Crab and Conversation with Ryan Ushijima ’93

While Shannon and Heidi were in California, they caught up with Ryan Ushijima ’93 at Millbrae’s PPQ Dungeness Island. Ryan recently launched a startup focused on building systems for dental practices and is rarely in one city for very long, so they were happy the stars aligned to meet up. 

As often heard in conversation with alumni, Ryan has grown to appreciate his family’s connection to Mid-Pacific and the faculty members who shaped his growth trajectory at Mid-Pacific and beyond. A transplant from Ohio and dormer his freshman year, Ryan credits his band teacher Mr. Allan Nii and dean, Mrs. Joyce Suzuki, for believing in him and his abilities–even if it meant a good scolding or rigorous IB coursework. While he no longer plays the saxophone, nor does physics every day, he is a lifelong learner whose curiosity, eye for innovation, and business savvy have launched successful business ventures. Surely his alumnus grandfather, James Ushijima ’41, Ke Anuenue (yearbook) Business Manager during his time, would be proud!

It was wonderful to reconnect with Ryan, hear his Mid-Pacific memories, and learn more about the many paths his life and career have taken since graduation.