Hello May 2018, and therefore newbies! I see you~
WOW you already heard where you’re going I bet. Or you’re about to hear. Or you got half of where you’re going and you’re gonna learn more soon, aaaah! So now that you have your placement, I am reminding you once more to live your lives with NO SHITTY VIBES!
I’m talking to the vocal ones who might be making some peeps uncomfortable around this time on forums, group chats, Q&A sessions, or whatnot. I’m avoiding those groups because I’m an old, tired crust of bread, but I know it’s happening because it does every year.
I’ll say that again. The way some people relay info in a know-it-all fashion makes people uncomfortable. If this is you, maybe take a breath, cuz I know you’re just excited and most likely really looking to be helpful in your own way.
Therefore, in the words of Inigo, let me ‘splain... too much, let me sum up.
I don’t care if you think rural experiences are more authentic, or that urban ones are more fun.You’re going to make it whatever you want it to be, and a lot of that is based on your attitude coming in. Other people are going to make it whatever THEY want it to be, and your job isn’t to control them or their experience. Going off about how placements are less or more “authentic” is gross y’all.
If you’re experiencing this kind of jerkiness being done TO YOU, you relax too! These types of people stand out like a duck in a chicken coop, whether they realize it or not. Trust me, you’re not gonna fix the ones who get off on comparisons, even if you’re nice to them. Some people love complaining, some people love judging, blah blah blah. Leave ‘em be. Find those good good peeps who make you feel like every day’s a good time waiting to happen. Love on them. Whether they’re ALTs, other foreigners, expats, Japanese locals, or whatever! You can make a pack with whomever you choose and it’ll be fine.
Let people dig their own holes without you handing them a shovel, and tend to your own garden. Something something May flowers, blah blah blah, metaphor for a good life.