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Shiori

Shiori, from Chiba Japan, always knew she was destined to return to the United States. As an infant and an international exchange high school student, Shiori visited and lived in New Jersey for some time. When she fell in love with her husband, after meeting him at a Christmas party, an opportunity arose for Shiori to return to the U.S. “…He told me he wanted to study abroad in the United States and that it would take 5 years. I was surprised, but also happy because somewhere in my heart I always wanted to live in the United States.” Shiori’s husband, Nori, originally was majoring in political science and had no science background. After taking one science class his passion to pursue scientific studies emerged and he went back to school to complete the requirements so that he could pursue his PHD studies abroad. “We moved in together because I wanted to support him and we knew we would marry. He would go to work during the daytime and then go to school at night. This took three years until he got in to Caltech. He really likes what he wants to do and he has been working so hard at it. I was impressed!”

When it came time for the couple to start their new life together in Pasadena, CA Shiori was not quite ready to impart on their adventure. “ I wanted more time. I was working as a speech therapist. I loved my job very much and wanted to develop my career. I also have a very special nephew, whom I wanted to see enter elementary school with a randoseru (a backpack popular in Japan). I asked my husband, ‘Can I have one more year to spend time in Japan?’ and of course he agreed. So he went to U.S and I came one year after, in 2016, to start my new life here.” Shioiri shares her initial impressions and challenges of the Pasadenan culture. “I love the weather, the plentiful Asian food options and that everything is walking distance. Initially, I struggled with the English language… especially explaining details and understanding paperwork." Nori researched and encouraged Shiori to join the Caltech International Spouses Club. Shiori was really nervous to attend the first session but eventually became the leader of the recreation group. “I was so nervous because I didn’t think I would have anything I could talk about and I worried that my accent was too strong. But they were all very friendly and I have made a lot of good friends.”

When Shiori became the CISC recreation group leader, and the number of attendees increased, she acted as an advocate to increase the budget so that the group could come together again at local cafés. With the help of the CISC committee and Caltech International office, the budget for the recreation group was raised and became what it is today. “I’m glad to help people have a chance to go outside and explore together. I like to talk to people and learn. If there is a new member I will try to help them feel welcome.” She encourages others to join CISC should they wish to make social connections. “I know it’s hard to join new activities or groups but people are all welcoming and they have been through similar situations. Even if there is an English barrier you can find group members who speak your language. I find it helpful to talk to someone at least 1-2 per day. I run into people from CISC at the gym, the supermarket, when I’m out for a walk. They may be small conversation but it feels good and I think it’s important! Thanks to CISC I have a place where I belong. I really appreciate it, its very unique!”

Shioiri is also an avid attendee of the CISC gardening, craft and cooking group. “These days I put more power into gardening. It’s very relaxing for me and I feel that I have a place to be in Caltech. Everyday I go something unexpected is happening. Sometimes the squirrels are eating the pumpkins or the growth and color of the vegetables change. I participated in starting the garden from scratch and I like to watch it grow. I also learnt a lot of English through the garden group by listening. I am picking up many gardening words [laughs].” Not only does Shiori express herself through her volunteer work with CISC but she also has taken up an interesting hobby. "Every day I make special art on top of a latte for my husband, photographs it and then posts it on Instagram (shionori12). I cannot work because of my visa but I still want to create something daily. Even though my husband is in a rush to get to school he still poses as my hand model for the Instagram latte picture. He says to me, ‘It looks like it’s your passion so I want to support you!’”

Shiori and Nori are really close with their family and try to contact to their loved ones once a day as well as schedule bi-yearly visits in the U.S, Japan or Hawaii. Although Shiori’s family is far away she has created a community for herself here in Pasadena. “When I come after a short trip and return I feel at home here. Even when I go out of town I still contact people from CISC and they contact me too. They care…. At the beginning, I thought 5 years was soo long but now I feel ‘Oh no, I only have 2 more years left!’”

Initially, Shioiri found it difficult to answer when friends and family would ask her, ‘What are you doing with your life?’ or ‘How do you live?’ “I felt bad because I thought I needed to work and regretted my situation. But, now I say, “I’m very busy!’ and I am satisfied with my situation. I have become more open and have learnt how to balance my world. Never feel like you are not doing anything. Everything has meaning and somehow it will come back to you.”

Created By
Amanda Priddle and Christophe Marcade
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Credits:

Christophe Marcade

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