JET: Final Preparations

I took a dry run trip to the Detroit Renaissance Center to time how long it took me to get there. I don't want to take any chances being late for my JET interview. The inside of the RenCen proved to be tricky to navigate, as its base is a maze of concrete circular paths.

I found my way up the 400-Tower via an elevator that looks out over the city (I clutched the rail as I went up). As soon as I reached the 16th floor, there was the big door to the Japanese Consulate's office. Mission accomplished!

A family - mom, dad, and sweet little girl - were walking out at that exact moment. The little girl pressed her nose to the outer glass of the elevator. She talked to her parents excitedly in Japanese, no doubt about the view of the Detroit River churning far below us.

I thought, this is how my life will be soon; hearing the language, interacting with the people, and living within the culture of Japan. Back on ground level, I held back tears. My dream is coming true. It's real, it's not just talk anymore. I'm so scared and happy and ready. This is it.

I'm going to give it everything I've got.