In 2019-2020, the world during our generation was shutting down. Finding new outlets to entertain to protect your health and sanity is a must. Your mind expanded. So, when I was reached out to by a fellow Knight from high school (two years younger) on Facebook, who told me I inspired her being so bold and myself in all things nerdy. And that she was an Otaku as well! Her message was so sweet and endearing, and I could tell right away she was a soul full of light.

That was how I got to become friends with Sarah.

Her message sparked the idea of combining my three adult, female nerd groups to meet once a month to have a supportive, fun, safe space to be girl, adult nerds, make suggestions for manga/anime, and be our true beautiful selves, treasured. And boy Kamisama! Is our group beyond perfect!

Even though we have truly been friends for two years, Sarah is one of my favorite people, a missing piece to my soul. She is patient, kind, fun, excitable, caring, motherly like me, and really listens and sees perspectives in all things, but to help those she loves. She always asks how I am with heart. We connect in so many many ways, from shows to morals. We can talk and do anything and have a blast. I appreciate her taking care of me, supporting me, and getting eager to learn more from me for my supposed ‘otaku/nerd’ knowledge, lol! 😉 She’s way smarter than me!

Now, without further ado, let us meet this sensational soul: Sarah! ^-^

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My Questions for Sarah:

• What are your three favorite memories of us together?

The first one that comes to mind is our many shopping adventures during Hot Cash and Lunch Money time. It’s always a fun time and getting to try and discover new things. Another memory would be meeting each other at my first con. We didn’t to talk much but it was one of the starts to our friendship. And then the times we would virtual meetings with anime voice actors through Colorworld! Those were always fun!

• How did anime/manga find you and how has it affected your life?

The first animes I ever watched were Kiki’s Delivery Service and Princess Mononoke. But at the time, I did not know they were anime. I thought they were beautifully drawn and colored. I remember watching the 2001 Fruits Basket when they came to visit for a family reunion. I did not understand it at first but I did enjoy it. I think it was after watching Fruits Basket that I became more interested in anime. I didn’t pursue it much because I did not have anyone to talk to about it. When I started college, I started watching it again. With manga, I saw one at Barnes and Noble and my first thought was “These books were printed backwards!” I did not understand what they were and did not read them until I was in high school and browsed through them in the school library. It was again when I was in college that I started to read them with a friend of mine and we also started watching anime together.

• Which “Golden Girl” do you aspire to be like?

This is a hard one. I love all the Golden Girls and it would be hard to pick only one that I aspire to be. I suppose I would most aspire to be Dorothy. She doesn’t take crap from anyone and can fire back. She is funny, loving, caring, and a spitfire. Dorothy was also my grandmother’s name.

• I think your family and you are wonderful! What have you learned from all of them and how did they shape your life?

I have learned many things from them. The one thing that sticks with me is being to others, no matter who they are. It has helped in my career as a social worker.

• What creative outlet or craft helps you grow and relax?

I enjoy coloring, and even painting sometimes. I love doing puzzles with my mom. I used to knit even though I was not very good at it. The thing I like to do most is cross-stitch. Cross stitching is time-consuming, but the end result is so beautiful.

• If you have a tea party with your 5 favorite anime characters, who would they be and what would you serve?

It is so hard to pick 5. I guess the first guest would be Howl Pendragon from Howl’s Moving Castle. Next would be Hitoka Yachi and Saeko Tanaka from Haikyuu. Hatori Soma from Fruits Basket would be the next guest. The last guest would be Kenshin Ukai from Haikyuu. This is a fun mixture of characters. I would serve a variety of things; different types of tea, coffee, various types of finger foods like sandwiches and cakes, and cookies. I know typical tea party but would try to appease everyone’s different tastes.

• Tell us about your first con.

When I found out that there were conventions for the things I like (anime/mange/superheroes etc.) I knew that I wanted to attend one. I had seen pictures from Morgan’s Facebook and I said, “That looks like so much fun.” When I saw that some were close to home, that made it even better. I attended my first con in 2020 in Cape Girardeau, MO. It was the first Cape Anime Con and I even though I had seen pictures from cons, I was not sure what to expect in real life. I had reached out to Morgan a few months earlier wanting to show my appreciation for all that she does and to nerd talk with a fellow otaku. During our many conversations, she mentioned the con in Cape and it piqued my interest. I ordered a ticket and started to research what to do when you are at a con and what other things to expect. Of course, it was during COVID so we had to wear a mask but that was okay. I got to see a lot of cool things and spent way too much money lol. I didn’t meet any celebrities but I was able to meet some local creators. It was amazing to see so many talented people in one place. I was able to meet Morgan face-to-face for the first time and we took a picture together. I wore my Fruits Basket Kyo shirt for the day. I was so happy to see others enjoying the things that I loved as well.

