San Jose's Japanese American Museum
Museum internship provides opportunity to preserve and protect the Japanese American community

By Bridge Mei

SAN JOSE, Calif. -- My summer internship was an eye-opening experience.

When I applied to my internship program, I had a somewhat narrow understanding of the Japanese American community. The little knowledge I had came mostly from playing Taiko or attending Obon festivals. But my time with the Japanese American Museum of San Jose (JAMsj) showed me a whole different side of the community.

I was concerned when I first learned of the complex issues facing the Japanese American community today -- the lack of youth succession, the growing diversity of the demographic and the preservation of culture and tradition. But after learning about the efforts of community-based organizations, groups and individuals working to preserve the Japanese community, I became inspired by their hard work and dedication.

Even for someone who knew little about the museum, I felt like I absorbed far more than my share of knowledge. The museum offered me tasks that utilized my skills and introduced me to new ones. Particularly, the research that I did while at the museum gave me a valuable understanding of the history and evolution of the Japan Town I frequented so often as a young child.

My co-workers also greatly contributed to my experience at JAMsj. The wealth of knowledge among the people who work for the musuem is also perhaps one of the hidden treasures that the institution selflessly preserves.

The summer gave me the opportunity to truly learn about the importance of preserving the ties that connect a community. I can only hope that in the future I will have more opportunities to strengthen those bonds and contribute to the growth of the Japanese American community.

Write to Bridge Mei at bmei@usc.edu