I first met Herbert Katekaru, when I started high school. I transferred from a program called Special Motivation in Jr High into a similar program in high school. Mr. Katekaru’s, or Kate´ as we would call him, was assigned to be our counselor, and with our group, it did not seem like a fun job. We were considered the “bad” kids, so he was a very patient man just to deal with us, but he went above and beyond that, he actually truly cared about us. We were, for the most part, a bunch of rowdy, non-class going, one step from being kicked out of school, rude young men, but Kate´ took the time to help us, even after school hours. Kate´ “bailed” us out of many predicaments. The main way Kate´shaped my life, was showing me, not telling me, but showing me by his actions.
I dropped out of school as a junior to move to LA for a while. I came back to Hawaii about a year later. I had no job, and was way behind in credits. Not only did Kate´Go above and beyond to help create a job at the school, but he also facilitated it so I can work around my work, and graduate with my class. This took a lot a behind the scenes work, that very few people would do for someone, And I will never forget what Kate´did for me. Without him my life would’ve been much different and I will never forget that.
I stay in touch with Kate´. I call him twice a month, and I visit him every year.
The biggest lessons I learned from Kate´are hard to put into words, because it is the feeling that someone truly cares about you, will be there to help you if you need them, and always having your back. Not just someone just doing the bare minimum of their job description, but someone who has a deep passion for what they are doing, then it’s not even a job anymore, it becomes who they are.
Kate´taught me that I could have an impact on peoples lives, I could make a difference… He definitely did mine.