"Faithful Until the End" Messages to the Class of 2020 from SFSA

“Faithful Until the End” Messages from the Seisen Former Students’ Association To the

Class of 2020

‘75

Misa Yasukawa (Hara) Tokyo

Dear Class of 2020, Congratulations!

Wishing all of you the best for your future.

The friendship and good memories of Seisen will always remain as a treasure in your life!

Carolyn Mori Japan

‘76

Congratulations!

In this difficult time, know that you will prevail with all that you gained through your time at Seisen.

Nozomi Shinoda Wade Atlanta

‘76

Dear Class of 2020, My name is Nozomi Shinoda Wade, Class of 1976.

I know that you have worked extremely hard for your big day. My heart goes out to each and everyone of you.

As an educator in Atlanta, Georgia, I know exactly what seniors are experiencing in the midst of uncertainty.

No one in a million years would have predicted a world like this. You were supposed to be racing towards the glorious finish line with your peers, teachers, and families.

Please know that we are all praying for you.

Stay strong, you ARE a PHOENIX. You will rise out of these ashes stronger than ever.

Judith Batoon Yanai Tokyo

‘80

Congratulations!

And Welcome to the new faces!

What you have experienced through 2020 will definitely be an unforgettable one. We are proud of your resilience!!

Thank you for being a great class of 2020!

May God bless you all.

Yasuko Kubota Tokyo

‘80

Dear Class of 2020, Hi. We are all going through this uncertain times, but we all need to keep fighting together!

Please stay strong, safe, and healthy! There will definitely be a light at the end!

All the best, Yasuko Kubota (Class of ‘80)

Mary Chu

Los Angeles

‘81

To the Class of 2020, I hope this finds you safe and healthy in these trying times. I know that your senior year was disrupted few weeks ago accompanied with disappointing news.

What I would like to say is please stay positive.

Somehow, everything will be okay. You will soon go back to school. You will see your friends and teachers and be able to hug them. You will laugh and enjoy

your time with each other. You will graduate from Seisen. You will move on to university and make new friends. You have a bright future. You are Seisen girls.

You and your Seisen spirit are strong. I look forward to being part of your Graduation and seeing you all walk across the stage to receive your diploma.

On behalf of Seisen Former Students’ Association, I would like to tell you that our alumni are thinking of you and supporting you from across the globe.

Stay strong, Class of 2020! See you soon!

Best regards, Mary Chu ‘81 President Seisen Former Students’Association

‘81

Cynthia Fernandes Martins Figueira Rio de Janeiro

Dear senior students, Graduation is drawing near, and with it all your dreams are about to come true. Well, maybe some of them may have to be a little different due to the covid-19.

Don’t let this fact spoil the most important thing of all...

Being part of Seisen community! Seisen spirit!

This will forever be under your skin... in your blood...

You’ll have friends all over the world!

I graduated 39 years ago, but I can assure you that I always remember the moments spent in our school.I’ll treasure these memories forever. I wish you all the best and a beautiful and bright future!

Naoko Okazaki Tokyo

‘82

Dear Class of 2020 (including my 4 former little Tulips), I was thinking of you repeatedly as School events and activities needed to be canceled, as School closed and switched to on-line learning, , as A levels were cancelled, as oversees Universities were sending their students back home, and as IBO announced its decision in cancelling the IB Exams this year. I cannot begin to imagine how much of an emotional roller coaster you have been going through during this time of pandemic affecting us all. Some of you may be thinking, “Why can’t we have our normal school life like the seniors from any other years?” Yes, it is not fair. At the same time, I cannot stop thinking about 40% of the world

population that do not have the facilities to wash their hands with soap and water. How unfair is that! I think of the Italian medical students that are in a position to treat patients without their medical exams, internship and residency. How scary can that be?

