Palo Alto Roots Taught Me Values
/My time in high school
Attended high school in the
1960s
Overall high school experience
8/10. I went to a private high school and it was a rigorous curriculum - not so much time for extra curriculars.
Grades in high school
A's and B's
Favorite subjects
English, Foreign Language
Struggled with...
Math and Physics, b/c not all asians are good at math! But, I did LOVE physics.
Favorite extracurricular
Vietnam era and the Peace Center at Stanford (with Linus Pauling, Joan Baez and others) was a big influence
Life since high school
“I came of age in Palo Alto - living there from 1953 to 1972. It was an environment that merged small town values with intellectual pursuit. My fondest memories are of Palo Alto.”
Attended college / university at
University of Santa Clara
Majored in
Far Eastern History
Post-graduate education or training
San Jose State - Education
University of Nebraska - Special Ed
University of Michigan - Organizational Development
Places lived in US
California, Minnesota, Nebraska, Washington, Wisconsin
Current occupations / past occupations
High School Teacher
Corporate Trainer
HR Director
Business Consultant
College Instructor
Industries I've worked in
- Manufacturing
- Retail Trade
- Finance and Insurance
- Educational Services
- Health Care and Social Assistance
- Accommodation and Food Services
- Public Administration (e.g. Government, Police, Judicial, etc.)
- Nonprofit
Did your education prepare you for your career or occupation?
My education taught me to ask questions and keep learning.
Has your education or career/occupation trajectory ever changed? How?
I was on the corporate ladder and jumped off to pursue balance and peace.
A little introspection...
To me, being successful means...
Being true to your values. People are much more important than possessions.
My definition of success has changed over time.
I went through a dark period where the acquisition of money and material possessions was most important. In the process, I lost my soul - my spirit. With material things, enough is never enough. I looked inward and realized that my values were being compromised and I was truly unhappy. I returned my focus to an appreciation for people and the earth - I enjoy my days now.
My greatest accomplishment to date and what I’ve learned from it
Learning to never judge someone who says they are in need - it's not my right to judge - it's my obligation to share.
My biggest mistake or regret so far and what I’ve learned from it
No real regrets as life has led me to where I am now. I'm happy. Perhaps if it was a less "bumpy road" I wouldn't be in the same place. I learned to always learn.
An unexpected event that significantly changed my life and how it impacted me
The death of anyone I am close to has a profound impact on me. Not as much the sorrow of the loss, but a question as to how I will be remembered.
Anything else you'd like to share?
I came of age in Palo Alto - living there from 1953 to 1972. It was an environment that merged small town values with intellectual pursuit. My fondest memories are of Palo Alto.
This alumni is open to your questions and follow-ups.
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My favorite spot in or around Palo Alto
In my teens the MJB Ranch Room and Dana Morgan Music. [map pointing to Dana Morgan's location, now closed, rich history!]
