The Schenaker Tribune - Volume 16

Konichiwa!

Hey there, family!

It has been quite some time since I was last able to write to you all and provide insight into the goings for Miata and me here in Japan. There are. A lot of updates this round due to how long it has been since I wrote to everyone. First and foremost, I want to apologize as I haven't written to everyone as often as I used to. It has been more challenging to find inspiration, a purpose, and a direction for how I want to add content here, and I have stagnated with the updates since then. That being said, it has been action-packed for us, even without posting updates as often. This Tribune will highlight the many things we have coming up and the events we have passed along the way.

SCHOOL UPDATES

I am now halfway through my last semester here at Liberty. I just finished my second of four classes and am halfway through my previous two classes. I earned two A's so far. One for International Economics and the other for Human Resources and Strategic Analysis. This is my homestretch, and by December 16, I should finish my Master's Degree. It has been an incredible journey, and although I have enjoyed it immensely, I haven't determined a need to pursue a Ph.D. Currently, I have a 3.23, so I should end with at least a 3.3 overall for my Master's. Sadly, I struggled during the summer and earned a C and a C+, which jeopardized my GPA as you cannot have more than two C's overall in your degree. However, I overcame that hurdle and should easily pass my last two classes with no problems. My two current classes, BUSI 683 - Money & Capital Markets and BUSI 690 - Policy and Strategy in Global Competition, are both challenging. For BUSI 683, I currently have a 97.47%, and for BUSI 690, I currently have an 89.23%. With these grades, I should have two large assignments to seal the deal for passing or getting a C. Looking forward to the last 4-weeks ahead and am excited to see the completion of my degree!

SPORTS UPDATES

Our softball team went to the quarterfinals this past season despite losing only one game in the regular season. This season was enjoyable because we had so many new people join the team and come to love the game. We will lose a few key players next season, but it should still be equally as exciting to see others enjoy the sport and have fun playing!

Currently, we are in the season for flag football. I didn't play last year, but they have me playing on the O-Line, where you place your hands behind your back, squat in a horse stance, and crab walk to get in the way of defenders. It is pretty challenging, and I wouldn't say I particularly enjoy it. However, it is a crucial position as it does protects the QB from getting sacked, and as most of the team always wants to go out for a pass, I must contribute by being defensive. That being the case, we are undefeated this season! Our last regular season game is tomorrow at 18:00 (6:00 pm), and our season tournament games will begin after 10 Jan 2023.

WORK UPDATES

I may have FINALLY secured my first job here in Japan as a GS-04 Office Automation worker at Yokota AFB elementary school. I completed my Onboarding paperwork and took my father-in-law's advice by requesting to submit documents to obtain a higher pay grade and step system to bring me back up to what would be sufficient. However, I asked that I get started with the background checking process and the clearance needs first as we work through the proper documentation, so I don't lose the opportunity.

I have constantly communicated with the recruiters to help me as I obtain work at a higher grade, either while I am here or when we transition. The GS-04 position is just a foot in the door so that I can move forward with future opportunities. I have been told that as I obtain my official and final transcript for my Master's, I am obligated to begin as a GS-09.

MIATA'S UPDATES

Miata has fully transitioned to become the OIC for the 3-Shop here on Zama. This has been a huge learning curve from what she has been used to, but she has stepped up into the position and has learned a ton. The unit has plenty of opportunities to learn and grow while also finding the ability to increase her leadership capacity. She will be heading off to another mission (YS) for almost a month, so she is getting ready for that and being AWESOME!

We found two adventures scheduled for the winter that Miata found for us. I can't wait to share some pictures and send updates from those adventures! Miata wants to thank everyone who sent her birthday presents and increased her number of Halloween goodies! The inflatable was a fantastic addition to our collection of Halloween decor, and the other goodies made the house perfectly spoopy!

We have already put up Christmas decor and are looking forward to the upcoming festivities coming up on Zama and just spending quality time enjoying the season here in Japan.

CONCLUSION

We are both excited to share some of the stories from our experience and the joy that will come from some of our adventures while we are here. Moving forward, I will TRY my best to keep posting updates more regularly throughout the holiday season as we get involved in all of our fun adventures and activities!

Also, check out my new shop that contains Samurai custom jerseys and activewear, and consider supporting me as I continue to build activewear here in Japan :D

https://teamjapanstore.square.site/