This past Sunday marked the beginning of NCI 2011. The opening retreat was held at the San Jose Japantown, during which the interns from LA, SF and SJ all congregated and met each other. I'll begin by talking about Sunday.
The LA interns arrived at the Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport bright and early. Kyle and I drove to the airport to pick them up at 9:35 A.M. We arrived on time and picked up 3 LA interns. Our next job was to transport everyone to the Akiyama Wellness Center. Unfortunately, we had a gps mishap and got lost on our way there. Kyle and I were somewhat embarrassed, as our first impression upon our new colleagues was a poor one. However, we managed to find our way and only arrived a few minutes late. Upon arrival, we began introductions and discussed the rules and goals of the internship. After this, we participated in several workshops and also were given a tour of San Jose Japantown. We finished the day by eating dinner at the Islands Grill across from the Holiday Inn Express we were staying at. After dinner, all of the interns mingled and talked in one of the rooms, bonding as a group.
Monday, June 20th
Today, we had the wonderful opportunity of meeting with several community leaders, sponsors of the NCI program, as well as other important figures in the Japanese American community. We started the day off with a small workshop at the Issei Memorial Building, led by Sophie, after which we were allowed to walk around the building. The Issei Memorial Building has a rich, 100 year history, which has been well preserved and displayed. The workshop was followed by a luncheon at the Museum, where the interns were granted a wonderful networking opportunity. The luncheon was attended by important people in the Japanese American community. Among them was one of the fifteen Consul Generals of Japan, Hiroshi Inomata. I was truly blessed to be able to sit next to Mr. Inomata and converse with him over lunch. After the luncheon was done, we cleaned up and had to say farewell to the LA interns.
Reflecting back on the retreat, I am so grateful to have been admitted into this internship. I really enjoyed meeting all of the other interns, especially because they are a great group of people who share similar goals with me. Additionally, the networking opportunity provided by the luncheon was such a great experience. I met so many community leaders and figureheads in the Japanese American community, and I am very eager to work with all of them. I would definitely say that this retreat was a success. LET'S GO, NCI 2011!!!
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