I'm nervous about JET

Dear other nail-biters,

Yes, we've all been here before, I believe, that is what makes it so visceral, so universally understood. Before a momentous occasion, our stomachs fill with butterflies and we can't sleep or even hold still. The only thing we know is that we really feel odd. You know the situation will reach its apox, but it just can't get over with fast enough, right? Or sometimes you just wish you had that much more time to prepare.

I feel like I am constantly stuck in that position of late. School tests attack on the horizon. Work waits in the wings. My own questions bubble up in internal struggles. Graduation approaches steadily. My near future even hinges on an inbound interview. Yet, despite my mental assurances and confidence, indwelling or otherwise, my butterflies go nuts. For whatever reason though, when I have no pressing goal or someone to talk directly to, my chest seems to come alive and keep me on edge.

An edge quite possibly on the brink of a precipice. I just have to keep in mind that the job for which I am applying was made for me, just as much as I seem to have been formed for it.
Check it out: http://www.us.emb-japan.go.jp/JET/jobs_cir2010.html

Duties
a. Translation of Japanese to English? Not worried about that at all. I've been doing that mentally for years. I've even done it on paper a number of times. Now, if they wanted me to translate English into Japanese... well, there is a bit of a learning curve there. My logical conclusion is that I can do it, but I wouldn't see why they would hire me for my English skills only to listen to my Japanese.

b. English Instruction? Okay, now this I can do no problem. I've received my TESOL certificate. Additionally, I do this for my Japanese friends as much as I can. I even have some basic experience teaching English already in Japan. However, the most important thing is that I can and have done English instruction for fun for quite some time now.

c. Planning? Half the time the only thing stopping me from doing all the planning for events is that I don't want to become the "self-appointed leader." The other half of the time, I am prevented from being involved for any variety of reasons. However, as soon as you tack on that "international exchange" aspect of the event, I am so there. I probably feel most comfortable around groups that are strongly of the internationally adventerous.

d. Teach about Japanese culture and support activities for those residing in Japan? I'm no certified expert, by any means, but I already can confidently say that I know a lot about Japanese culture. Sometimes I even surprise my friends, but of the most significance is that I seek to learn what I don't know. Imagine that kind of mindset in an eternal loop of learning: That's called studying abroad.

e. Ooh! I might have to learn new things, or things related to an organization that I haven't met at this time. I catch on quick, or so I like to think about myself, so I would just have to put myself into the forward thinking mindset needed to master a new task. I see this as a part of life's adventure and my quest towards being a Jack-of-all-trades.

Eligibility
a. Genuine interest in Japan. If I don't have this, no one does. Japan has simply been my life for the last 5-6 years and I still know I don't know enough.

b. Health check. I'm not insane, and I'm not weak. I'm simply normal here.

c. Ability to adapt to Japan. Already did this for one year in Japan.

d. Laws. I believe firmly that laws exist for a reason and should be followed. No complications therein.

e. I've never been on probation or been in jail before.

f. Citizen of the US. Yes. That may never change.

g. I'm still young and 40 is a long way off in my mind.

h. English skills. Hello, native speaker here. Also, I've been told I'm a good listener (thanks Hiroshi) and I know from working with international students how to be understood.

i. Never been in Jet, yet, but sure as heck want to be.

j. I have never declined a JET offer because this is the first time I've applied.

k. I've only been in Japan one year so a six year cap is a long way off for me.

l. I'm going to assume that I'm down with this. If they get me a job, I will not complain about my residence status... nor would I even if I didn't get a job.

m. Wait, I never caught this before. I can initiate events in my area? O_O goldmine. Why wouldn't I do that? I will do that.

n. I graduate this May... can you believe that?

o. 僕はどれほど日本語が操れるということだね。　完璧じゃないけど僕は僕の英語に対して同じ事を言うんだと思います。　　日本語能力試験一級はまだですが手がもうちょっと延ばしたら届けそうな的だと思います。　　だから、僕の日本語のレベルにはちょっと心配していないです。　まだ上達している途中ですし。
以上です。

The only thing to do now is to sleep, keep at my daily life, and make sure I graduate. Of course, I also have my interview and pass my managerial test this week. Look out world, here I come.

Sincerely,
The one who is stepping up to the plate.