One of Cindy's goals after college was to spend a year teaching English in Japan. Although she did not get the chance to fulfill that goal, our sister Carla was able to do so. Carla's time in Japan was like a tribute to Cindy.
While at UCLA, Cindy spent the summer of 2001 studying in England. Once her summer classes were done, she and her friend Cheryl spent a couple of weeks traveling through and exploring other parts of Europe as well.
I also remember that in high school, Cindy took part in the "Close-Up Program", where students spend a week in Washington D.C. to get a close-up look at U.S. government and U.S. history. Watching the inauguration last month reminded me of Close-Up.
I always admired how Cindy took advantage of opportunities to travel and enhance her educational experience, as well as her sense of adventure.
Recently, two of our cousins have made plans to move away from the Bay Area for new job opportunities, one going to the Philippines and the other to Oregon. Yet another cousin recently started spending a semester studying abroad in Barcelona.
Whenever any of my cousins embark on new adventures in new places (of which there have been many others), I believe that Cindy has had a hand in bringing these adventures to life. I like to think of her as one of the little voices that encourages them to "Go for it!" and that reassures them that they've made the right decision during times when they are homesick or feeling doubt; and each new adventure serves as a tribute to her.
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