By Rachel Eakin (née Choy)
Guest speakers Robin Matsukawa (top left), Fran Schumacher (top 2nd left), and Tae Kim (top 3rd left) via Zoom. A panel discussion with Serteens about the health field during COVID at the October 2020 GM.
“ … I feel that I am capable and have more confidence to take on leadership roles that I probably wouldn’t have taken on had I not been part of Serteens. I also continue to “persist until I succeed. ”
Robin, on how the Serteens prepared him for his career and life in general.
Serteens Alumna, and Honolulu Sertoma board member, Rachel Eakin (née Choy) interviewed a group of stellar alumni, who will be making appearances throughout the next few editions of this Newsletter. Mahalo to Rae!
Next up is Robin Matsukawa, physician and proud parent of his own Serteen alumni (James c/o 2020.) He answers questions about his journey as a Serteen and life lessons learned.
Rae: How did you first hear/learn about Serteens? Why did you choose to join Serteens?
Robin: I first learned about Serteens from my teacher who I think received information from the school principal. I chose to join because it was an inclusive group for GT students as I felt my school did not offer a program/curriculum to help develop the capabilities of GT students. Not that I knew what I didn’t know at that time.
Rae: What is your earliest memory in Serteens?
Robin: My earliest memory was that my friend, Tommie Hata, and I planned to leave a general meeting right before the speaker because we didn’t understand the purpose of the speaker as a 7th grader. Upon leaving, we were approached by the former governor Matt Fabella, who questioned why we were leaving. I don’t remember our answer but from then we made sure to stay for the entirety of the meeting, even if we still weren’t sure of what the purpose of the speaker was at that time.
Rae: How long were you a member? If you served as an officer or on a committee, which positions, and why?
Robin: 6-year member.
Served many positions:
- Fundraiser committee member
- Governor’s treasurer
- Financial VP
- Governor
- then finally just a senior in high school who helped the next leadership team when needed.
Why? I wanted to be involved with making the club activities successful and also to gain leadership skills as I often felt too shy to attempt to gain leadership positions at my school.
Rae: Who was your favorite advisor and why?
Robin: They all were my favorite but if I had to point to as the most influential I would say Lloyd Asato, because he spent extra time outside of meetings and events to help me and my classmate/member Tommie Hata develop leadership skills and showed us he trusted our decisions and would praise us often.
Rae: What did you realize about Serteens when you graduated?
Robin: Serteens was more than just a community service organization made up of GT students. It is an organization that allows for the development of future leaders of the community, whether the member is aware of it. In particular, almost everything I learned while in Serteens is being taught in my MBA courses I took; like learning advanced skills but without formal credentials. It is also an organization that will support you and continue to guide you well beyond your high school years.
Rae: What were your favorite activities in Serteens?
Robin: I enjoyed all the camps and icebreaker activities.
Rae: What were some memorable seminars or takeaway messages from Serteens?
Robin:
- “Persist until you succeed.”
- “Plan book” seminar.
- Learning to love yourself.
- Slaying your own dragons.
- Accepting diversity.
- Working together for better.
- Improving your world.
- Learning to give and receive massages.
Rae: What were some of your fondest memories with other Serteens, whether in club activities or outside of official activities?
Robin: My first surprise birthday party happened for a Serteens social. Being at the first crater hike where the circumference distance was first debated. Sleeping on the beach with stars as a roof, only to learn about sand fleas and their bites. Going to band banquet at other schools. Going to several proms at other schools.
Rae: What did you and your Serteen friends do for fun?
Robin: Eat, eat, and eat. Oh, and play at arcades and laser tag.
Rae: Did you have a nickname? If so, what was it and why?
Robin: No nickname but I do recall being introduced as the guy who says, “What was that question again?” I would answer many questions with a question, likely wasn’t paying attention for whatever random reason, maybe ADD status.
Rae: How do you think other Serteen Alumni remember you, or what might they remember most about you?
Robin: They remember me as being friendly and outgoing. Or that guy who did the thing at KMC almost getting me sent back to Oahu.
Rae: Describe one or two Serteen Alumni who had a strong impact on you. Explain why they affected you so much
Robin: At the time, I would say Royanne Doi as she would make sure that Tommie and I were included in discussions during camp events, especially KMC. I never felt excluded, which I guess I needed that during my formative years.
Rae: What were your goals, hopes and dreams while you were a Serteen member? Did those change while in Serteens?
Robin: I had goals of becoming a doctor and having a family of my own so that I could try to be a better father than coming from a fatherless home. Also, I wanted to help the community that I am part of. No change.
Rae: How did Serteens prepare you for your career? For life in general?
Robin: As noted previously, I feel that I am capable and have more confidence to take on leadership roles that I probably wouldn’t have taken on had I not been part of Serteens. I also continue to “persist until I succeed.”
Rae: As a parent, how did you approach introducing Serteens to your teenager? Or was your teen invited through school or some other way?
Robin: I introduced my teenager to Serteens as a service club for smart people like him. I didn’t tell him of the hidden secrets…
Rae: What was the application and interview process like from a parent perspective? Did you have any concerns?
Robin: I think it was fair. No concerns. Granted, I tried to stay away from involvement in the club as much as I could to allow him to grow on his own and not in the shadows of his father.
Rae: What do you hope your teen will take away from the Serteen experience?
Robin: Self-love, confidence, determination, friends, supporters, and leadership skills.
Rae: How do you think Serteens is different now compared to when you were a member?
Robin: I think student leaders appear to require more handholding rather than be self-initiated. There are less unofficial activities than previous.
Rae: What advice do you have for current Serteens?
Robin: Enjoy the journey but pay attention. Serteens is more than just a service club or an appointment on your calendar. It is a living resource that will allow you to be successful in whatever endeavor you choose to pursue.
Rae: What is one piece of advice you remember from George? Why is it so important to you personally?
Robin: Love yourself. I would’ve doubted myself and given up on my goals if I didn’t love myself.
Rae: What advice do you have for other Serteen Alumni?
Robin: Start your planbook if you haven’t yet. Support Serteens even if they don’t reach out; they are just being shy.
Rae: What do you believe are the keys to success?
Robin: Determination, passion, skills, self-awareness, and preparation.
Rae: What do you want most people to remember about you?
Robin: “It’s not about me.”