Mrs. Kurashige “A.K.A. Sensei” Over a Skype Call

By: Daniel McArdle-Jaimes

She insisted on a Skype call, and I can tell you now that I’m glad she did. As I began our Skype call, Mrs. Kurashige welcomed me by enthusiastically waving both of her hands in the air to say hello before I even realized she picked up the call. I couldn’t resist her greeting, and energetically joined her in the waving charade—both hands in the air!   

For those of us that remember Mrs. Kurashige, she is bubbly, friendly and easy to talk to. In case you forgot, she was also one of three advisors for the Class of 2001, and served as our homeroom teacher from middle school until graduation (over a six year period).

As I peered into the camera, everything in her classroom is how I remembered it. She is still in Kawaiaha’o (K308) and has her long desk still in place. Her classroom is decorated with colorful Japanese memorabilia and her walls still include photos of “her kids” (my classmates) that we referenced throughout our call.

At the end of our call, we even played a little game which included naming her homeroom students. After going through each of the names one at a time, she was able to fondly recall the first and last names, memories and personality traits that went with each student.

It was an endearing exchange and I’ve summarized our 45 minute conversation into a shorter format for you to enjoy.

My Candid “Interview” with Mrs. Kurashige

1)     Catch us up. What have you been up to the last 10 years?

I’m now assigned to serve the middle school, and have been a class advisor 4 or 5 time with Mrs. Lee. Unlike the experience you (the Class of 2001) had, I most miss the growth that I got to experience with you—watching the students journey from middle school thru high school graduation. Now, I only get one year with them as 8^th graders.

I am also the club advisor for the Kindness & Service Club which provides 6^th, 7^th and 8^th graders the opportunity to give back to their school and community. This year, they are planning to work with the local homeless shelter to host a birthday party. In addition, the club typically distributes nice letters to Mid-Pacific teachers on World Kindness Day each year.

2)     Why do you think it’s important to have strong alumni relations?

I think it’s important to continue the memories. It is wonderful to see all of you grow up. While Facebook is one thing to connect with old friends, it is more special to meet in person to perpetuate those memories, share in the good times and continue keeping those relationships going. I think these relationships are important not only for the school but for the class as a whole (and the individuals that are a part of the class).

From a teacher’s point of view, what warms my heart most is when the students consider bringing their kids back to Mid-Pacific to continue the legacy. Recently, Brian Terayama visited the campus because he was considering placing his child at Mid-Pacific (Mid-Pacific now serves kindergarteners through elementary school). What’s funny is that I actually kept Brian’s honor roll certificate. It was the first time he made the honor roll because he wasn’t taking Japanese anymore.

3)     Which Mid-Pacific teacher do you most admire?

There are so many, but since you are holding me to one teacher, I most admire is a personal friend and colleague of mine. I think Mrs. Ikeda’s 38 year tenure at Mid-Pacific is completely admirable, but more importantly Mrs. Ikeda’s willingness and devotion to support ALL teachers and students is completely humbling. She is always such a kind person with a nice heart, and this is demonstrated through her voluntary efforts to help support all teachers and students (artistically) when it comes to projects that involve design, like sign making.

4)     Which Class of 2001 Mid-Pacific student do you most admire and why?

I don’t want to single out one person, because I know a lot of my students are doing awesome and terrific things. For now, I’m going to say that I am proud of my entire homeroom.

(I encouraged Mrs. Kurashige to just name a few students that came to her mind off the bat).

Well, I just found out that Lauren Nishimura had a baby. Courtney Oshiro tagged me in a photo on Facebook saying that one of my kids had a kid. It made me proud to see that. In fact, I recall one of the homeroom assignments we did was to write down our dreams. I remember how Lauren writing down that she wanted to see Mickey Mouse. I recall Chad Nishi and Lori Nishizawa both wanting to become veterinarians and now they are. I’m so proud that they all followed their dreams.

In addition, I remember that Jacie Ann Oda’s passion was dance. I was picking up my niece from dance class one day and I was shocked to learn that Jacie Ann Oda was my niece’s dance teacher! It made me so happy to see that all of my “kids” were following their dreams.  

5)     If you were to name one classmate who you’d like to see at the reunion, who would it be and why?

I’m most excited to see those from homeroom at the reunion this year. At past reunions I’ve been to, there is always a competition on which homeroom has the most attendance. I want my homeroom to win, and for the bragging rights to go to Kurashige’s homeroom.

Some that come to mind off the bat are Troy Matsumura who I last saw when he was in college in Portland, Oregon.  

Recently, I’ve been thinking about Stuart Morishige because his brother is always in the news addressing the local homeless problem. I can’t help but immediately think about Stuart when I’m reading the newspaper.

I’m also looking forward to reconnecting with Loren Nomura. I hear he’s a teacher now, and I’m so happy to know that he decided to take a career in education.

6)     What is your favorite Class of 2001 memory?

There are many fond memories ranging from the programs (welcome program, aloha program, etc.) to the dances. Perhaps the one that sticks out the most to me was an episode Mr. Seu created at Senior Camp. Mr. Seu came up with this idea or game that included shaving cream, balloons, and hugging. I just remember it getting messy, out of hand and the students getting crazy.

I really enjoyed working with the students on the Welcome Program, Aloha Program and Prom Fashion Show. In particular, I fondly remember working with Paul Griffing on getting the smoke machine that we didn’t have (or have the money for) at one of those shows. He pulled it off and they were always successful.

7)   If the Class of 2001 were to come and tour the campus, what would be the most surprising thing to them?

I think the new buildings would be the most surprising to them. Wood Hall (the old Quads) is new and updated. At the end of the tour, maybe they would be surprised that Kawaiaha’o is still the same!