Becoming at the Edge of Kyushu

I began my journey as an ALT in a quiet countryside area of Kyushu. As a first-timer, the thought of social isolation frightened me. Being far from familiar support systems and having little experience in the role, I wondered how I would manage without a clear reference point or someone to guide me through the process.

Yet, in many ways, that absence became my strength. With no fixed standard to measure myself against, I learned to rely on self-motivation rather than comparison, and to focus on consistent effort instead of seeking validation. I discovered that growth often happens in uncertainty. You can work incredibly hard and not always know if you are aiming at the right height, but perseverance quietly shapes you nonetheless.

I was also deeply supported by our staff, whose guidance and patience helped me more than I can fully express. Their willingness to assist, advise, and quietly encourage me made the unfamiliar feel manageable and the difficult days lighter.

Now, three years later, the countryside feels more like home than the city ever could. What once seemed isolating has become grounding. I have learned not only how to survive daily life, but how to belong within it. Through the kindness of the Japanese locals, the strength of our school community, and the support of my colleagues, I gained more than professional experience. I gained perspective, resilience, and a place I now call home.