Chicago JETs 2012 (and surrounding states)

[thedocumentarian]

I'm making this thread because it seems like Chicago JETs have not been represented much yet, haha. This thread is also for those JETs and others who are departing from the Chicago consulate in July from other states (Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin).

[minnesconsin]

Whoo, Chicago represent! Haha I'm representing Minnesota specifically, but also Wisconsin since I go to school there. Looking forward to talking to everyone on here and meeting in person too!

[thedocumentarian]

We're all going to have to meet up with each other, hopefully this thread will make it a little less awkward.

[readyaimzfire]

Heyo! Glad someone started this. Pretty excited to see everyone in Chicago (for orientation and the flight, at the very least). I'm from the Northwest suburbs specifically, went to school in Wisconsin, and...yeah. Japan soon enough!

When did everyone interview? I was around the office from 2-4 p.m. on Wednesday.

[thedocumentarian]

I interviewed on the 21st, which was a Tuesday. I loved the interview. I was very confident all the way. Anyone have trouble finding parking or did you all stay at Oprah's house across the street? Haha.

[Lyre]

Congrats all the Chicago folks!

I was with the Chicago group last year, and I still talk to many of the people from my group now! (I also visit them all across Japan!)

If Austin is still running things, you guys are in for a treat! He made the whole preparation process easy and wonderful, and if we all behaved, he awarded us with kitten pictures!

Congrats!!!

[Allison_NaraPA]

I second Lyre, and to all, Congratulations!!!

While you await placement, you could begin considering what small gifts, photos, and other midwesterny things you may want to bring with you.

When I mention Chicago, the first things that most Japanese bring up are Michael Jordan and Al Capone. Which are awesome, but what about the pizza? The corn fields of the midwest? And all the things you love about your region? How will you share these things with your new students and co-workers?!

For example, one big hit I`ve had was a photo of petite me standing in front of a corn field, right before harvest (the stalks are several feet above my head). Every time I ask kids to guess what plant it is, they always guess sugarcane.

[ssb]

True Chicagoan here. Living in the city!

I'll probably stop by the Chicago candy store in watertower place and pick up a ton of stuff for omiyage

[Jax]

If Austin is still running things, you guys are in for a treat! He made the whole preparation process easy and wonderful, and if we all behaved, he awarded us with kitten pictures!

YEAHHHH!!! Is Austin still there? Oh the memories. My year didn't have kitten pictures, though. Have fun, guys!!

When I mention Chicago, the first things that most Japanese bring up are Michael Jordan and Al Capone. Which are awesome, but about the pizza?

Wahahahaa my students completely spazzed over deep dish pizza, especially the girls who are into diets and healthy food. They were like OH GOD THE CALORIES!!!

[graceydesu]

i interviewed in NYC, but I'll be leaving from Chicago (I live in a northern suburb)

can't wait to meet everyoneee

[mizamichelle]

yaaaay Chitown! I'm actually from NJ and just moved here last summer, but I still have Chicago pride haha. Anyways, if anyone lives in the city we should meet up to celebrate!

And I interviewed on Wednesday too, around 2pm I think. I was in the first group that went in after the lunch break.

[thedocumentarian]

I second Lyre, and to all, Congratulations!!!

While you await placement, you could begin considering what small gifts, photos, and other midwesterny things you may want to bring with you.

When I mention Chicago, the first things that most Japanese bring up are Michael Jordan and Al Capone. Which are awesome, but about the pizza? The corn fields of the midwest? And all the things you love about your region? How will you share these things with your new students and co-workers?!

For example, one big hit I`ve had was a photo of petite me standing in front of a corn field, right before harvest (the stalks are several feet above my head). Every time I ask kids to guess what plant it is, they always guess sugarcane.

MY town had Al Capone as Mayor (Cicero)! I'm trying to find a picture of me with Obama when he was running for US Senator. I have a picture of me with Rahm Emanuel but I'm sure they don't know who he is. Haha. I'll probably take them some Mexican candy (non-US related but my non-Mexican friends love it).

I heard the Japanese love key chains, I have plenty of those. Silly bandz, pencils, miniature board games, etc.

[Jax]

I'm trying to find a picture of me with Obama when he was running for US Senator. I have a picture of me with Rahm Emanuel but I'm sure they don't know who he is. Haha. I'll probably take them some Mexican candy (non-US related but my non-Mexican friends love it).

You'd be surprised, people might know. A couple years ago one of my JTEs asked the other ALT next to him about what was going on with Blago and the Obama's senate seat fiasco, and the other ALT turned and pointed to me and said, "That's Jax's state!"

They would LOVE the Obama picture, if you can find it. I've told a few people that I attended a speech he made at my university and they completely flip over that, so I can't even imagine a picture reaction. One of my JTEs was pretty much running around the school telling everyone YES WE CAN!!! after the last election.

[lenamarie0485]

Hey my name is Lena! Shortlisted from Milwaukee, WI.
I saw that the NY JET's were having a gathering meet-up, are the Chicago JET's planning to do a pre-meetup before departure?
I would love to meet anyone from the area before we start scrambling around hauling our luggage and papers to the airport

[Damian]

I was short listed today for Ireland. I'm Irish but lived in Chicago last year for study abroad at DePaul law school... I miss Chicago so much, and I really really hope I get to meet a few of you guys in Tokyo/ on placement. Go Cubs!