School Daddy says, "Oshii Desu!"

When opportunities knocks,you must answer because the opportunity might lead to an amazing trip of a lifetime. I had the opportunity to apply for a fellowship with The Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund (JFMF) Teacher Program. This program increases understanding between the people of Japan and the United States by providing elementary and secondary school teachers and administrators with the opportunity to participate in fully-funded three-week study visits to Japan, and to return with a plan designed to introduce Japanese culture to American students.

I was elated to learn that from the over 1,700 applicants that I was selected for one of the 200 fellowships. Applicants who are selected received round-trip travel to Japan, local transportation in Japan, lodging, and meals for three weeks. Highlights of the trip include sightseeing, meetings with Japanese teachers, students, and parents and a homestay with a Japanese family. Once fellows return home, they further develop and implement strategies for sharing their experiences with their schools and communities.

This life changing experience began with an informative orientation for 200 eager American educators in San Francisco. I was please to learn that in Japan teachers are held in the same high esteem as doctors and other professionals with higher education. In fact, after my last name the Jpanese word sensei would be added to show this respect. So from now on I want everyone to call me Freeman-sensei! Another important piece of information I learned was, "Do not stick your chopsticks upright into your food generally, but especially not into rice, because this is associated with death." This is only acceptable at funerals, chopsticks are stuck into the rice which is put onto the altar. Whew, what a relief to learn that one! I was dying to go to Japan but only figuratively speaking.

The orientation session was followed by a beautiful reception at the official residence of Japanese Consul General Yasumasa Nagamine. We were wined and dined with traditonal Japanese food and greetings from diplomats. The centerpiece of our dinner table was the Golden Gate Bridge made out of sushi. Oshii Desu (delicious).