Friday Feature: Hiro Shimizu '87
Hiro Shimizu '87, who was an international boarding student during his time at Rabun Gap, shares about his life at Rabun Gap and beyond.
"Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School meant so much to me and gave me a lot. I personally learned US culture and the American lifestyle at the school. I accordingly made successful employment with US-based corporations such as Microsoft and Adobe, top leading software companies in the world."
"Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School meant so much to me and gave me a lot. I personally learned US culture and the American lifestyle at the school. I accordingly made successful employment with US-based corporations such as Microsoft and Adobe, top leading software companies in the world."
Hiro Shimizu ’87 came to Rabun Gap from Tokyo, Japan on a friend’s recommendation.
After graduating from Rabun Gap, Hiro attended Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, where he earned his degree in 1991. He moved back to Tokyo and began a successful career working for several top-leading US-based software corporations. He worked for Microsoft for 13 years and now serves as a director of sales at Adobe Systems.
Hiro remembers his time at Rabun Gap fondly and is a loyal supporter of the school. He still actively stays in contact with many other alumni from Japan.
How would you say Rabun Gap has impacted your life since leaving? Did it change you as a person?
Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School meant so much to me and gave me a lot. I personally learned US culture and the American lifestyle at the school. I accordingly made successful employment with US-based corporations such as Microsoft and Adobe, top leading software companies in the world.
Looking back as an adult, what in your mind makes Rabun Gap a special place?
Learning and working at the same time was really surprising and gave me a lot of understanding about “working.” Study or learning could be done anywhere in the world, but Rabun Gap was the only place to learn about “working.”
Tell us about something you wish you had done while at Rabun Gap, but didn't.
Study more! LOL.
What's your favorite memory from Rabun Gap?
School life with boarding students was really fun and valuable — watching TV or movies on weekdays, riding on the bus to Clayton for shopping, playing sports after school, working with others.
What advice do you have for current Rabun Gap students that you wish someone told you during your time at school?
Have fun living at the school, spending time with your friends, and playing activities!
Which teacher or coach had the greatest influence on you?
Mr. Summers who taught computer.
You have been a loyal supporter of Rabun Gap, what has inspired you to continue to support your alma mater?
I wish more Japanese students would choose to go Rabun Gap to value its experiences.
Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School
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Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School is a private, coeducational day and boarding school for grades Pre-K through 12. Centrally located between Atlanta, GA, Greenville, SC, and Asheville, NC, we prepare young people for college, career, and a lifetime of leadership and service.