Life sometimes seems uncertain and unfair and as your upperclassman from years ago and as a parent of a 15 year veteran graduate from 4 years ago, all I would like to say is: Whether or not you are aware of it, Seisen prepares you very well for the next step. Have faith in yourselves and in all of the people, that care about you, your family members, your teachers, your School Administration. They are doing their best to try to support you. So talk to people, persevere, and soar high when you are ready for the next step.

Go Phoenix class of 2020!

‘83

Mihe Kwon Fujiyama Tokyo

Dearest Class of 2020, You all must be anxious and distressed...However, most improtant pursuit for the time being is to be healthy and safe.No matter what, your memories and experiences at Seisen will always be with YOU!!

More than 35 years ( this must sound like pre-jurassic to you....) have elapsed since I graduated, but I still keep in touch with many many of my friends!! This is what Seisen Magic is!! I believe all of you will handle this present situation calmly and wisely....Why???

Because.... YOU are all Seisen Girls!!

Please take care and stay safe!!!!

Izumi Ludgate

‘84

San Francisco

First, let me tell you that my heart goes out to all the students in the Class of 2020 to be dealing with an unprecedented situation that has never happened at the scale we are in right now. However, remember that many people around the world are experiencing the same uncertainty with you all at this moment. When everything gets cleared and you are again able to have a healthy and normal life, just imagine, you are going to have more people you can connect with in the future and share and compare your stories with each other.

Hang in there! Gambare! Have a growth mindset! The world will be waiting for all of you with open arms.

Betty Sun Tokyo

‘84

Dear Class of 2020, As a Seisen graduate and mother, it hurts terribly to see this unexpected world when you may have enjoyed a happy, fulfilling and unforgettable year with your teachers and friends. With patience and perseverance I hope everything goes back to normal soon and that you may experience the great and meaningful time of your lives. We are always beside you and wish you all the very best.

Keep safe and healthy!

Hanako Okada Tokyo

‘86

Difficult times like this will make you stronger, more compassionate, and better critical thinkers. Also note that you have each other, your family, your teachers, and the Seisen family to support you.

“Remember to look up at the stars and not down at your feet. Try to make sense of what you see and wonder about what makes the universe exist. Be curious. And however difficult life may seem, there is always something you can do and succeed at. It matters that you don’t just give up.”

(Stephen Hawking, 1945-2018)

Anna Maria Hight Resnick

‘88

Tokyo

Dear Class of 2020, I think we can all agree that this is NOT what you expected your Senior Year to look like. Not in a million years would we have thought your final year at Seisen would be so rudely disrupted by, of all things, a virus. It has seriously turned the world upside down...

It would be condescending for me to tell you not to worry.

If you’re filled with sadness, that’s okay.

If you’re disappointed and even angry, that’s okay too.

But I ask you a favor don’t give into fear.

Whether it’s fear of getting sick or fear of the many unknowns in your future, please don’t let that destroy the enduring spirit of hope that I know is still in you despite what’s happening to you and to the world around you.

Never forget that you’re surrounded by the Seisen family and we’re all cheering you on from across the globe.

Be brave!

Sending much love to you all.

Anna Maria SIS Class of ‘88

Kyoko Terada

‘90

Washington, D.C

Exactly thirty years ago, I was in your shoes, finishing up the last semester of high school, eagerly anticipating the start of college life, enjoying time spent with friends in and outside of school, encouraging the “kohais” in their pursuit of academic excellence and personal growth, and looking forward to walking hand-inhand with my classmates at graduation.

I am sure you share similar sentiments except, today,

circumstances beyond any of our control have changed the way we live and learn, but please know that nothing can take away your accomplishments, and your families, teachers, friends, and all of us at SIS community are proud of you, and continue to cheer you on from near and far.

Onward and upward!

Sheela Rupani Tokyo

‘91

Congratulations to the Class of 2020.

Please lift your head up high and believe you accomplished so much all your school years — academically, physically, socially, spiritually and mentally.

Try not to focus on the dark spots, but always seek for that wide open spaces life miraculously provides.

