7,000 Voices

"....What does it mean to be human and alive? When asked this question, the peoples of the world respond in 7,000 different voices..." --Wade Davis



(If suddenly my ability to speak Japanese fluently happened over night, this is a message I'd want to bestow to my students in some sort of capacity.Maybe by the time I leave Japan, I can translate this into my goodbye speech.) 




To my dear and wonderful students,

 I tackle with the idea that English is necessary. As this world becomes smaller, an international language doesn't sound like a bad idea. At the same time, I worry what we may lose as globalize. The world has gotten by before, right? But in regards to our English classes, honestly, you're not hurting my feelings if you tell me you don't like English. Learning a different is hard. That's true for everyone. You're not dumb in the slightest if you don't understand a grammar point. And yes, I want you to communicate with more people around the world, but I believe we're tricking you into this idea that English is the only way. It's one way, but not the only. By the time you finish your English education, the number one thing I hope you realize is that you're one of the 7,000 voices. Your language, your culture, your history contribute to the great diversity in being human. All the good and the bad. You're a piece of the beautiful mosaic of Earth and you should strive in every possible way to protect that diversity, the voices giving meaning to the human experience. Find and listen to the stories, share your own. 
Don't bound yourself within the strict, yet strangely comforting boundaries of stereotypes. 


Get out there. The world is waiting for you. It wants to hear your voice. 


Your ALT, 


Jasmine-sensei

May Days

Woa. Sorry for the lag in my blog! May flew by like the Shinkansen.  Here's a recap of May.

I turned 23!! Double trouble Birthday Party with Rose and our amazing friends!

                                                                              

Flamenco Debut!

My cousin Lydia got married!! Best wishes to you, my dear cousin!!

Natural Love

I've been natural for quite sometime, but I keep going cray cray and cutting it. Soooo, not much growth. The end of senior year was probably the shortest I've ever had it. Since being in Japan, I've done the minimal with my hair. Braids, then fro, then braids, back to the fro. I've done twists-outs, braid-outs, curler styles, and comb twists. Lots of twists. Rainy season finally hit, so I'm keeping it in...guess what..twists! I've always wanted to do a natural hair journey  post. Here it is!


Hair Routine


I shampoo my hair once a week. Usually I just use conditioner, but I just bought an all natural shampoo and that's doing wonders! Now that the summer is almost here and the weather is getting humid(ugh), I two-strand twist my hair and keep those in for a week. I also put curlers to add a bit of shape. I try not to straighten or blow dry my hair too much. Pretty much a simple routine because I'm trying to grow out my hair. I learned the hard way that my hair will stay short( from breakage) if I keep doing crazy stuff to it. Oh and lots of hats...for those lazy days.

Product List

If I can't eat it, I don't use it. However, I break this rule for Shea Moisture products. I'm pretty sure if I ingested that by some freak accident, I'd still be okay. It's that natural.

Olive oil (Just add to my hair every other day for moisture and shine.)
Honey (I mix olive oil and honey for a deep condition.
Shea Butter
Shea Moisture Curl Enhancer
Shea Moisture Hold Mist Spray

(I LOVE Shea Moisture products! I just started using this line and it's wonderful. All natural and it smells so nice.)

Here's my Japan Natural Hair Journey! (Pictures taken via instagram).