Successful Transplant

Former SMAS Student Hiro Hiyama

Hiro and Misuzu Hiyama and their business, Utsawa Floral Design, are successful transplants in the USA, thanks to support from the San Mateo Adult School.

Hiro and Misuzu moved here from Japan.  Hiro learned plant design and bonsai from his grandmother and uncle.  He and his wife, Misuzu, had a successful floral business in Tokyo.

They wanted to open a business here in the Bay Area.  They knew they needed good English and understanding of US Culture to be successful here.

 So they came to the San Mateo Adult School. 

They studied ESL with Teachers David, Mary, and Vasyl. 

Misuzu studied in Distance Learning with Teacher Cynthia.

And Hiro studied how to get a job and start a business with Teacher Martin in the special class Martin started to help ESL students find jobs, Passport to Employment.

They learned how to speak clearly, communicate well, and understand US culture.

Now their new business is a big success.  The San Francisco Chronicle wrote about it.  You can read the article here.  You can find Utsawa on Facebook here.

To find success in a new place, both plants and people need support while they grow new roots. 

Once their new roots are strong, they flourish and we all benefit.

San Mateo Adult School helps immigrants contribute their unique skills, gifts, and beauty to our community.