My name is Matthew Rooks, and I am the Head of English Education in the Department of Maritime Sciences at Kobe University. I was born in Detroit, Michigan, and have lived here in Japan for almost 13 years! I love Japan very much; the people, culture, food, history, mountains, oceans, and atmosphere are wonderful and amazing to me. I love to travel and see new places, meet new friends, and try out many different kinds of food and drink. Being able to travel all over the world has enriched my life and changed my perspective on things.
I also love my family and friends. Back in Michigan, USA, I have two brothers, my mom and dad, uncles, aunts, and cousins. I am married to a Japanese woman, so I also have a family here in Japan as well! I have lived in Fukuoka, Sanda, Takatsuki, and Kobe, and have many friends who live in all of those places. I am very lucky to have such a wonderful life. It is my hope that as an English teacher, I can help my students understand that learning a foreign language is one of the best ways to enrich our lives, spread peace and good will throughout the planet, and also get to know ourselves better in the process. I look forward to reading your blogs this semester!
