Wendy Mieko Hamabata

Wendy attended Kindergarten through 6th grade at Robert E. Lee Elementary School. At an early age Wendy’s academic excellence was recognized and she was entered into the GATE program. In 4th grade she taught herself to type and was accurately able to type 140 wpm. She loved performing in school plays and talent shows and earned the lead role in the musical “Cinders”. She studied Shaolin Kung Fu and her parents accompanied her every weekend to practice. She and her father spent many hours training in the front yard. She participated in many demonstrations and competitions and at the age of 11 she earned her black belt.

Wendy attended Bell Junior High School for 7th and 8th grade where she found her Goth style. She began work for the first time helping her sister at the Silver Zone kiosk at Plaza Bonita Mall. She later attended school at the San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts until the 9th grade. There she studied ballet and excelled academically and artistically. At this time, she also participated as a math tutor. Wendy completed high school by attending San Diego Charter School where she excelled in all subjects, maintaining a 4.0 GPA and proudly graduated at the young age of 16.

During her high school years, Wendy received her first car, a white Chevy Lumina. Her new wheels = freedom… which she loved. She later received her second car, an ’05 Scion XB affectionately known as the BOX. She had found work with her sister as a file Clerk at the Law Office of Kim Brogan. At this time she was also introduced to surfing and fell in love. Through this new found hobby, a great surfer was born.

Wendy began attending college at Southwestern Community College where she completed Lifeguard Certification and Training. She also attended classes with her sister including Swimming, Yoga and Step Aerobics.

From 2003 to 2005, Wendy began working as a Lifeguard at Parkway Pool of Chula Vista Parks and Recreation. Here she made many long lasting friendships. During these years her lifeguard tower was struck by lightning and her first response was to clear the pool. From 2005 to 2007 she became a Lifeguard and Swim instructor at YMCA San Diego, Copley, where she made many more long lasting friendships. She later recruited her sister to work with her as a lifeguard over the summer of 2006. In Spring of 2007, while working at the YMCA, Wendy met Chris and their relationship began.

In 2007, Wendy left California for the first time and spent the 4th of July on the Oregon coast. In July of the same year, Wendy and Chris made the decision to move to Gillette, Wyoming. I was in Wyoming that she witnessed her first snowfall. She found work as a Lifeguard at Campbell County Parks and Recreation Center. To her family and friends excitement, she returned home that December.

Upon her return to San Diego, Wendy briefly resumed guarding at Copely and Chula Vista Parks and Recreation. She later earned the position as Lead Lifeguard at the Hyatt Mission Bay Spa and Marina. It was here that Wendy’s leadership skills really took off.

In June of 2008, Wendy moved into an apartment by the beach with her boyfriend and sister. These were some of the BEST TIMES!!!

In Fall of 2009, Wendy adopted “Ojichan” which translates to “Grandfather”, a beautiful wrinkly Shar-Pei who she named in honor of her grandfather who she missed dearly. In Spring of 2010, Wendy adopted “Mochi” which translates to “Rice Ball”, a handsome Bulldog. She introduced him to Ojichan as his brother to keep him company.

In 2010, Wendy graduated from University of Phoenix with an Associate of Arts degree in Human Services Management. In 2011, Wendy proudly earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Human Services Management. She continued her education and completed her first year in the “Marriage, Family Therapy” Masters Program. Throughout her time in college, Wendy maintained a 4.0 GPA, doubled up on her course work, worked fulltime and made many lasting friendships.

Wendy found employment at the YMCA “OZ House” as a Resident Supervisor, and was promoted to Program Coordinator within 4 months. The HR representative from the “Y” noted that “Wendy was a shining star.” Wendy positively influenced many and many positively influenced her.

Wendy was very determined, kind, loving and patient. She said that if she only changed one life, it would all be worth it. She was laying the ground work for a brilliant future.