Colorado College senior Tamar Crump has earned a spot in the Japan Exchange and Teaching Program. The JET Program is a competitive opportunity that allows young professionals to live and work in areas throughout Japan while representing the United States as cultural ambassadors. Placement in the program is a highly competitive award that is the equivalent of the Fulbright English Teaching award in Japan.
“I read so many articles that were saying the likelihood of you getting the award on your first try is slim,” Crump says. “Also, I was afraid my lack of Japanese skills would hinder me a little. Regardless, it feels great to be able to travel and experience a new place right after ending my time at CC.”
While in Japan, Crump will be serving as an Assistant Language Teacher. “I will be helping in English language classrooms as a support for students and teachers,” she says. “It will allow for a more organic exchange between cultures as I’ll be working closely with new people from various regions of the world.”
During her time at CC, Crump worked with Refugee Alliance and Lutheran Family Services. She credits these experiences with preparing her for her next steps by giving her the opportunity to better her communication skills and effectively interact with people from various cultures.
Crump will be graduating in May with an environmental science major and an art history minor. She says her education at CC and the mentors she interacted with while here provided lasting impact on her future. “I would like to show my utmost gratitude towards Roy Jo Sartin; she has been a huge help and support while I was applying for these programs, she really helped me develop my ideas and make each application sound concise and interesting.” For her part, Sartin, a CC Writing Center specialist, believes that it’s Crump’s experiences working with the community while at CC that will give her an advantage in her new position. “She will be terrific in this role,” Sartin says.
Crump also thanks Student Success Specialist Gretchen Wardell for being, “a wonderful support system. I appreciate her endless encouragement and happiness during the application process,” says Crump.
“Tamar is a rockstar!” says Wardell. “She has worked tirelessly, yet she always has a smile on her face, a positive attitude, and a winning spirit. JET is lucky to have her as a fellow. Her adventurous spirit and playful demeanor will have a strong impact on the students she will work with. I’m so proud of her.”
When asked what she wants to pursue after the JET program, Crump points to interests in agriculture and sustainability. “I’m really interested in agricultural development and finding ways to help more organic and sustainable farming practices infiltrate the larger food industry,” she says. Crump’s goal is to increase access to organic farming and cooking education in low-income communities.