2024 Survival Series: Mitsuwa Market Sweep

Alumni and new JETs gather for the Market Sweep in 2019.

On Sunday, July 14th, immerse yourself in the ultimate hands-on learning experience with our "Mitsuwa Market Sweep"! Designed for newly hired English teachers and CIRs, this exciting event will familiarize you with Japanese ingredients, products, and essential living skills. Teaming up with an alumni mentor, you'll navigate local markets and stores, learning how to find everything you need to thrive in your new home. The event culminates in a Scavenger Hunt, with the the best team winning a prize!

SIGN-UP FOR THE MARKET SWEEP TODAY!

SIGN-UP FOR THE MARKET SWEEP TODAY!

This event is open to outgoing JETs and alumni.

Questions? Contact Claudia at activities@jetaachicago.com!

Introducing our 2024-2025 Officers - Networking Lead, Joe Palermo

We would like to introduce you to your JETAA Chicago Leadership Team for the 2024-2025 term! This series of officer profiles will give you a closer look at each officer's role responsibilities, motivations for pursuing a leadership role in JETAA Chicago, goals for this year, insights into their personalities, and more.

Our Networking Lead, Joe Palermo (he/him), was an MEF (Mombusho English Fellow) in Gunma from 1982-1984.

Tell us more about your JET experience.

I was part of the original Mombusho English Fellow (MEF) program which was pre-JET. I was based in the beautiful mountainous town of Numata, located in Gunma Prefecture. My role was to visit 50 middle schools in the region and do what we called "one shots". This meant doing self-introductions and teaching 3-4 classes per visit.

When did you join/how long have you been on the JETAA Chicago Leadership Board? If applicable: what positions have you held and when? 

I joined as the Networking Lead in March 2023.

What skills and experience do you bring to the JETAA Chicago leadership team?

I lived in Japan for 8 years and spent over 30 years working in various global corporate executive roles.

What inspired you to step up as a leader and join the JETAA Chicago Board?

I have a lifelong interest in Japan and I wanted to give back to those involved with JET.

What is the essence/purpose of your role? (if you're a new officer, tell us more about what you are looking forward to in your officer role on the JETAA Chicago board)

My role is to help former JETs with their career development by organizing career development workshops. I also created a monthly blog called "Joe-Man On Japan."

Since our officers must embody and practice our Community Conduct and Agreements, which principle do you think is the most important, and/or which one resonated with you the most?

Stay Engaged, Actively Listen

What is something you want to accomplish and/or focus on in your role as an officer?

Continue with more career development workshops, write my blog, and also organize some "JET Together" events for alumni.

For you, what sparks joy?

• Writing and publishing articles (Good Old Days Magazine, Nostalgia Magazine, Reminisce, Japonica, etc.)

• Speaking and studying Japanese

• Playing music (guitar) and attending concerts & musicals

• Intentionally making time for friends weekly over coffee and lunch in retirement

• Playing Pokemon Go

What is your favorite Japanese "thing" near where you live now (and/or in the Midwest)?

Shopping at Mitsuwa in Arlington Heights, IL.

Connect with Joe via Linkedin!

Introducing our 2024-2025 Officers - Activities Lead, Claudia Gonzalez

We would like to introduce you to your JETAA Chicago Leadership Team for the 2024-2025 term! This series of officer profiles will give you a closer look at each officer's role responsibilities, motivations for pursuing a leadership role in JETAA Chicago, goals for this year, insights into their personalities, and more.

Our Activities Lead, Claudia Gonzalez, was an ALT in Toyoma from 2021-2023.

Tell us more about your JET experience.

As a JET with more professional work experience, I was able to focus on building relationships with the community and engage in cultural experiences. I met wonderful life time friendships with my Oba-chans, Okaa-sans, and the wonderful people in Himi. I think about them everyday. I wouldn't change it for the world.

When did you join/how long have you been on the JETAA Chicago Leadership Board? If applicable: what positions have you held and when? 

Came on as Activities Lead in late 2023.

What skills and experience do you bring to the JETAA Chicago leadership team?

I was the Charities Representative for AJET Toyama. My profession is in Higher Education and Leadership with focus on international programs. I hope to encourage future members to seek international experience with Japan. And also bring JET Alumni together to reminisce and enjoy Japanese experiences in Chicago.

What inspired you to step up as a leader and join the JETAA Chicago Board?

I feel like, the support I received from my Senpai and the JETAA Chicago, I want to give back, and also help those who want to go to Japan as well as promote my experience. As a recent returnee, I also wanted to help out those JETs who are transitioning back to the USA.

What is the essence/purpose of your role? (if you're a new officer, tell us more about what you are looking forward to in your officer role on the JETAA Chicago board)

Create cultural exchanges activities with the JET community and the community in Chicago.

Since our officers must embody and practice our Community Conduct and Agreements, which principle do you think is the most important, and/or which one resonated with you the most?

Staying Engaged, and actively listen principle resonates with me the most post Covid, I feel more people want to be more socially engaged, however, we forget that everyone was affected so we have to be mindful and inclusive to those engages, and learn how to listen.

What is something you want to accomplish and/or focus on in your role as an officer?

Creating events, collaborations with other Japanese organizations, and with the community.

For you, what sparks joy?

• Sleeping

• Onsen

• Discovering new delicious foods

• Listening to music

• Being surrounded by loved ones.

What is your favorite Japanese "thing" near where you live now (and/or in the Midwest)?

Mitsuwa, When I am feeling nostalgic I like to go there to eat some Japanese food, and pick up some groceries.

Connect with Claudia via Linkedin!