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My mother immigrated to Canada from Japan as a young, single independent woman. She planned to live and work in as many different places in the world. Alas, it was not to be. Her plan was thwarted when she married my father and I was born two years later. 

I was born in Vancouver and raised in North Delta with one younger sister. My mother was determined that I learn a minimum of two languages so enrolled me into Japanese school, one evening a week and in a new program then being introduced – French Immersion.

Upon graduation, I enrolled in Simon Fraser University and graduated with a Bachelor in Business Administration and Certificate in Liberal Arts. During my early university years, I obtained my associate ship with the Royal Conservatory of Toronto and taught piano part-time. Halfway through my studies, I was offered an opportunity to become a part-time customer service agent with Canadian Airlines at Vancouver Airport. This allowed me to travel, see cities, experience different cultures that I would not have otherwise been able to do. At the time, I planned to become an analyst and my career with the airline seemed geared toward that position. However, there was much unrest when Air Canada took over Canadian Airlines, resulting in layoffs across various departments. I was fortunate to be transferred to a call centre to handle redemption reservations.

Unfortunately, I soon tired of being tied to the telephone and when I became restless, steel detailing came to mind. When I was young, I used to watch my father (who studied and became a draftsman after I was born) draw on his drafting board. He’s “old-school”, but I still like to watch him draw occasionally when I see him. I enrolled in the British Columbia Institute of Technology’s Structural Drafting program in 2003 then had the privilege of participating in a two week practicum at Dowco in May 2004. I did not look for a full-time job until after summer, in order to spend time with my husband whom I married in October 2003. In September 2004, just before I was about to start looking for a job this industry, Mr. Morrison called. The timing couldn’t have been better. And here I am. I’m finding there is something new to be learned each day, making the job interesting, keeping it from becoming mundane.

I enjoy eating out (as many of my co-workers are aware, I go on kitchen strike quite often), reading, music, skiing, and playing piano. I currently serve as  the church pianist and substitute occasionally as a Sunday school teacher in a pinch. My very patient, wonderful husband and I call Burnaby home. We share our home with two naughty but adorable puppies (a beagle and a miniature schnauzer). They make our home life a circus but I wouldn’t have it any other way.