Crossing Bridges Through Time and Connection

In October, my husband, my son, and I visited the beautiful campus of Stanford University to watch the football game between Florida State University and Stanford. The trip became even more special because a friend of mine, who works there as a librarian, offered to give us a campus tour.

She and I first met about twenty years ago when we were Japanese teaching assistants in the East Asian Languages and Cultures Department at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. I’m grateful we’ve stayed in touch over the years.

The last time I saw her and her husband was in 2015 in Portland, Oregon, when I attended the Summer Institute for Intercultural Communication. I can’t believe ten years have already passed.

This time, she showed us around the stunning Stanford campus. We enjoyed lunch at the buffet cafeteria, visited the iconic Hoover Tower and the beautiful Memorial Church, and explored the Robotics Expo, the Rodin Sculpture Garden, and the Cantor Arts Center. I loved the museum. It’s amazing that it’s free. I could have easily spent the whole day there.

Her husband and children joined us, which made the visit even more enjoyable. I was glad to have the chance to meet and talk with the children this time. I’m truly thankful to her and her family for their kindness and time.

Moments like this remind me why I love visiting and revisiting people across different chapters of life. Each encounter feels like building or crossing a bridge that connects past and present, helps us learn through shared stories, and empowers us through human connection.

What bridges have you crossed or rebuilt recently?