Meet Ultimate Au Pair Saori from Japan!
We received hundreds of great Ultimate Au Pair essays making it hard to select a winner. However, the Roemer family's au pair – Saori Hayakawa from Japan – stood out!
Ultimate Au Pair 2008: Saori Hayakawa
It was challenging for us when "plans changed." I went back to work and we had to
consider childcare for the first time. Not aligned with our original interest of me
caring for the children, we were more than a bit apprehensive about the topic. After
heavily researching the options available, we felt the best financial and family
decision was to work 
with AuPairCare to find an in-home au pair.
Back then, we saw having an au pair as "the best decision available." Now, after
being involved with AuPairCare and Saori for almost a year, we can look back and say,
"Wow!" Everything happens for a reason. We are grateful! It's been such a privilege to
have Saori in our home and in our lives.
We believe Saori Hayakawa is the "Ultimate Au Pair." We have personally believed it for
a long time, but now objectively my husband and I view the UAP as an au pair that carries
herself as a role model; an exceptional example of how to Grow, Share, and Care.
Grow
"Change is inevitable… growth is intentional" – Unknown Author
- As a high-achieving individual, Saori (Sao) sees school as an opportunity. She was never late or missed a class, and worked hard to achieve high marks. Her English improved dramatically, and she wasn't even afraid to try out the word 'plethora' in her class, only hours after learning the meaning and pronunciation. Impressive!
- Sao dives into any new experience with an unwavering positive attitude. At a local coffee shop, Sao visits with a group of about 15 elderly women to chat and crochet. They laugh and inquire about each other's lives and times, similarities and differences, all the while learning from each other.
- Wishing to do more for others and eager to help, Sao spent time at a Food Pantry over the Thanksgiving Holiday. This experience shows what we already realized: that she has a big heart and wants to grow in all aspects of her life.
- Exploring Niagara Falls, Sao rented a car, mapped the trip, and off she went! What a fun and wonderful learning experience for her.
- Sao has challenged herself to grow while here in the United States, and those she's impacted have grown right along with her. Sao joined a local a cappella chorus, Sweet Adeline. With her love of singing and recognition that learning this form of music was a unique opportunity, (it's one of the few American-born styles of music), she fully dedicated herself to the group in her free time. Through hard work and dedication to her group, Sweet Adeline captured an award-winning finish at contest!
Share
"We should not and cannot change all our differences. Each of us brings from our own background things which we should share. There is good in diversity. – Georgie Ann Geyer (1935– )
- Sao loves to share Japanese cuisine. There's so much we didn't know about healthy and delicious eating! This point was evident when I witnessed my 2.5, 4, and 5.5 year olds gobbling down their dinner to get dessert: seaweed! What a wonderful influence!
- As a volunteer at my daughters' school, Sao offered Japanese classes. By introducing Japanese food, art, culture and music to the children, it opened their eyes to a whole new world. With the blessing of the teachers, she set up Japanese pen pals for the kids. There is limited exposure to Japanese culture in our area, so her energy has made a positive impact on many childrens' perspectives on diversity. It's really neat to think how that will stay with them as they grow into adults.
- What a wonderful feeling to hear the sweet sounds of your children singing… in a different language! Sao shares beautiful music from Japan and spends hours singing Japanese songs with our children. In song, on paper, and in conversation, Saori has shared the unmistakable beauty of the Japanese language.
Care
Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word… all of which have the potential to turn a life around. – Leo Buscaglia
- As a strong member of our team, Sao cares about her role with the kids, in the house, with our family, and as a special visitor in this country.
- It's uncommon for a young girl in Japan to become an au pair. Sao understands the unique challenges of new Japanese au pairs and considers herself a mentor. She contacted a young girl from Japan when she heard of her local au pair placement. That au pair will always be more at ease based on Sao's extra effort.
- Above all, with the will of an Ox and patience of a Saint, Sao cares for our three young children. With both consistency and kindness, Saori keeps them safe and allows them to feel secure both physically and emotionally. The peace of mind that brings to us as parents is immeasurable.
We hope after sharing with you our experience with Saori Hayakawa, you will regard her as we do… as "The Ultimate Au Pair."
