What was your first job and what did you learn from it?
My first job was as a summer playground assistant at an elementary school. From that job, I learned that I enjoy teaching young people and was good at it.

Who is your hero, mentor or person you most admire? Why?
I don't really have a hero but James Pate, who was the mathematics department chair before me, is probably the person who has influenced my professional life the most by showing me the importance of sharing my ideas, insights and expertise with my colleagues and of working as a team to improve our teaching strategies in order to reach all of our students.

What do you see as the single most interesting element of your work?
What I like best about my work is being able to share my knowledge and love of mathematics with young people whose diverse culture and intellectual backgrounds make the effort challenging and never boring.

What was your greatest challenge and what did you learn from it?
My greatest challenge continues to be to figure out how to reach the least motivated or weakest students. I have learned that each student must be treated individually and that progress can be made, provided that there is a committment on both sides to improve performance. Taking an interest in the student's out-of-classroom life can improve in-classroom performance.

What strategies do you use to maintain balance in your life?
Whan I need to relax, I spend time with our cats, Biki and Kanji. As Kanji is not yet a year old, he can entertain himself and us with a ball of string for hours. I also enjoy teaching Japanese folk dances and performing them at festivals in the Southern California Area

What advice would you give to young women who want to enter your field?
Although more women are choosing to teach in math and science, there is still a need for more role models for young women. Teaching is a very rewarding profession but it takes patience and a willingness to continue to learn - along with your students and from your students.