Change did Hilo girl good
By Karen Welsh
Published: Wednesday, January 21, 2009 10:35 AM HST
WASHINGTON -- It's been an incredible week at the 2009 presidential inauguration in Washington D.C. It's been a privilege to presonally attend and witness this historical event.The theme this week is one of "change," and former Hilo resident Wendy Yamada Clerinx knows all about that.A typical local girl, Wendy, the daughter of Katsuya and Alma Yamada, enjoyed her childhood, which included riding her bike and hanging out and working at KTA, but decided she desired to broaden her life experience. She left the Big Island after graduating from Waiakea High School in 1992.
"I just wanted to try something new," she said. "I wanted a change."
This led Wendy to Santa Clara University in California, where she earned a bachelor's degree in political science and economics, and then to George Washington University in Washington D.C. to attend law school.After graduating, Wendy heard U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii) was looking for a legislative assistant for his office on Capitol Hill.Wendy accepted the challenge and went to work on environmental issues, including natural resources, energy, clean water, endangered species, pollution and native Hawaiian issues.She said it's been wonderful working with the seasoned politician."I enjoy working for him," she said. "I've learned a lot from him. I also feel like I'm making a difference, otherwise, I wouldn't be here."Although Wendy has established a fulfilling and successful career, and started a family, she has begun to yearn for the simplicity of island life again."Now that I've been away, my problem is trying to find my way back to Hilo," she said. "I miss the food, I miss my family. I love them and miss them every day. I miss slippers and I miss being able to wear shorts all the time. Sooner or later I will move back there."For now, Wendy's content to stay and work for U.S. Rep. Abercrombie. She's never regretted making a new path for her life because change is often necessary part of life."If you have a chance to do something different, don't be afraid to try, even if you have to leave Hawaii and your support system," she said. "I had to do it and it was difficult. But, there is personal fulfillment just in the trying and venturing out."Now that's change that makes sense!
By Karen Welsh
Published: Wednesday, January 21, 2009 10:35 AM HST
WASHINGTON -- It's been an incredible week at the 2009 presidential inauguration in Washington D.C. It's been a privilege to presonally attend and witness this historical event.The theme this week is one of "change," and former Hilo resident Wendy Yamada Clerinx knows all about that.A typical local girl, Wendy, the daughter of Katsuya and Alma Yamada, enjoyed her childhood, which included riding her bike and hanging out and working at KTA, but decided she desired to broaden her life experience. She left the Big Island after graduating from Waiakea High School in 1992.
"I just wanted to try something new," she said. "I wanted a change."
This led Wendy to Santa Clara University in California, where she earned a bachelor's degree in political science and economics, and then to George Washington University in Washington D.C. to attend law school.After graduating, Wendy heard U.S. Rep. Neil Abercrombie (D-Hawaii) was looking for a legislative assistant for his office on Capitol Hill.Wendy accepted the challenge and went to work on environmental issues, including natural resources, energy, clean water, endangered species, pollution and native Hawaiian issues.She said it's been wonderful working with the seasoned politician."I enjoy working for him," she said. "I've learned a lot from him. I also feel like I'm making a difference, otherwise, I wouldn't be here."Although Wendy has established a fulfilling and successful career, and started a family, she has begun to yearn for the simplicity of island life again."Now that I've been away, my problem is trying to find my way back to Hilo," she said. "I miss the food, I miss my family. I love them and miss them every day. I miss slippers and I miss being able to wear shorts all the time. Sooner or later I will move back there."For now, Wendy's content to stay and work for U.S. Rep. Abercrombie. She's never regretted making a new path for her life because change is often necessary part of life."If you have a chance to do something different, don't be afraid to try, even if you have to leave Hawaii and your support system," she said. "I had to do it and it was difficult. But, there is personal fulfillment just in the trying and venturing out."Now that's change that makes sense!
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