Student Spotlight: Ricky Roland Taira

After nearly 60 years of working, serving his country, and helping others, Ricky Roland Taira finally decided to retire two years ago from a career in social work. Going back to school to follow his interests was at the top of his retirement goals list, which led him right to El Camino College.

Taira said he feels right at home.

“El Camino has a great campus with a nice student population and lots of friendly people,” he said. “It’s a good place to start for anyone no matter where you are in your life. It’s close to home, great instructors, and I love the computer center for my classwork and writing.”

Taira is also a regular at the college’s Veterans Resource Center, which offers a gathering place for student veterans to study, get to know one another, and have a place of their own to hang out between classes. Computers, workshops, and referrals to additional resources are also part of the center.

“I always check in at the Veterans Resource Center – they have a computer lab, some good snacks, and everyone is very supportive,” he said. “It’s a nice place to visit, and I’ve met some interesting people. Even though there is a generational difference between me and many of the veterans, it’s a good group and a great place.”

Taira is taking writing classes to help him achieve another retirement goal: writing a couple of books.

Becoming an author is certainly a change from his previous work that focused on providing counseling, mental health and social work services for residents throughout Los Angeles County. According to Taira, that’s what makes it interesting.

“Your life path is not only a straight line,” he said. “Some people keep the same job, which is fine. But for me, I served in Japan with the Army, went to college for various degrees, and took different positions as opportunities came up to work where I was needed. I liked learning different things, in different areas. Everything you learn is important and you can use those same skills in other parts of your life.”

Learning and education have always been at the center of Taira’s life. The Los Angeles native was 16 years old when he got a work permit, and he’s been working ever since. At every step, education has been a driving force.

“My parents always considered education to be very valuable and encouraged me to go to school,” said Taira, who was the first in his family to graduate from college. “Education has always been with me, and at work I constantly advised people that the smartest thing to do is to get more education.”

After graduating from Los Angeles City College and Cal State Los Angeles with a business degree, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and was assigned to Japan for three and a half years. When he returned home, he worked in banking and then decided to get a second bachelor’s degree in communications. After volunteering at drug abuse treatment centers, he was invited to apply for a job as a counselor. He did and his career changed course again. Now in a place where he was able to assist in the recovery process, Taira soon took classes for professional certification and then earned a master’s degree in social work.

“I had a family to support, and I was working full time, then after work I went to Cal State Long Beach and took classes for my master’s degree,” he said. “I have the highest respect for my graduate school classmates, we were all working and all tired, but it was worth it. Education is worth it. It is about learning, planning and self-discipline. If you plan what you want to do, then your self-discipline will carry you through.”

Now at El Camino, Taira is a disciplined writer. He’s tackling a book project he began many years ago on a typewriter, and he meets with an informal writing group on campus. He’s also taking jewelry-making classes in the college’s new art facilities; he’s already made a bracelet and a ring. He also enjoys spending time with his family, which includes three children and five grandchildren.

“I guess I’m busy for a retired guy,” he said with a chuckle. “But this is the way I want it, part of a long-term plan that has reached its fruition.”