My life has never known stillness. As a child, my family moved back and forth between Japan, Hawaii, and the mainland US several times over. Along with my physical location, my mind was constantly moving and transforming as well. My personality can be summarized as a swirling ocean full of changing tides.
I was introduced to the Resource Library through Yasuyo, who opened the door to meeting other inspiring individuals such as Tomomi, Haruka, and Reverend Oba. For someone with a wandering mind like myself, being a part of the Resource Library has helped to satisfy my curiosity while also allowing me to explore new experiences and life perspectives of other people. I have been able to expand my teaching capabilities, my translation and interpretation skills, and learn about new concepts--the best way to foster sunflower growth, the various "languages" that children use to communicate, and the importance of meditation in daily life, just to name a few.
Being a teacher is not a career that I ever considered. The first time I taught, I was 14 years old and taught French lessons to a class of 1st graders. From there, I joined a tutoring club, an anti-drug teaching program, and taught art lessons. I continued in university by again becoming a tutor, and volunteer teaching at a Chinese youth center. I had been a "teacher" for a long time without realizing it. When I started to work at Sui International Preschool, I thought it was my first time being an educator. Thanks to friends in the Resource Library, I gradually learned that this was not the case. I learned to value all of my past experiences.
No matter if I am living in Japan or the US, I am often praised for "having a multinational background and knowledge of two cultures." Despite this praise, it is difficult to feel positively about my background. Often times it feels more isolating than it does unifying--only those like me, raised in two countries, can ever hope to understand. It is a struggle that I fear will follow me throughout my entire life, but I am lucky to find myself surrounded by friends who appreciate me for who I am.
I hope that the Resource Library continues to bridge people from all different walks of life. I've developed a more positive outlook on my personal identity since becoming a part of this group, and I wish for many more people to have the same opportunity. My life may be constantly changing like the tides, but now I am starting to accept that and love it as part of myself!
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