Except for the foresight and forward-looking culture of Buckman Laboratories International, Inc., created by the company’s President at that time, I would not have had the opportunity to complete my education at Rhodes College and further develop my interest in Japanese language.  To the Buckman corporate family, my Rhodes College professors and conselors, and all of those whose help I relied upon at a very difficult period in my journey, I will forever remain grateful, mindful, and always thankful.  The attached article proclaims details of my journey. 

As I moved on to other employment experiences, however, I recall the overwhelming feeling of accomplishment while working at another company.  I was elected co-chair of a company employee resource group, The Asian Resource Group. Our team was set to task to produce a Prospectus of potential business in ASEAN (the Association of South East Asian Nations) countries. Our team’s focus was the country of Indonesia. Whether due to gender or ethnicity, or some other reason/non-reason, many of my employers perceived no value in my language ability and cultural interests, and there were no work-related opportunities to integrate these competencies into my career path. I decided by faith that my future and dreams do not require the validation of an employer, but the confirmation of the creator. (Proverbs 3:6 KJV)

Making a decision to leave corporate work and focus on my passion for foreign language learning and teaching did not appear from an otherwise clear blue sky. I worked in the corporate sector for many years, never giving up on the desire to improve fluency and understanding of the Japanese language. For years, I searched out and found opportunities to tutor, teacher, speak, and encourage learners and language enthusiasts to love the language they learn and no longer defer their dream of understanding other cultures and acquiring a new language.

My dream of language acquisition and sharing my love of language and culture is no longer a dream deferred.  *Love the Language You’re In*