Growing up in Seattle, Al Sipols lived in two worlds. There was the world of his school friends, whose language and habits were utterly American, and the world of his family, which was steeped in Latvian language and culture. "I never forgot my dual identity," says Sipols (Ph.D, Physiological Psychology, 1991), whose parents emigrated from Latvia after World War II.

Today Sipols still has a dual identity, but now it's as an American living in Latvia. He moved there in 1994, after the breakup of the Soviet republic. "I felt I could take some time out, go over there, and see if I could do any good," Sipols recalls. "I wanted to participate in the rebirth of the country in some way."

Sipols is not the only A&S alumnus to learn about his heritage by living abroad. Others have readied their passports as well, often with no intention of returning to the States. "Being abroad, I'm always faced with new challenges," says Grace Moon, who moved to Korea after graduating in 1992 and now lives in Japan. "My father was born and raised in Japan and my mother was born in Korea, so I feel like I've completed the circle. Now, I can understand my parents."

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A Tale of Two Latvias
Al Sipols moved to Latvia in 1994, where he teaches at the Latvian Academy of Medicine.

Becoming a Political Insider in South Korea
When Grace Moon headed for Korea, she had no idea she'd soon be working for its president, Kim Dae-jung.

A China Expert Returns to His Childhood Home
Eden Woon spent part of his childhood in Hong Kong. Now he has returned there as director of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce.

[Related Stories]

Flying High in Norway
A&S alumnus Erik Braathen heads the family business--a major Norwegian airline.

A Gathering of UW Alums in Asia

[Winter 1999 - Table of Contents]