• Which voice actors have you met (real-life or virtual?)

Virtual:

David Wald Chris Patton J. Michael Tatum

Kellen Goff Michelle Ruff Ian Sinclair

Christopher Wehkamp Eric Vale David Matranga

Patrick Seitz Brittany Karbowski Colleen Clinkenbeard

Lucy Cristian Josh Grelle Blake Shephard

Adam Gibbs

Real Life:

Austin Tindle Mike McFarland

Bryce Papenbrook Lindsey Seidel

Leah Clark Johnny Yong Bosch

Caitlin Glass

• What made you decide to go into social work and how does it fulfill you?

I come from a family of helpers and I have always enjoyed helping others. Social Work was my first choice but being in a helping profession was part of my plan. Being a social worker is not easy and there are days when I question myself on why I chose the profession but being able to make a difference in someone’s life is the most fulfilling. There are days when they don’t want my help and that is okay. I am there if they need me because their life is worth my time!

• If you can describe yourself as three different Japanese foods, which would they be and why?

Tamago- I can be sweet or salty.

Ramune- I can be bubbly.

Noodles- Just because lol (Morgan- I would say ‘loyal, long-lasting, and flexible.’)  

• You’re the DM now! And all of your players are from “Lore Olympus!” Pick your six favorites and tell me what you think their race and class would be.

Hades- Earth Genasi Paladin

Persephone- Elf Druid

Hermes- Air Genasi Cleric

Ares- Goliath Fighter

Eros- Half-Elf Ranger

Poseidon- Triton Wizard

• Our friendship is one of my greatest treasures. You’re a safe spot, a Ray of Sun, and we connect in many ways. What does our rapport mean to you and have I taught you anything?

Our rapport means the world to me. You have taught me that it’s okay to be myself and enjoy the things that I like. I have also made more friends because of you. I’m glad we were able to become friends when the world was shut down. 

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Sarah’s Questions for Me:

1. Who or what inspired you to become a teacher? What is it you like about being an educator?

I had two inspirations to be an educator: my father and the joy I get working with children.  For the former, my dad was a high school teacher, so I was introduced early to the behind-the-scenes extra duties teachers did beyond their 8 to 3 shift.  It prepared me.  For the latter, everyone is given some gifts in life.  I adore that one of them is working with children.  Kids tend to like me, even when I was young and I definitely am a Mother Hen, ha! I recall playing school with my younger cousins at my grandma’s.  Seeing their eyes light up when their grasp a concept sparked something in me, a calling being formed.  So, when my favorite teacher, my fifth-grade teacher, Ms. Mahan, informed me I would be an excellent teacher because I was caring after getting on my career test results, I knew that is what I wanted to be.  Even though it took a long time and work, I teach for those reasons and never look back.

2. How did you get involved with Heroes for Kids? What do you like about being a part of that group?

I met Heroes for Kids through a friend, and not long after they were established.  My first event was a child’s birthday party.  I was the only one in an anime cosplay, so I felt like a duck in the wrong pond! HA! But, everyone was so nice.  They then asked if I wanted to sell my books at Cape Con, their first convention.  My dear friend and book artist did chibis of the organization’s characters to help them raise funds for their charitable causes.  And the rest is history.  They are my family, always there for me.  When you support each other’s uniqueness and cosplay dreams and efforts while working to help the communities and charities, seeing kids smile at you… there is no better feeling in the world.  We have met several kind celebrities because of our efforts, become convention experts, had out-of-this-world experiences, and best of all, helped others.  Please check them out.

3. You and I both watch Critical Role, which I thank you for introducing to me as well. Who is your favorite character from the franchise and why?

First off, you’re welcome.  🙂  Fun fact: I got to meet Matthew and Marisha at Anime St. Louis 2014.  They were so nice and in a panel, they just mentioned how they had been playing D and D for about a year and decided to start filming their adventures, not sure it would work… HA! If I only knew! Well, friends, that is what became Critical Role. 

I think my favorite character is Gorg.  He is a guard dog who will defend you (if he stays on his leash, lol) but has a heart of gold when needed.  Plus, he cracks me up.  Bless his heart! Travis is brilliant! I also really like both of Sam’s characters.  

4. I know you enjoy a lot of older anime, but do you have any newer anime that you have watched and also enjoy?

Wow! OLD?!  I feel insulted! 😉 

Newer can be vague too, so I am going to say one that has to have been made in the last two years.  Ironically, I have done TWO lists in two years on precisely that on either my website OR GeekyKool, who I write for.  Although, I actually do not think any of them are NEW release date-wise; just NEW for me! 

