2014 was when I first created this blog, and it’s now 2022. The voices to use my voice, speak out, “stick up” have penetrated my reluctance and insecurity, so I’m making a commitment to a daily practice of “Coming Out”.

By way of introduction, I am a third-generation Japanese American, “Sansei”, whose parents, grandparents and their community were incarcerated by the U.S. government during World War II. I’m retired from working full-time, 36 years at Seattle Pacific University, and I love staying in touch with the hundreds of young alumni I had the privilege of mentoring when they were students, largely from underrepresented backgrounds.

Growing up as one of four siblings, a mantra that kept going through my head was “I’m not the oldest, not the youngest, not the only boy, plus I caused enough trouble because I was premature, so I have to tow the line and not stick out”. I’m working on reframing that narrative, that I had freedom from expectations that my older sister and brother didn’t have, that I have the privilege of being the nail that sticks up.

Stay tuned for more. I promise it won’t be eight years before my next post ;-).