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Board Committee Member
Non Profit Agency in Greater Vancouver
Would you introduce yourself?
I am Kim Robinson. I was in the 37th and 38th JASCs in 1985 and 1986.
I represented University of Washington in Seattle. I was on the AEC
of the 38th JASC, and as such headed the Science and Society Table with my
Japanese counterpart, a medical student of outstanding calibre. I also
organized a Peace Forum and field trip at the United Nations in New York City.
I was born in Lethbridge, Alberta, to an American father and European
mother. I am a dual US-Canadian citizen. I live in Vancouver, BC,
Canada, and am in the field of social work as well as health care advocacy.
I enjoy nature photography, hiking, reading, and listening to music, as
well as friends and family.
Please share your three most unforgettable experiences in JASC.
First, was the homestays in both Japan and the US, but particularly Japan.
I met my best girlfriend in my JASC Japanese homestay, and we sent
letters to each other every year for the last 23 years. 2008 was the
first year we didn't do that, as she was living in Dubai with her husband who
works there, and I was battling a family member's cancer. I had a wonderful homestay with a farm family in the 38th JASC.
Second, was the wonderful and free discussions and deep friendships formed in
both JASCs. I carry that good memory with me to this day, and remember
almost everyone I attended with, if not by name, at least by face. People
could have different viewpoints as well, but it helped us all to learn.
Third, were the skills learned that could be applied to the working world,
especially conference organizing. It helped me, for example, when I
coordinated organization of a regional women's conference in the former Soviet
Union, as a Program Officer working for the United Nations there. Other
skills included working well with people from different cultures, teamwork, and
time management.
How have your JASC experiences affected your life so far?
I have a deep and
lifelong interest in Japanese culture and approach to living (especially
Buddhism). I have also tried to stay involved with JASC as an Alumni,
especially by helping develop the "Discussion Corner" in the
newsletter, which produced some lively essays and counterpoints to them!
Do you have any words of advice to the new generation of JASCers?
Carry on the tradition which goes back almost eighty years now, and has
produced leaders in both the US and Japan in many different areas. Enjoy
the Conference as it is a special opportunity to grow, personally and
professionally. Welcome the participation of Korean students, as they
have much to offer the discussions and are integral to regional dialogue and
peace. Korean culture is particularly rich in literary tradition. I
remember once many years ago I read a book of Korean poetry, and was amazed at
its beauty. Respect one another, and laugh!
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