We are Seisen Strong always, Sheela Rupani Class of ‘91

Sandie Jones Tokyo

‘92

To the Seniors of the Class of 2020, I know this is a challenging time, and the final chapter of your Senior year is not going the way anyone expected. Please know that we are thinking of you.

Ganbare, Seniors!

Hang in there, Seisen Class of 2020!

Love, Sandie Jones ‘92

Kaoru Hoketsu Tokyo

‘92

Dear Class of 2020, Am sending you all my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time!

I can imagine that you must be feeling robbed of your last days with your classmates.

Gambare and stay safe!!

Michal Gabay Leiba

‘92

Modiin, Israel

Hey everyone this is Michal , Class of ‘92, writing you from Israel.

I am sending you lots of love, hugs and kisses. I will be dancing here with my family to celebrate your Prom!

You deserve it! and I believe you will have many more celebration in your life!

Take care and smile!

Sylvia RupaniSmith New York

‘92

Sending hearts to our class of 2020.

The best is yet to come.

Believe it!

Hinako Mukai Japan

‘92

I’m so sorry to hear that your precious senior year turned out to be like this because of the pandemic....

Here’s my favorite words by Nietzsche.

“What doesn’t kill you, makes you stronger.”

Best wishes and love, Hina

Maiko Klieman (Kose)

‘92

Napa, California

Dear Class of 2020, I know you all must be frustrated to be robbed of your last few months of high school and for that I’m deeply sorry. But please know that you cannot be robbed of all the friendships and memories you’ve made at Seisen and that will stay with you forever. I have so many fond memories from my time there.

Congratulations Seniors!

‘92

Naho Kamikawa Japan

Congratulations, Class of 2020!

Your class will be remembered as one of the bravest for enduring this extraordinary time in history. You all deserve the biggest celebration for your work, friendship, and memories collected throughout your high school years.

May the future be filled with happiness for all of you.

Jenny Lam Toronto

‘92

I feel so honoured to be part of the Seisen family and to send this message to our amazing class of 2020 graduates.

We all live in a world of uncertainty and it is during this challenging time that we call upon young people like yourselves to stay committed in discovering ways to achieve your goals.

You now have the skills, the tools, and most

importantly, the power to stay the course.

Don’t be afraid to lean on your Seisen family around the world as we are all in this together. You all have such promising futures ahead of you and, despite some bumps in the road, you will all get there.

Congratulations, good luck and I wish you all the best!

‘92

Yoshimi Amos (Kawada)

Eastbourne, England

Dearest Sisters of the Class of 2020, Congratulations for making it through this phase of your glorious life!! Be proud of your achievements and excited to be stepping out of the comforts of Seisen grounds. You’ve made so many friends and memories, struggled through exams, competitions and various decision makings... gone through adolescence and trying to figure things out.

There were times where no one seemed to understand you and you were frustrated. But you’ve made it and you should be proud of yourselves! We are going through unprecedented times and it is not fair that this is happening now but I believe things happen for a reason. I believe you will come back stronger than before and this is your time to shine. You will have experienced something no one else before or after you will and I am sure that everyone of you will make your mark in this world.

Fly high class of 2020, enjoy life as it comes!

Congratulations!! :)

Sarah Pepper

Melbourne

‘92

Class of 2020 You may be facing the biggest challenge of your young lives but you have a world of support behind you.

You will get through this.

You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Naoko Tsunoda Seattle

‘95

Stay strong Seisen class of 1995!

As an alumna and mom of a current HS senior I feel for you but don’t let this deter you. Despite a global pandemic this too shall pass. I hope you’re able to enjoy quality social media time with friends and loved ones where we are finally seeing the true advantage and importance of social media.

You ladies are going to rock it out of your senior world.

Xoxo

Kana Sato Tokyo

‘96

Dear Class of 2020, This is Kana from class of 1996. I know it is an anxious time for you all with graduation around the corner and the IBs getting cancelled.

Sending each one of you lots of love and cheers also as a current Seisen mom of a Grade 2 Seisen student!

