15 minutes with Craig Hoffman
Craig, when did you graduate from Ada High School?
I graduated from Ada in 1994.
What activities were you in while in high school?
I was fortunate to participate in many different activities. I enjoyed band, choir, cross country, track, Varsity Singers Stage Band, Quiz Bowl, and the like. I was an active student in school.
If you could name one or two teachers who really helped you get where you are, who would those teachers be?
Honestly, I can tell you the entire administration, faculty, and staff of the Ada school system was absolutely fantastic to me as a student. But, former band director Mr. (Ronald) McVicker, who passed away some years ago, and science teacher Mr. (Dave) Lusk both played profound roles in my life success and happiness.
What did you do immediately after high school?
After high school, I went to Ohio Northern University to study music, and after I went on to graduate school on a full scholarship to the University of Akron School of Music to study music theory. Later, I spent several years in the Lima area working a variety of jobs.
How did you get to Japan? How long have you been there and what is your job?
I have been in Japan nine years this week. I came to Japan on the Lima Sister Cities` teacher exchange program. They pick a teacher each year to live and work in Harima-cho, Japan (Lima`s Sister City). Now, I teach English, music, and I serve as the soccer coach at a private nursery school. In addition, I am an avid writer, editor and lecturer.
How's your Japanese?
There is always somebody better. But, I guess, I am better than most people here. I study often.
Update us on your family.
I have been extremely happily married for almost the last five years to a lovely woman named Yukiko. She`s perfect. We have three year old daughter named, Yume. Yume will start preschool next week!
When was the last time you were in Ada?
Let`s see. I came back to Ada about five years ago after visiting NYC on my honeymoon. I introduced my new wife to my family. They had never met her. We drove by my old house and took a picture.
How do you keep in touch with your classmates and friends from Ada?
I use Facebook often. I have a very interesting and lively Facebook presence. I enjoy posting about life in Japan and talking about a variety of current events. My friends seem to enjoy it. And, I call my mother each and every week since she doesn`t have a computer.
Now that you are outside the country, care to tell us any pranks you were part of while in school?
I was a serious student. I always had big goals and dreams for my life even sitting in an Ada High School classroom. I`m a funny guy, but I always thought school was for learning.
When someone asks where you are from, how do you describe Ada?
Home. Ada is much more than a place it is a way of life for those that grow/grew up there. Too, I religiously keep up with Ada events, sports, and the like. I`m a huge fan of Ada.
Life advice?
I am fortunate to have an amazing life. But, it was not always so. I say be unafraid to constantly challenge yourself each day to strive for greatness in every aspect of your life large and small. Big dreams are not a crime, but small life effort is.
