Second Generation Students

Julie Nootbaar graduated from the Upper Campus 26 years ago, and when she returned this fall she was astounded by the many changes.

There is a now a Science and Technology building, a new pool, and landscaping around the girls’ dorm. Still, much had remained the same.

“The wonderful view and all the beautiful natural surroundings will never change,” Ms. Nootbaar said.

This was a feeling Ms. Nootbaar shared with her twin children, Momoe and Masaki, as she dropped them off at the beginning of the school year.

Momoe and Masaki have lived in Japan their whole life, despite their American heritage. They have attended Japanese schools, which have vastly different philosophies and methods of education than schools in the U.S.. In an attempt to better understand their American ancestry, the twins decided to follow in their mother’s footsteps and attend the Ojai Valley School for high school.

“I’ve been taking Japanese education for my whole life, and since I’m half American I wanted to experience American life,” said Masaki. “I told my mom I wanted to go to school in the U.S., and my mom suggested that I go to school at OVS.”

Ms. Nootbaar’s education at OVS played a huge part in the decision. There were, of course, a few things she didn’t like. But Nootbaar had been surrounded by great teachers, who opened her eyes to the world surrounding her, and taught her important new skills.

Ms. Nootbaar’s experience significantly influenced the person she is today, and since then the school has grown in a positive direction, and she believes her children are the recipients of an even better education.

“It’s really strange because I never imagined it happening,” she said. “They are on my mind and in my heart every minute of every day, but I’m happy knowing they’re at OVS.”

Momoe and Masaki feel a little strange attending the same school their mother did at their age, but they also know it’s a good school because of the experiences Ms. Nootbaar shared with them. Many of the stories centered around classmates who are now teachers at OVS.

Even though it does feel a little weird, and they do miss home at times, the twins are happy with their decision to come to OVS and are pleased with the way the school has turned out.