Why Japan? Why DoDEA?

Well to put it simply, that was the location when the job was offered to me with DoDEA (Dept. of Defense Education Activity). And you're probably wondering how did a single, Texas girl like myself even consider teaching overseas? The idea was put into my head a few years ago from my sister when she had mentioned she wanted to eventually teach with DoDEA. Fast forward to spring 2019 and a random May night, I searched for "teaching for DOD" and up popped the website to apply. From there I completed the (lengthy) application, not really expecting anything since I was still a rookie teacher, and I knew going in how difficult it would be to land a classroom job. 2 months later I got numerous referral emails, which basically was an automated system that forwarded applicant information to principals that requested applicants for specific, open positions. I got referred tons of times but nothing came through until August of that year. I had received an interview request for a GT teacher position in South Korea. (I WAS STOKED) I completed the interview and was eventually offered the position, however it was the Friday before we were to go back on contract with my district, plus I hadn't completed my degree for my Masters in Gifted Education, so I declined.

Move on to January 2020 I have graduated with my Masters and ready to reapply for the 20-21 school year with a new transcript and updated credentials! However, it wasn't until June that I received anything (not even referral emails!) and it was an email for an interview request for a gifted teacher position in Okinawa, Japan (if you don't know, it's known as the "Hawaii of Japan"). 

*What you should know- My ultimate goal has been to be a gifted teacher specifically. This student population is a passion of mine that I love working with and advocating for.*

Continuing on....so I completed the phone interview on a Sunday evening (Okinawa is 14 hours ahead), while back in San Antonio visiting my parents. 3 DAYS LATER I AM OFFERED THE POSITION. Cue the tears of joy (and mild panic that this is actually happening).

And that's how this Texas girl is going to Japan.