My Top 10 Anime I watched over 2021 (Many were suggested by my club and friends:)

Me and My Friend Dan’s Top Ten Favorite Animes (2022 Edition:) 

For ‘modern’ anime, I am slowly finishing up “Food Wars”  and did keep up with the final season of “Fruits Basket, 2019” anime.  I fell MADLY in love (and got heartbroken) watching “Kotaro Lives Alone.” I do have a list of animes that just came out or will this year in 2022 I would like to see. ^_^

5. What are three of your favorite memories of us together?

It may sound lame, but anytime we are together.  =)  I love our mall trips, cooking times, game nights, D and D sessions, Otaku Girls meetings, hanging out and chilling time, wrapping holiday gifts, decorating your new house, craft time, CONVENTIONS… I am glad we can do anything together and just feels like home, no matter how crazy or simple our fun is.  

6. I am so glad that we are friends. What does our friendship mean to you?

You have seen me through a lot already.  I always have fun with you and I can fully be myself, faults and all.  You calm me down when I am stressed.  I love how you ask how I am, showing your caring heart and patience, but you are not afraid to be silly either.  How excited you get when you nerd out always makes me happy and I am honored to be your sensei in some ways.  

7. Who is your favorite mangaka and why?

My first manga-ka will always be my favorite and that is all the all-woman team, CLAMP! They have been around since the 80s and are still going strong.  Their work is breathtaking.  Some of the most detailed and stunning panels and characters you will ever see.  Their style is all their own.  The rule at fantasies, from warm-hearted like my favorite “Cardcaptor Sakura” to more intense, such as “X-1999.”  They also rule at some of the most complex plots in their manga.  LOL! However, I have learned so many life lessons from them, living by their principles of love, and self-assurance, helped me define that the world is gray, not black and white.  The tales and characters literally jump out of the pages and into my heart, no matter which series.  I highly recommend them to anyone! 

8. If you could be a certain D and D race and class, what would it be and why? Will you play this character at some point?

I think being a Tortle would be fun, lol!  I eventually should do a more full-fledged magic class (sorcerer, warlock, wizard.)  But, I think it scares me to be so squishy! HA!

9. If you were able to get into the anime world, which character would you most like to meet?

“Cardcaptor Sakura” because there is magic, but it has a good balance of power and world-saving you want.  Yet nothing apocalyptic; I am too skittish and clumsy for that.  LOL! Her outfits are adorable, Sakura is an endearing person, Li is precious, and getting to have beautiful and mighty cards be my friends and defend me would be amazing!

10. What do you like most about our anime club? Do you have a favorite memory?

Oh gosh! All of it! I love you girls so much.  Every second of our club or outings is a dream; I am with my people! ^_-  If I HAD to pick some favorites, I love our first meeting and how you all clicked, us bonding over watching ‘that movie…’ 😉  Our Ouran Host Club adventures in cosplay/meeting voice actors/Anime Senpai, our Christmas parties, you falling the first time we played an ‘adult’ nerdy card game together, us playing ‘pin-the-tail on our crushes’ (making the ‘yummy’ plates were so rad too,) mall shopping/ramen/world market, and every time we take a selfie after a great time and good meal.  =)

11. Do you have a favorite voice actor or actress? Have you had the pleasure of meeting them before?

There are SO many idols! I guess my favorites that I have NOT met in person, I would say Luci Christain and Crispin Freeman. I have a WHOLE list of it: Greg Ayers, Chris Sabot, Jerry Jewell, Kelly Sheridon, Sonny Strait, Kent Williams, Laura Bailey, Travis Willingham, Collen Clikenbeard, Michelle Ruff, John Burgimier, Hilary Huang, Dan Green, Rachel Lillis, Aaron Dismuke, Jessica Boone, Jay Hickman, Blake Shepard, Billy West… 

That enough for now?! I have more. LOL! 

12. How many Funko POPS do you have? Do you have a favorite?

*Nervous laughter*  Counting the ones at my home AND work in addition to my two dozen or so Q Poskets (since those are slightly bigger, more expressive eyes FUNKO POPS,) including two preorders I have done, my total is…314.  *ducks*  I am not sure if that is a good or bad thing to you.

Favorites?  Not really sure, but my first FUNKO was my original She-Ra and I also adore my custom-made Shiny Ponyta FUNKO that’s blue flames lightly glow in the dark.

13. Who are your top 5 favorite characters from Lore Olympus? What do you want to happen in the future?  

Oh, gods of Mount Olympus! That is a challenge! Well, our girl Persophne and dashing King Hades of course!  Eros and Hermes are close seconds.  For the fifth…oooh! Do I go with the serious, powerful Artemis OR the chill and childlike Posiden?  Hmmm… Ares makes me chuckle too.  OH! The dogs! That’s it! 😀