Lindbergh High School (LHS) offers a variety of language courses, including Japanese courses taught by Noriko Nasu. She educates many, including Emilkea Jerm who shared her thoughts about the class.
Jerm, a sophomore is enrolled in second year Japanese. Last year, she participated in first year Japanese. She stated, “Unlike French and Spanish, I rarely see any electives that involve Japanese.” Jerm emphasized how she attempted new things by signing up for new experiences.
Along with learning the language, the class offers culture day activities and practice for speaking Japanese. Jerm believes learning another language would benefit her, even in college, because schools like the University of Washington offer classes if Emilkea decides to continue studying Japanese. She plans to attend the University of Washington.
Currently, Noriko Nasu teaches Japanese at Lindbergh High School. Growing up in Japan, Mrs. Nasu had a cousin who taught Japanese in Australia, making her inspired to pursue teaching her native language in countries that weren’t familiar with Japanese.
Last year, in Mrs. Nasu’s classroom, there were major projects such as Lindbergh’s exchange trip with Japan. The experience provided many opportunities and support for Mrs. Nasu and LHS students, including Jerm that studied the language. Students were able to communicate with their peers even if there were language barriers.
The Japanese exchange trip made Mrs. Nasu excited to see her students interacting with their peers while using the language taught by her. Mrs. Nasu’s students also received opportunity of experiencing Japanese culture. Mrs. Nasu enjoyed seeing their reactions of Japan since she doesn’t have their perspective of her culture.
When asked why Mrs. Nasu believes the course is enjoyable to educate, Mrs. Nasu stated, “It’s exciting learning about the students and them teaching me things I never knew about, like cultures.”
Students at LHS continue to grow from language opportunities like Japanese taught by Noriko Nasu, while Jerm continues to spread her knowledge of learning Japanese as the year moves forward.
