Ryan Yamada ’05

October 7, 2024
Ryan Yamada

I am doing the exact same thing I was doing since leaving grad school in August 2008: tutoring students at the high school and college level. It’s gotten a bit harder to make a living doing this, and I probably will have to do something else. It terrifies me to think about changing vocations at 41. I mourn lost time, but not as much as I used to.

I have buried a father and stepfather. I have battled a gambling addiction.

And yet, I remain.

This note will probably seem out of place among the other ones, but I felt like there should be something that represents those of us who have struggled to find our way. It may help those at other points in life to know that you aren’t alone in this.

Is it foolish for me to admit this publicly here? Possibly. But in a life with its fair share of foolish decisions, this one seems minor.

I’m grateful for exercise and running, and did complete the LA Marathon in 2020 and 2024. “Tho’ much is taken, much abides.” Hope those reading are well, especially those who feel they’ve lost a step, or missed their train. We still have work to do, even if we don’t quite know what or how.

We love hearing about your professional and personal milestones, and the notes are a great way to keep up with friends and classmates and foster connection.

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