Honorable Mayor Takafumi Isomura:

Recent events in our world have caused many of us to change our views on our place in the world today. Instead of extending our hand in aide, we find ourselves building walls to protect those close to us. It is in these times of weakness that we need to remain strong by increasing our support for programs that strengthen bridges between us and provide reinforcement for multicultural acceptance and understanding. Fortunately, the United States and Japan do not have walls that divide and separate. As a result, I firmly believe that programs such as the San Francisco-Osaka Sister City High School Exchange Program can be a powerful tool in strengthening the bridges between us.

Seven years ago, I participated in the cultural exchange program as a high school junior. The Takahashi and Otani families taught me more than just language and culture. The five weeks I spent with them helped me develop valuable people skills that I carry with me and use everyday in both my personal and professional lives. My experience in Osaka has been life altering, as it has increased my awareness, respect and understanding of others and has opened my mind to different points of view.

Participating in the high school exchange program has been a valuable investment for me. I was given an opportunity to experience another culture and I will devote the rest of my life to returning that investment through active involvement in the formal community such as the SF-Osaka Sister City Association and by sharing my experiences in Osaka with others. I believe that an investment in the youth of today will not only benefit the Osaka of tomorrow, but also of years to come.

My favorite Japanese saying goes, "Ishi no ue ni sannen…" and loosely translates to "If you sit on a rock for three years, [even the rock will become warm.]" I take this to mean that with perseverance, determination, and patience, you can make a difference. The key element is inspiring someone to take the initiative and to try to make a difference in the lives of others. Personally, there has been no greater experience than the high school exchange program for instilling my desire to make a change. With that, I encourage you to reinstate the high school exchange program and allow the youth of Osaka to grow, believe, and become inspired.

Sincerely,

Patrick Ching
San Francisco-Osaka Sister City Exchange Program 1995