recent returnee from Aomori . I have spent four of the past five years in Japan , one year being a study-abroad program at Waseda University in Tokyo through the UO and the other three years as an ALT. I also spent my four years in high school “majoring” in Nihongo.

I am excited to be an active member of JETAA in Portland as I plan to continue to practice and use the Japanese language skills I have acquired in the past 11 years. I also enjoy Japanese culture and desire to get others in the community involved in participating in cultural events.

I'm currently in the Master of Arts in Teaching program at George Fox University and a teacher in West Linn . I am organized and would like to use those skills to help the JETAA community by being the liaison between the Japanese consulate and the Portland chapter.

Please ask me about my love for onsen and sushi.

Dozo yoroshiku onegaishimasu.

Welcome back Returnees!

My name is Amanda Gray and I was an ALT in Fukui prefecture from 2003-2006. While in Japan, I taught at Sabae Junior High School and Sabae city's 12 elementary schools.

As I moved to Portland just after returning to the US, I still consider myself a newcomer to the city. Fortunately, being a part of JETAA has enabled me to meet new friends (and Japanese food lovers) and continue learning about and experiencing Japanese culture in Portland. Not to mention, it offers a great network of people and resources willing to help you re-integrate into US life.

I'm very excited to be VP of JETAA Portland and promise to do my best to support our organization's missions. I hope that you will join our chapter of dynamic ex-JETers and get involved. I invite you to write us with your suggestions on events, what we can do better or just to say hello.

I look forward to seeing you at our next event. Kampai to a successful and really fun year!

Gambarimashou!

Hi, my name is Sarah Hamreus and I was a JET in Kagawa prefecture from 2003-2005. I feel that I would be an excellent Treasurer for JETAA based on my educational background, the time spent on JET, my past and present history as an accountant, my patience and willingness to work within a team environment, and my flexibility to do what is needed whenever necessary.

So, what makes me qualified for the JETAA Treasurer position? In 2001 I graduated from college with a BBA in accounting. I worked for two years as an auditor at a public accounting firm before heading off to Japan for my two-year stint as a JET. During my 2nd year as an ALT, I was elected treasurer of National AJET. After returning home last August, I quickly found a job as the accounting manager at a local non-profit organization.

Working in the field of accounting for the past few years taught me that it takes time, patience, and teamwork to implement new ideas and get things done. I feel that I am very patient, flexible, a good team player, and problem solver.

In addition, I have served for the past few months as the Community Development Chair. I was in charge of planning and organizing the JETAA booth at the Mochitsuki Cultural Festival. This event ended up being a great success! I am also an active member of the JETAA United co-ed soccer team (we are continuously looking for good players).

As you can see, I have a very developed accounting and JET-related background. I feel that I would be an excellent candidate for JETAA treasurer and would be very pleased to serve the JETAA community in Portland and the surrounding areas. Please consider my skills and background for this position.

Thank you for considering me for JETAA Treasurer!