The Big Short Big questions, Short answers
Joanne Harris-Rolls joined ASIJ in 2010 along with her husband Grant Rolls and their children Gregor ’23, Ella ’23 and Jackson ’27. When she's not training in Nogawa Park or running marathons, she is part of the Elementary School student support team. Where are you from? I’m from the capital city of New Zealand, Wellington—“the best little capital in the world.” Although it can be a little windy!
love seeing the kids we’ve taught in elementary rise to become great adults. As for my own kids, it’s about being part of something special, belonging to ASIJ.
What kind of student were you in school? I was pretty outgoing and enjoyed being involved in most things, including a lot of sports. I was also very much a pleaser. I always followed the rules and tried to do the right thing. But I liked to have a good time too.
Which words or phrases do you most overuse?
Why did you choose to go into education? When I first trained as a teacher it was all about the creatively that teaching lent itself to. In New Zealand, teachers teach all subjects. I would be teaching PE, art and music along with core subjects all in one day. Now I stay in education because, for me, it’s about helping children reach their full potential. It’s about teaching students that they don’t have to be the best—but more about becoming their best selves. Seeing kids grow and learn and knowing that I’ve had a tiny part in that is the best feeling in the world. What is your favorite thing about Japan? I love everything about Japan. It’s been an amazingly safe and incredibly organized place to raise my three children. I love the outdoor lifestyle it offers allowing me to run and walk and hike up mountains and around lakes. The food is incredible—so much so we crave it as a family when we are not in Japan. I also love the traditions Japan holds so dear. The respect that the Japanese have for their families. I often find myself bowing to others when I am home in NZ. What is your favorite thing about ASIJ? ASIJ is an incredible school with wonderful people. It has been our “family” away from home, supporting us through the tough times, and being there to celebrate the great times. My children have only ever known ASIJ and love the traditions. As a family, we love the graduation walk in the donut above all. As teachers, we
“Have you brushed your teeth?” and “Please tidy your room!” Which talent would you most like to have? I’m sure my family would agree that it would be for me to be able to sing in tune. We play a lot of singing and music games when we are on family road trips, and when it’s my turn to sing the car is roaring with laughter at my tuneless attempts. They are all just lucky they have lovely voices. Who are your favorite writers? There are so many great writers I could talk about. One that I have recently enjoyed since living in Japan is Haruki Murakami. I love reading his books which are based in Japan and knowing about the places he is writing about. I also recently read his What I Talk About When I Talk About Running which is a running memoir. It was pretty inspiring.
was diagnosed with cancer. He was one of the lucky ones and it was treated early. Rather than sit back and let life pass him by, he took up road cycling. He now cycles hundreds of kilometers a week and goes to spin classes. He was recently one of the oldest men to cycle from Wellington to Auckland in a 5-day cycling race. I hope to still be going strong like my dad when I’m in my 70s! When and where were you happiest? Right here, right now! I have absolutely nothing to complain about. I have a truly amazing husband who supports and encourages me with everything I do. I have three beautiful children who make my heart swell with pride and wonderful friends who support my crazy. To top it off, I do a job I love at a school I love, in the most amazing country. I am super happy!
Which historical figure do you most identify with? Sir Edmund Hilary was a household name growing up in New Zealand. It wasn’t until later on in life I realized the significance of his achievements. Which living person do you most admire? That’s easy—my dad. He’s been my number one role model my entire life. As a little girl, I used to go out and cheer him on when he was running marathons. I guess that’s where I got my running bug from. Dad never gave up when things got tough. A few years back he
Illustration by Matthew Worsley 80
THE AMERICAN SCHOOL IN JAPAN