Sally Jane Roth Brazil

‘96

Dear Class of 2020, Life is a cycle of joy, sadness, tough times, and good times. Challenging times can bring you down, but remember that they will not last forever.

When this tough period is over, you will be glad that you did not give up!

Keep your head up: happy times are up ahead.

‘99

Deepti Bhattarai Boston

Dear class of 2020, Congratulations on coming this far! What a great achievement. Right now uncertainty looms ahead of us, however, once this is over your, your resilience will make you even stronger. Each of us will have a great story to share amongst the new generations.

Everything will be just fine.

I wish each of you a very best for your future endeavors!

Ganbatte and onmedetto!

Jane C. Nthenda Malawi

You will get through this class of 2020.

Remain strong.

Hugs and kisses.

Prayers are sent your way.

‘00

‘01

Miki Matsumoto Pasadena

Hello class of 2020!

Congratulations on this great accomplishment. You will carry the memories you have made during your years at Seisen with you forever. Be proud of your success as it will guide you through the next steps.

You are great and welcome to SFSA!

Mitsuko Aelvoet Tokyo

‘01

Hi Class of 2020, This is Mitsuko Aelvoet from Class of 2001 and a current Seisen parent. I know not knowing what’s going to happen in this current climate is extremely unnerving, but the Seisen family is always here to support you!

Keep safe and reach out to one another to get through these tough times.

Sending love from our whole family!

Sonia Kapoor Tokyo

‘01

Congratulations & Keep your spirits up.

These are testing times but is a great time to use the downtime to plan your few months before going off to college.

Best of luck!

‘11

Prateeksha Pandey Dubai

Hey class of 2020!

You will go down in history for having faced all the hurdles and yet coming out as heroes.

Virtual hugs to all of you.

Priya Nixon

Mumbai

‘12

Hey Class of 2020, This is Priya Nixon, Class of 2012. I’m so proud of everything you have accomplished so far. Remember that the current situation is temporary. It will get better and you will go on to make the best memories yet.

So hang in there, we’re all here for you!

Sending lots of hugs and good vibes.

Jisoo Bae

Cincinati

‘16

Hi Class of 2020!

Huge congratulations on your achievement!

I’m sending lots of hugs all the way from America.

Hoping all of you the best on the new chapter of your life!

Arisa Tanai

New York

‘16

Dear Seisen Class of 2020, I am currently a senior studying Communication at the State University of New York at Geneseo in the US. I am so sorry for all of our cancelled moments and events that we were looking forward to share with your family, friends, and your loved ones. Completing high school is an incredible achievement and milestone.

During this time of uncertainty, as much as your safety and physical health is important, I wanted to remind you that your mental health is equally as important.

Please remember to take extra care of yourself and

check up on your loved ones. It’s okay to grieve; it’s okay to let your emotions out; it’s okay to feel vulnerable with what you are feeling; it’s okay to talk to someone like a counselor. There may be stigmas around mental health, but these are not signs of weakness. In fact, your feelings are valid and I am on the exact same boat as you right now. However, what I can say from my time at Seisen is this: the one thing COVID-19 cannot take away from you is the diligent, ambitious person Seisen has helped you become.

These tools Seisen prepared me with have helped me in university and I’m sure it will be helpful to you too in whatever you decide to pursue.As Seisen alum, if you are in need of anything, please do not hesitate to reach out to me:) I’m sending my love from the other side of the world!

Best,Arisa Tanai Seisen ‘16

Adelfa Armentia Tokyo

Congratulations Class of 2020!

I pray that the Lord keep you safe in His love and care during these difficult times.

To the Catholic group: Jessica, Emi, and Sarah: Your group presentations of Lives of Saints in 5th grade were fun and helpful to live out our Catholic teachings faithfully.

I hope and pray that you stay faithful to our Lord, for He is the source of our hope, love, and joy!

Love, Ms. Adelfa Armentia

Seisen Former Students’ Association