The Sweet Home High School recently welcomed the return of one of their first Japanese exchange students, Chieko Takahashi.
Takahashis’ first time in Sweet Home came from a homestay program with an English conversation school in 1980. According to her, during her three-week trip she spent about a week with the family she was assigned to for the homestay.
After an incredibly enjoyable experience, according to her, she consulted with her teacher about studying abroad in Sweet Home. The following year, in September 1980, she finalized the decision to participate in an exchange program. It was at this point she stayed for a year with the Wright family; Jack and Dorthy Wright including their children, Andy, Teresa and Star Wright. It was here, Takahashi took the nickname Chiki, which she now goes by all the time. These children accompanied Takahashi at the high school.
The decision to study abroad didn’t come without its hurdles though, as Takahashi struggled with English at first. This didn’t stop the drive of Takahashi who participated in the drill team, danced during basketball and football games and accompanied the chorus on the piano. Takahashi was also able to experience her first prom through this exchange program.
She eventually graduated from the Sweet Home High School in June of 1981. She then went to Northwest College [Northwest University] in Seattle.
According to Takahashi, her dream in high school was to become a stewardess. She is currently working as a flight attendant for Air Canada.
This time, after over 40 years, Takahashis’ son requested they take a drive down the west coast shore line. Takahashi recommended they take a trip down the Oregon Coast before concluding to take a trip to Sweet Home. She was able to walk her old college campus in Seattle before coming down to Sweet Home to reunite with her American Host family and her alma mater. It was here she encountered Ramil Malabago who was able to capture her, her son and her husband in front of the school.
“After visiting the school, we were invited to the home of Star, my American sister, where I was reunited with my American mother, Dorothy, and with Teresa and her husband James, as well as Andy and others; we all reminisced together,” Takahashi said.