CategoryExperience

by Anne SaracenoPortland, Ore. “Sketchy,” remarked a college friend from the West Hills. She meant the shuttered windows, the empty streets and the cars parked up and down the block in their overgrown lawns. I saw all this, but something else, too.  Wanting a second pair of eyes, I asked my other friend, Sanae, to

Going the extra mile, I discover true friendship in a vow to leave no one behind.

Planting seeds of trust and hope, I step into my mission as a poet for kosen-rufu. I’m Mónica Lladó from Puerto Rico.

Listening, I learn the way to rise above all suffering.

My journey of inner transformation from a directionless teen to a teacher empowering youth. I’m Sam Saldivar from Fresno, California.

Fighting for kosen-rufu, I find my voice and my calling.

Amid a health scare, they learn that winning lies in encouraging others.

Seeking my mission, I discover the way of life of a person of courage.

As I work to safeguard the dignity of human life, I awaken to the dignity of my own. I’m Garrett Welch from Denver.

Battling for hope, I revive old joys and tap new strength.

In the face of loss, I teach my students, my nephews and myself that all hardship can be transformed into value.

In the Soka Group, I lay the foundation for a winning life.

Confronting seemingly insurmountable health challenges, I awaken to my mission to encourage others. I’m Wonsin Fisher from St. Louis.

Walking the path of a contributive life, I fling wide the doors to my mission.

Raising the next generation of young men’s leaders, I rediscover the roots of my faith.

Striving to lead a contributive life, I reveal day by day a determined, poetic heart.

Tackling my doubts with daimoku, I take the stage with a light heart.

Facing my fears with earnest resolve, I take a hand outstretched in friendship and hold out mine to the youth. I’m Les Hayward from Seattle.

Working with people, I learn to trust them and myself.

Living for self and others, we lay the foundations of eternal good fortune.