My name is Vicky K. Murakami-Tsuda, and I am the new Web Editor for the Japanese American National Museum (some of you may recognize me from my previous incarnation as the Museum Store Supervisor where I spent my first ten years working at the National Museum in the Store, processing mail orders, taking phone orders, creating and maintaining the Museum Store Online, among other things). I am responsible for updating and expanding content on all of the National Museum's websites -- www.janm.org, www.DiscoverNikkei.org, and www.ncdemocracy.org, as well as continuing to work on the www.janmstore.com site.
I am a yonsei born in Los Angeles, and have lived within L.A. County almost all of my life. At least, I consider myself yonsei. Working here at the National Museum, I've come to realization that there are a lot of different ways that people 'count' the generations, and most are pretty adamant that their's is the 'right' way. Some go by the paternal line, some by the maternal, some by whoever's been here longest, etc. For myself, I decided that in honor of my maternal grandmother, I consider myself yonsei. She's the grandparent that had the most influence on me by far growing up. I get my love of reading and knowledge from her.
Both sides of my family are very large (my mother is one of eight kids, and my father is one of sixteen). From them, I get my appreciation for family, tradition, and culture. My sense of humor, especially the corny variety, can be blamed on my father. I've learned from them that hard work and diligence are important. Having luxury items are nice, but that you can be happy with relatively little if you appreciate what you do have. Sho ga nai (shikata ga nai), mottai nai, and gaman were words I often heard growing up, and they've helped to shape my outlook on life -- make the best out of what you're given. Sort of a realistic optimism.
Working at the Museum these past ten years, having my particular outlook has definitely benefitted me. I've been able to grow both professionally and personally because I've been able to take what resources are available and finding creative ways to make something great out of them. With this new position, I am so excited about all of the possibilities and ways in which I can contribute and learn.
Okay, time to pass the 'baton' on ...
