<Begin Segment 18>

KU: So if you look at all the changes that took place over the center in your twenty years there, do you feel that the center kind of stuck to its roots, or do you think the center changed and developed and evolved over time?

EO: Well, I'm not too familiar with the center now.

KU: Oh, no, during the twenty years you were there.

EO: Oh, how it evolved? Oh, I'm impressed. Because early on, in the first few years, they had a master's program in Asian American Studies. That attracted people. They were looking ahead. So whoever the leaders were in those days, I thought they planned well. I think so.

KU: Are there any other memories that you have about the early days of the center that you think are important for people to understand about the center and its formation?

EO: Oh, well, the students had a lot of say-so, I hope they still do. Because they are the lifeblood. They're the future and the lifeblood, yeah. I don't know how the other centers are doing. The only time we kept in touch with... I used to be friends with the administrative assistant at the black center. But they weren't as political, I don't think. They should be. [Laughs] What's amazing to me is the money that the center's getting, all the donors. It's amazing. I think Don started it. Yeah, it's great. [Laughs]

KU: Yeah, we wouldn't be doing very much without the donors' support.

EO: Yes. It's good. It keeps the community involved, too.

KU: So do you have any reflections? When you reflect upon your years at the center, because you spent your entire career there until retirement at the center. When you reflect upon...

EO: Oh, when I reflect on it? When I think about the center?

KU: Yeah, when you think about the center.

EO: I'm just amazed it has grown. Grown so much.

KU: And you grew, too. So can you talk about your own personal growth at the center?

EO: My personal growth? I don't know. [Laughs] Personal growth... I got savvy about money. Being on my own, I subscribe to investment letters and picked the ones I liked, and I'm happy I did that. I'm very comfortable now, I don't have to worry about money anymore. But that's because I left a marriage, a safe marriage, and I had to look out for myself. And I found out I'm able to do it. [Laughs] So for me, it's a revelation. And I'm happy with my two daughters, very proud of them. So I guess it's a happy ending.

KU: Well, I hope you realize the important contribution you made.

EO: Oh, thank you. I don't know. It's nice, I see old, like Susie Ling, she's kept in touch. It's been nice. That's it.

KU: I have one more question.

EO: Yes.

KU: If there are any people, events or "ah-ha moments" in your life that helped shape who you are?

EO: Who I am?

KU: Yeah. What would those be? So events, people, influences, "ah-ha moments" that you feel really helped shape who you are?

EO: I think a loving father helped me a lot. He made me feel special. I think that's the key. When I graduated junior high school, he's the one who wanted to take me shopping for my graduation dress. And then when we had my picture taken with my graduation dress, he's the one, he insisted on ironing the skirt. He made me feel special. I think that made a big difference.

<End Segment 18> - Copyright © 2018 Densho. All Rights Reserved.