I can't believe this grant year has drawn to a close. It seems like just yesterday when I was beginning my 2nd year of the MTP program. Even though this grant period is ending, I know the children, teachers and community of Callisburg will continue to reap the benefits as this opportunity has shown so many what a blessing it is to reach out beyond our small community. I look forward to Omose Elementary School and Callisburg Elementary School continuing a partnership for many years.

First, I would like to thank the Japanese Government for providing the funding for this opportunity. Thank you to the incredible staff at the JFMF office and TAMA University. The support has always been just an e-mail away. Thank you to our Japanese Language Instructors who are more enjoyable to learn from than most teachers in the classroom!

The growth I have witnessed in my school, and the professional growth I have experienced is remarkable. I look back over the past 2 years, and realize I have traveled not once, but twice to another country. I had never had that opportunity before, and only pray I will have similar experiences in my lifetime. I have made friendships that I know will last a lifetime.


Each day in my school, I hear children in the hallways in my school greet me in Japanese, ask questions, and tell me that someday they will travel to Japan. I know that some will because now they feel they have friends in a country that some couldn't point to on the map prior to this program.

There is not a day that passes that I do not reminisce upon at least one of the numerous adventures that were possible because of this program and the people I met. I have yet to run out of experiences to share with my students.

I have a vision that someday many of our students will work together as adults in a global society. They will speak together across the language barriers because they once had an experience in elementary school that gave them the desire to learn other languages and learn about other countries. These will be the same citizens that will understand that it is important to be stewards of the environment, so our planet and people will continue to prosper.

Today, my students had their final Japanese Language Lesson, and I didn't want to end the conference. It was so "FINAL". I just can't imagine not participating in this program next year, but I know it is important for other teachers in my district to have this opportunity, and I will help to make their experience as positive as mine was.

Tonight, as I sit here writing this final report, 3 of my colleagues are in St. Louis beginning the 2007 MTP year. One of my partners, Hatakeyama sensei has now arrived, and I have talked with him by telephone. I look forward to seeing him on Sunday. Yukihiko Oikawa will also be arriving on Tuesday. We will be attending many events, including a presentation by the Texas Government. I wish all my friends from Kesennuma could come to Texas, so I could have the opportunity to see them, and extend the kindness they showed me.

I can never say thank you enough times. I will forever remember and continue to work toward the goals of the Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund Master Teacher Program.

Danita Ortowski
Callisburg Elementary School
Gainesville, TX