Public & Human Services: Teacher
Public & Human Services
Teacher: Robin Kitsu
How many sushi chefs switch careers and win the prestigious $25,000 Milken Family Foundation National Educator Award? Not many. There's one such outstanding educator at the Nanakuli High and Intermediate School. His name is Robin Kitsu, Curriculum Coordinator and Teacher/Counselor of the school's Performing Arts Program and newsletter, Ka Leo 'O Nanakuli.
Teacher With The Magic Touch
He has the magic touch of getting students excited about journalism, drama, and multimedia production. Under his guidance, students have won awards for high school journalism and video news production. Moreover, Robin has staged over 40 musicals and dramas. Disney's "Beauty and the Beast," a joint performance by students of Nanakuli, Waianae, and Kapolei High Schools, scored such a success, the 4-night show was extended by 2 days. Robin's projects demand energy, dedication, and commitment. And his students energetically follow his lead.
Amazing Twists and Turns
Mr. Kitsu's life story is one of amazing twists and turns. "My love for literature, writing, drama, journalism, and knowing how these areas can be used to help students develop their academic and personal skills have led me to teaching….There are many moments when they can drive you crazy because you know how much potential they have, but they don't always live up to it. However, there are more moments when you know you have made a difference in their lives by what you have taught them.…I love the creative aspect of teaching…trying to figure out how to make the curriculum relevant to the student…"
Robin Kitsu is living proof that you can change your mind several times and still find the "calling" in your life! After high school, he went into the culinary arts program at Kapiolani Community College (KCC). While attending KCC, he got a job as a cook's helper at Shirokiya, where he learned to make sushi. "I eventually changed my major and graduated with an Associate of Science (AS) in Business. For the next 11 years, I worked as a full-time sushi chef for Shirokiya."
From Sushi Chef To Educator
Making sushi can be an art, but Mr. Kitsu realized he wasn't happy. He decided to go back to KCC to major in psychology. At KCC, he changed his mind, veering from psychology to social studies, until he finally realized that English was his passion and joy. He has been an educator now for 15 years.
Nearly Quit
Robin recalls, "My first week of student teaching was so stressful, I was never sure if I'd be able to complete the program. Then, after my first semester at Nanakuli — I was going to quit. I had such high expectations of myself, and I felt I wasn't doing the students any good. But with the help of various mentors at the school and from the district, I kept going."
Looking Back…:
"I wish I did a better job preparing myself for post-high school life. My decision to go into culinary arts was because I liked to eat and thought the TV chefs had fun making their dishes. Little did I know, that a chef must work mostly at nights, weekends, holidays, and it is a very physically demanding job... Now, with the development of the various career pathways, the guidance program gives students an opportunity to be in a major when they're still in high school."
What's Required To Be a Good Educator?
"The most basic level of education required is a bachelor's degree. I would recommend a bachelor's in a major they want to study, then go on to a master's of teaching program. Gain experience by working with children, summer school, summer fun, church, etc…. You must be creative, be able to multi-task, and work with others…"
What Helped?
Robin reminisces, "The belief that I have what it takes to be successful grew out of my relationships with various professors at UH and KCC who encouraged me and showed me that I did have the skills needed to be a teacher."
Following His Heart
Robin Kitsu followed his heart, in realizing that he enjoyed working with students. "I always need to remind myself that this is not an instant gratification kind of job where you will see growth right away…but it's gratifying to know you had an impact on students' lives."
The artistic streak in Robin Kitsu creates magic for all those who cross his path. Living art, indeed, generates magical wonders.