Mr. Rolf Pelkey » A little about me...

A little about me...

I first encountered Japanese at the age of four, and was in awe when I saw my first photos of Japan, Japanese people, and culture. I promised myself I would learn Japanese and go to Japan someday.... and I did! 
 
After graduating from the University of Minnesota with a degree in Japanese Language and Literature, I went to Japan and ended up working and living in Japan for 8 years in all.  While I taught English Conversation and later English Composition to Japanese students, I honed my Japanese skills to the point where many native speakers cannot tell that I am not Japanese when they talk to me on the phone. I can also read and write Japanese. 
 
I have worked as an interpreter and translator of Japanese for companies related to Honda for over 20 years.  I am now returning to the field of education, this time to teach Japanese to students at Amundsen. I am really looking forward to this opportunity to share the language and culture I love with everyone!