Kendall Visits St. Edwards University for Asian Culture Day


April 4, 2005 I was a guest of the St. Edwards University Asian Culture Club as part of their Asia on the Plaza Day.

It had been some time since I participated in this annual event. I was delighted to visit this wonderful campus community, teaching staff and student body again.

I am deeply grateful to Prof. Cecil Dawson for all his support and unselfish help in coordinating the details of my visit.

Prof. Dawson apprised me of the latest updates, and made several phone calls in my behalf to help make this event a better one. He was always there to help me at this gathering and the previous two I attended.

I consider him to be a very good friend.

The Asian Culture Club President, Casey (shown standing, center) went out of her way to make me feel welcome. She did a terrific job of running the Asian Culture Day. She had to deal with the strong spring winds of Texas blowing the displays down. Casey showed great leadership skills in the decision to move the entire event indoors. That was no easy feat, either.

I owe a debt of thanks to Micheal, a student who volunteered to be my personal assistant throughout the event. Micheal did everything to make my visit an easy and smooth one. Domo arigato gozaimasu, Micheal san!

I also thank J.J. for his help in lugging my heavy stuff indoors. J.J. lending his strength is much appreciated.

I am grateful to Jennifer for her warm courtesy to always take the time to ask if there was anything I needed, and make certain I got a tasty lunch. Thanks, Jennifer!

 The many students that I spoke with impressed me with their knowledge of history, both Asian and European. The subject of swords was the most  popular one with the majority of these students. I met John, a Theater Major, who could correctly pronounce every Nihongo (Japanese Language) description on my display. John has an impressive knowledge of the tessan, the iron war fan. He surprised me when I learned that he is entirely self-taught in the Japanese language.

I especially enjoyed speaking with Sean*, a tall young man that I spoke with about martial arts. Hatsumi Sensei's (our Japanese Grandmaster) teachings allow his students to see into people's hearts by paying attention to the surroundings they live in. Sean is a well liked and trusted person. He carries himself very well, with proper manners, grace and dignity. Sean is obviously no-ones' fool, worthy of respect. He is his own man. I see that he will do very well in life, and has great potential as a leader. If he studied martial arts, I feel he would be a truly great Sensei. He asked the most challenging questions, and I had to stay on the mark to provide him with worthy answers.
  
In these times, it can be easy to get the mistaken impression that young people generally have no manners, talent or self respect. I believe that where you stand depends on where you sit. My visit to St. Edwards University has provided proof that there is great hope and positive potential in it's students.


I always like to share the joy of a gift with my wife, Connie. I waited to get home to share the surprise gift I received from the Asian Culture Club. I really enjoyed the card and wonderful t-shirt! It was the perfect size for me, and I like the choice of the kanji symbol "chikara" (strength) as their mon (badge). It was a genuine pleasure!

To all the St. Edwards University Asian Culture Club members I didn't get to meet, or whose name I missed, thanks to you too!  I felt welcome, appreciated and deeply honored to have been your guest. I hope that in some way I contributed to your event. I am more than willing to lend my support whenever possible!

Gambatte Kudasai! (Please Keep Going!)
Kendall

*I apologize if I misspelled anyone's name!