|
Hosting a student in the Japanese
Agricultural Training Program is an enriching and rewarding experience.
"I was pleased to be a host mother for Tomiyuki Oe," explained Marissa Ampon.
"He was so enthusiastic about life in America and we enjoyed our meals
together which my sister, Sol, lovingly prepared for Tomiyuki."
Marissa first read about the need for host families in her church bulletin.
She eagerly called the Japanese Agricultural Training Program Office at
Hartnell College and volunteered to host a student. She was paired with
Tomiyuki Oe, a 24 year old ornamental horticulture student.
Tomiyuki grew up in northern Japan in Miyagi Prefecture. In 1996, he
graduated from Miyagi Agricultural College, where he was interested in
ornamental horticulture and vegetable production. Miyagi Agricultural
College is Hartnell’s sister college—a relationship which has lasted for
more than 22 years—and has resulted in many exchanges. Tomiyuki then joined
the Japanese Agricultural Training Program. Following two years working on a
farm in Oregon and attending classes at Hartnell College, Tomiyuki is now
back home in Japan growing cut flowers on his family’s farm.
"Tomiyuki was a typical modern youth—he liked most of the same things that
American young people like," Marissa Ampon said. "My sister and I loved his
enthusiasm. He was also very kind and considerate of us," she said.
Marissa Ampon, who lives in Salinas, was born in Manila and remembered the
Japanese occupation of the Philippines. She recalled Japanese soldiers who
told legends and stories about Japan. The soldiers had a reputation for
being extremely fierce, but the bitter memories of war have been overcome
with love. Following World War II, Marissa decided to join the Daughters of
St. Paul and, as a Catholic nun, went to Rome. She lived for 8 years in the
Vatican and then spent an additional 10 years as a missionary in Australia,
India and Pakistan. She speaks several languages including English, Italian,
Spanish, and Tagalog. In 1974, she came to Salinas to care for her sick
mother. In about 1980, she became an American citizen and has remained here
to care for other family members.
Marissa encourages others who are interested in international students to
host a Japanese Agricultural Training Program student.
For information about the Japanese Agriculture Training Program, call
(831)755-6890
Back to Previous Page
|