<Begin Segment 9>

MN: Okay. We're coming back from Japan now. Now, when you came back, and you probably went during the summertime, when you came back, you went to Compton High School, and I think you graduated from Compton High School. Now, what year did you graduate?

KK: I have a picture of my graduation, but I forgot what year I graduated.

MN: Does '38 sound about right?

KK: I guess so, something like that.

MN: Do you remember what your graduation was like?

KK: That's so long ago, all I know is I had my cap and gown on and we marched down to the bleachers. It was outside. I don't even know who the main speaker was. I don't remember.

MN: When you were going to Compton High, what was the demographics? I mean, what was the ethnic makeup of the students?

KK: Oh, the ethnic makeup? Let's see. There were a few Japanese, a few Mexicans, a few kurombos, and mostly hakujin. Mostly kurombo and hakujin, even then.

MN: Now, what did you do after you graduated from Compton High School?

KK: Hmm?

MN: What did you do after you graduated from Compton High School?

KK: Let's see. I couldn't find a job, couldn't do anything, so the place where my sister was staying in South Pasadena, this lady said she wanted help, so I went to help her.

MN: But your sister below you was doing schoolgirl work?

KK: Yes, she was going to school from Mrs. Porter's place.

MN: And then you went to go help Mrs. Porter's friend's place.

KK: Yeah, uh-huh.

MN: And by this time, were your two brothers helping out on the farm?

KK: Oh, they were always helping out on the farm ever since they were little.

<End Segment 9> - Copyright © 2012 Densho. All Rights Reserved.