65th Anniversary Special
The Internationalist Spring 2015
Class of 1969
Marla Petal “I have been able to integrate the diversity and richness of my education and experience into what I do, and how I do it. It all comes together in a meaningful way, nothing wasted, all of value.”
The most important things I learned at Nishimachi were to think critically, to write, to celebrate diversity. Most enduring memories of Nishimachi: the teachers who respected us, and had high expectations for us; standing on the stairs in the Matsukata House singing “Ode to Joy”; making yukatas in Girl Scouts; ski trips (leather ski boots, wooden skis.); Japlish on the playground; good friends, challenging work, caring about one another. The teachers who had the greatest impact on the person I am today: Mrs. Forster, whose inspiring stories and slides from Southeast Asia, and whose deep respect for history and culture, and sense of dignity and decorum, have stayed with me (her two books are both wonderful); Miss Risser, who taught me how to write and how to study (those “How to Study and Why” records, The English 2000 book, and the SRA cards were all really great); and Mr. Hawkins, whose enthusiasm for science, scientific method, and optimism have stayed with me. The high expectations those three had of us, in fact that all our teachers had of us, were a tremendous gift. The most exciting thing about my life today: I have been able to integrate the diversity and richness of my education and experience into what I do, and how I do it. It all comes together in a meaningful way, nothing wasted, all of value. The best part of my job: I get to work with others who work hard and continue to believe that their modest contribution makes a difference in people’s lives. I imagine that, as a result of our work to reduce disaster risks and increase resilience, many young lives will be saved and many young people will eventually realize their right to a basic, quality education, and be able to pursue their dreams and aspirations, as I have been privileged to do. The thing that concerns me most about the world today: the consequences of human error, and hubris, are so devastating.
Age: 59 Country of Residence: United States Education: American School in Japan; American School in London; University of Sussex; University of Houston; University of California, Los Angeles Occupation: Senior Advisor for Education and Disaster Risk Reduction Organization: Save the Children
When I’m not at work, you’ll most likely find me spending time with family and friends, cooking for them if they come my way, checking up on them on Facebook, enjoying interspecies friendship videos, watching a good movie, reading, thinking about the creative projects I’d like to tackle, but don’t seem to find time for. If I were to write an autobiography, the book’s title would be: Carpe Diem. The most important things in my life today are my family, my friends, and my work. If I could give one piece of advice to my 15-yearold self, it would be: Seize the day!
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