By Miya Kosakura
Good Morning, Everyone!
My name is Miya Kosakura, and I’m thrilled to be here today. I still remember sitting in the preschool class, watching the Seniors give their speeches, so it’s hard to believe that today, I’m the one standing up here.
As some of you may know, I’m the youngest of three sisters. Growing up, I was often the one tagging along to their activities and wearing hand-me-down clothes. But being the youngest came with its perks: getting my way more often than not, having access to my sisters’ old homework and projects, and, most importantly, having a lifetime supply of advice.
Of course, my sisters also set the bar high. They played basketball, joined ASB, started taiko, and so naturally I followed in their footsteps. But I didn’t do these things just because they did; I genuinely found joy in them. Their presence gave me the freedom to discover my individuality, knowing I didn’t have to fit a mold, but could grow into my own person while still being shaped by their example.
One of the most special parts of that journey was getting to play two years of high school basketball with my sister Emi. From car rides to practices, to game-day nerves and post-game bickering, her presence was always a constant source of comfort, especially in moments of stress or self-doubt. It’s an invaluable experience to share the court with your sister; there’s something particularly special about that bond on the floor that can’t be replicated, and that is something I’m so lucky to have experienced.
More than anything, my sisters have been my biggest role models, my #1 source of inspiration. Watching them tackle obstacles head-on, balancing school, sports, and friendships with poise and grace, taught me what it means to lead with humility and resilience. To go off to college and enter adulthood with that same mentality, accomplishing so much more, is what I admire. Having these examples during my most developing years has significantly shaped who I’ve grown to today.
Growing up with older sisters taught me so much about what it means to learn from those ahead of you, to look up to someone and grow because of their guidance. But through this Temple, I had the rare opportunity to experience the other side of that relationship.
I’ve been fortunate enough to get to know some of the current 4th Graders here, starting when they were tiny, shy 2nd Graders in Nakayoshi Gakko as I was their Senpai. Since then, I’ve watched them grow, not only in height, but in confidence, curiosity, and personality. I also had the chance to help coach the girls’ Tri-City basketball team over the past two years (thank you, Coach Ricky and Coach Jerome) and it’s been incredibly rewarding to see them develop both as players and as people.
As I was in their shoes at one point, so many of my friendships are rooted in these activities during these formative years. I’ve been playing basketball against some of these graduates here today from 2nd Grade CYS/Tri-City days, all the way to our High School teams today, and to be friends and interconnected with them for so many years is such a gratifying feeling. To see this next group of kids do the same seems like a full circle moment, and I’m so grateful to have been part of their journey.
Stepping into this older role, I was the one offering advice, sharing what I’d learned, and this role reversal allowed me to grow, and find another sense of purpose. And honestly, these younger kids became a vital part of my high school years. Every weekend at practices or games, these kids provided a sense of relief, and a break from the chaos and stress of school and extracurriculars. Their energy, humor, and creativity constantly reminded me to take things less seriously, to have fun, and to stay present. I’m indebted to their contagious smiles, random jokes, and silliness. Even during the stressful time of college app season, they were the ones telling me to stop procrastinating and “just get it done.”
As someone who’s always been the youngest, stepping into this new role taught me that guidance and inspiration aren’t just passed down, but rather can be shared in every direction. We all depend on each other, no matter older or younger in age, we each offer reliance and a shoulder to lean on in some way, shape, or form.
The Mountain View Buddhist Temple is a live example of interdependence, how we all rely on each other in some way somehow, creating who we are today. We are all interconnected, placing mutual dependence on everyone and everything. I wouldn’t be who I am without my sisters, parents, mentors, and those who came before me; and I also wouldn’t be who I am without this younger group of kids and their energetic nature. We learn across generations, promoting growth, while preserving our history and teachings. Who knew I would be taking advice from a group of 4th Graders, but here we are!
I would like to sincerely thank the Mountain View
Buddhist Temple for being a place of discovery, growth, and comfort throughout my life. From Dharma School to taiko to Nakayoshi Gakko to Obon, seeing firsthand how every person contributes something meaningful to a purpose greater than themselves is truly inspiring. The selflessness, teamwork, and uplifting nature vested in this community reflects how our lives are deeply
connected and we are who we are because of the people around us.
Thank you to Alex, Cori, all the Dharma School teachers, Reverend Mukojima, and the entire Sangha. Over the years, you’ve given me more than Dharma Talks and service, you’ve given me a sense of belonging, guidance, and relationships that I’ll carry with me in this next chapter and beyond that I’ll forever be grateful for.
Thank you!!