It was not until years after I graduated from Pitzer that it became clear the ways in which these men—committed to the educating women to recognize their value to society and develop as professionals—would shape my career and life. My professors encouraged me to have ambition and to take risks, and to build on my life experience in Asia and the Pacific. They encouraged me to spend my junior year studying in Japan by finding a university and giving credit for the courses. Allen Greenberger in particular helped me get into University of Michigan to earn a Master’s Degree in East Asian Studies with a specialty in Japan.
When years later, working in San Francisco’s banking industry, it became clear that a banking career was not for me, my experience at Pitzer gave me the courage and inspiration to move on. I knew I could trust my decision to take a different route and that I would be successful so long as I clarified my goals, made a plan and kept moving forward. And when I periodically needed a boost of encouragement, it helped tremendously knowing I could write or call Allen up.
Werner and Lucian taught me how to research and gain insight into history and the human experience. This skill has been invaluable in consulting and advising clients. Their acceptance of my need to compare western and eastern cultures, history and political strategies was reaffirming to me as a woman of multi-cultural heritage.
I may share more reflections on Pitzer periodically, and what I experienced and learned from my mentors in particular. And always, I will help women, minorities and non-traditional leaders learn how to break through their own limitations to succeed beyond their wildest dreams.