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<div>Hi, I’m Stevie.
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<div>Ever since 2010, I’ve dreamed about living and working in Japan. Two years ago, when I was 47, I sold almost everything I had and went back to school to make it happen. This summer, at 49, I graduated cum laude from Illinois State University with a degree in English Studies and TESOL training.
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<div>It's hard to believe, but my hard work paid off. I got hired by an eikaiwa, an English language school in Japan. I’ll be moving there this winter to start teaching.
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<div>Here’s where it gets challenging: getting started in Japan is expensive. The eikaiwa recommends I show up with about 300,000 yen (around $2,000 USD) just to cover housing setup and living costs until my first paycheck. That’s on top of flights, medical stuff, and other prep.
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<div>I’ve been saving what I can each paycheck, but between student loans, credit card debt from my school years, and health costs, I’m stretched pretty thin. That’s why I’m reaching out.
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<div>What this will help cover:
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<div>Rent, food, and basics until my first paycheck
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<div>Apartment setup (bedding, cookware, utilities)
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<div>A week in Tokyo before moving into my apartment
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<div>Vaccines and medical expenses
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<div>Work clothes for teaching
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<div>If you can chip in, it’ll go straight toward making this move possible. If you can’t, no worries. Even just sharing this helps a lot.
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<div>I really appreciate any support, and I’m excited to finally make this dream real. Thanks for reading.
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<div>- Stevie
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