Welcome to Richard Sweet's E-Portfolio
This is my portfolio which exhibits all the high quality work I have done over the three years I have spent as a student at CSUMB. If you would like a reason as to why I chose to be a Japanese Language and Culture major, all you have to do is look down a little bit further. Content about specific classes, including my service learning and capstone, can be found on the top via the tabs. All of the work which has been done is represented via this E-Portfolio, so please take your time in looking through the material.
Personal Statement
Studying late one night at Oberlin University during the Fall of 2013, I heard a thunderous beat coming from the basement. Upon further exploration I became mesmerized by the performers of the Okinawan traditional dance of Eisaa, one of the various clubs at Oberlin. Completely enthralled, I asked to join and then spent the remainder of my time abroad participating in the various festivals across Kanagawa and Tokyo. My name is Richard Sweet, and as the Eisaa club exposed an entire culture unknown to me, I would like to assist my students as an ALT by giving them insight into authentic American culture.
When I entered my sophomore year in high school, I began to take Japanese in order to fulfill a language requirement, but after I saw my Japanese teacher's passion for education I became interested in the world of teaching. My first step into education was taking on student assistant roles in both my community college and university Japanese classes, where my tasks included aiding students whenever they had questions and grading homework and quizzes. In order for me to develop tools to teach a second language, I attended the Monterey Bay World Language Project in 2012. After my year abroad, I came back and became the student assistant for the project. Through the program, I was able to meet language teachers in the tri-county area and collaborate with them in order to create curriculum meant for secondary language acquisition for middle and high school students.
My year abroad at Oberlin University is by far the most important experience to me as far as individual growth as well as building on my language ability. In order to become a stronger communicator, I joined Eisaa. Freshmen students at Oberlin University were required to take English classes, so if any of the members of my club had questions I was more than happy to assist them to the best of my ability. I also spent the entire year abroad as a participant in the home stay program provided by the school. Under my host family's guidance, I became acclimated to Japanese culture in a way not usually provided to most students. Being a part of a home stay gave me an insight into everyday Japanese family life which I will cherish forever. Through these experiences, I was able to grow into a more patient person when communicating with others in both English and Japanese.
I wanted to be a part of the Japanese Language and Culture program because I want to inspire students as I have been inspired and to become an effective member in a globalized society. In order to that, I applied for and was accepted to the JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) program and will be departing August 1st to go to the Shizuoka Prefecture. As a native speaker from California, I can provide a window not only for the students I teach, but also for the community to look through such as teaching California's state dance, West Coast Swing. As a teacher I would be able to utilize all of the tools acquired through service learning and the MBWLP to assist my students as they progress further into their English education. My experience I have taken from this program will prove to be valuable for the rest of my life, professionally, personally, and academically.
Like the members of Eisaa and the beat of their drums which opened a new world for me, I would like to be that beat for the people in my life.
When I entered my sophomore year in high school, I began to take Japanese in order to fulfill a language requirement, but after I saw my Japanese teacher's passion for education I became interested in the world of teaching. My first step into education was taking on student assistant roles in both my community college and university Japanese classes, where my tasks included aiding students whenever they had questions and grading homework and quizzes. In order for me to develop tools to teach a second language, I attended the Monterey Bay World Language Project in 2012. After my year abroad, I came back and became the student assistant for the project. Through the program, I was able to meet language teachers in the tri-county area and collaborate with them in order to create curriculum meant for secondary language acquisition for middle and high school students.
My year abroad at Oberlin University is by far the most important experience to me as far as individual growth as well as building on my language ability. In order to become a stronger communicator, I joined Eisaa. Freshmen students at Oberlin University were required to take English classes, so if any of the members of my club had questions I was more than happy to assist them to the best of my ability. I also spent the entire year abroad as a participant in the home stay program provided by the school. Under my host family's guidance, I became acclimated to Japanese culture in a way not usually provided to most students. Being a part of a home stay gave me an insight into everyday Japanese family life which I will cherish forever. Through these experiences, I was able to grow into a more patient person when communicating with others in both English and Japanese.
I wanted to be a part of the Japanese Language and Culture program because I want to inspire students as I have been inspired and to become an effective member in a globalized society. In order to that, I applied for and was accepted to the JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) program and will be departing August 1st to go to the Shizuoka Prefecture. As a native speaker from California, I can provide a window not only for the students I teach, but also for the community to look through such as teaching California's state dance, West Coast Swing. As a teacher I would be able to utilize all of the tools acquired through service learning and the MBWLP to assist my students as they progress further into their English education. My experience I have taken from this program will prove to be valuable for the rest of my life, professionally, personally, and academically.
Like the members of Eisaa and the beat of their drums which opened a new world for me, I would like to be that beat for the people in my life.
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