Certificate Ceremony

Friday was the last day of our program and the students received certificates. We celebrated the birthday of three of the students: Marina, Yuna and Taiki. Students sang for the UCR teachers and staff present. After that we went to Cabazon for a few hours. I think everyone was able to get what they needed as we had plenty of time. They could also experience the heat of the desert. When we returned to Riverside we met with Yano-sensei who brought letters from the students we met at San Marino during the week. 

Thursday: San Juan Capistrano and Laguna Beach

A beautiful day at the Mission San Juan Capistrano and Laguna Beach.

Martin Luther King High School

We visited Martin Luther King High School in Riverside on Wednesday. Students were able to see the facilities, learn about the school system and interact with ASP students. We are very grateful for the warm welcome and hospitality. 

The Principal greeting our students

Practicing a Japanese song

Receiving gifts from the Principal

With the ASP students

Saying thank you

Riverside City Hall

We visited the Riverside City Hall today and we received a warm welcome by Dr. Latit Acharya who is the Director for International Relations and Mr. Steve Massa who is the Economic Development Coordinator. 

Los Angeles County Museum of Art

The Getty Museum was closed so there was a change in the schedule and we went to the Los Angeles County Museum of Art after visiting San Marino High School on Monday. 

San Marino High School on Monday

We visited Yano-sensei at San Marino High School on Monday. This time we were able to meet students from four different classes. It was great seeing how the students from last year and the year before are more confident now and know so much more Japanese. 

Singing

"Shiritori" with the SM students

Met with Edgard and Andrew who coincidentally work at SM

With Yano-sensei

Saturday in Los Angeles

We went to the Japanese American National Museum and from there to Hollywood. After our brief stop there we went to Santa Monica and then to the Farmer's Market where some of us got dinner. I was able to see Mei and Cameron again. 

Visiting an elementary school

We visited Camino Real Elementary School in Riverside on Thursday and received a warm welcome by Principal Huben. I cannot upload many photos but I hope you can have an idea of the activities we had there. Later in the day I met with my former students Mei and Cameron--it was great seeing them and hearing about their success here in California. 

Q&A session with Principal Huben

With Cameron & Mei