Name: Moraya Cortez (there’s a middle name in there but you will have to steal my wallet before I tell you.. and its pronounce more-ay-ah)

Nickname: Mora

Age: 23

Blood Type: A+

Hometown: Originally from the Lone Star State, but unfortunately must call Tuscaloosa, Alabama home…

Contracting Organization: Almost-Russia aka Wakkanai City, Hokkaido (northernmost point in Japan)

University: University of Alabama, BA in Public Relations w/ minor in Photography and Japanese

Hobbies: wadaiko (japanese drumming), art, reading, hunting Russians, photography, traveling, sleeping

Likes: dogs, macha, beef, karaoke

Dislikes: squid, high-pitched ???? speak, Hokkaido roads in winter

Why JET? I had lived in Japan previously, studying at Chiba University (1 year) and Kansai Gaidai (1 month). When I was in Chiba, I taught privately for a company as a part time job, and it was a really fun experience. I knew I wanted to come back, and JET seemed like a better way than most private companies.

Why the PC? When I first arrived here, I wanted ways to encourage my students. When I learned about HEC, I thought it was a great opportunity. I was so proud of my students when they entered, and ganbaro-ed through the lessons. I was even prouder when two made it into the HEC camp. Its something I wish all ALTs could share with their students.