Kadena Language Institute, 18th Wing Airmen sew seeds of solidarity

  • Published
  • By Nicole Williams
  • 18th Wing Public Affairs
KADENA AIR BASE, Japan --  Sept. 9 marked the end of what some felt was a very long four weeks, while for others the time spent seemed to fly by far too quickly.

For 11 interns from the Kadena Language Institute, it was time to say "Arigato" and good-bye as they celebrated the end of a month-long internship on Kadena Air Base.

The internship program, instituted more than 12 years ago, is aimed at helping the second-year students of KLI gain confidence and proficiency in their English-speaking skills. The internship kicked off on Aug. 16 with an orientation briefing conducted by Keiko Toma, 18th Wing Public Affairs community relations specialist, a base tour, and a pizza lunch with Col. Roftiel Constantine, 18th Mission Support Group commander, and Lt. Col. Peter Pollack, 18th MSG deputy commander.

The interns then embarked on an adventure, each in a different location, which took them to various jobs all over Kadena. Each intern was assigned to a job based upon their personal interests and goals in the hopes of not only improving upon their English-speaking skills, but also exposing them to the American culture and business atmosphere unique to military life.

The KLI interns had the opportunity to experience what it is like to work at the Schilling Community Center, Auto Hobby Center, Airman and Family Readiness Center, Arts and Crafts, 18th Wing Legal office, Risner Fitness Center, Karing Kennel, Shogun Inn, the Services marketing office, fire station and 18th Communications Squadron. No matter the location, each intern had the chance to interact and engage with English-speaking staff members and customers.
 
At the Schilling Community Center, KLI intern Yuki Yoshimi was able to greet customers, answer the phone and provide assistance to customers who were new to Okinawa. Her resourcefulness, along with an in-depth knowledge of Okinawa, enabled her to make recommendations to customers looking for somewhere new to explore.

"Yuki was very friendly and a great addition to our staff. The repetitiveness of the job really helped to reinforce her English-speaking skills," said Kate Larson, Schilling Community Center director.

Team Kadena worked hard to ensure each intern left with a sense of accomplishment.

"Everyone was so nice and helped me to practice my English. I loved working with Mr. Ken [Robilliard, 18th Force Support Squadron Marketing Office director], I learned so much!" said KLI intern Rina Kikugawa.

Although the students of KLI started with only a basic grasp of the English language, by the end of the internship, they had not only succeeded in improving their English-speaking skills, but also their workplace etiquette.

The hard work of the students' four-week internship was commemorated with a dinner at the Kadena Air Base Officers Club Sept. 9. There the interns, along with their family, friends and supervisors, were able to get together to share a meal and raise a toast in honor of a job well done. The second-year students then go on to graduate KLI in March.