Welcome to my blog – a space where stories, strategy, and slef-reflection meet.
This space is dedicated to the personal side of my journey—where I write not just as a communicator, but as a son, partner, parent, immigrant, and advocate. These posts explore the intersections of identity, memory, belonging, and truth-telling. From navigating equity and cultural tension to honoring my mother’s legacy, each reflection is an attempt to make meaning out of experience. I invite you to read, feel, and reflect alongside me.
Stories & Reflections from My Journey:
Edward Scissorhands: When Compassion Isn’t Enough
On a quiet evening filled with orange and purple Halloween lights, a movie night with my son turned into something deeper. Edward Scissorhands revealed how fascination can slip into fear and how real compassion, like true faith, only survives when it chooses empathy over control, love over spectacle, and silence over noise.
Equity or Elitism? When “Perfect Employees” Undermine Inclusive Communities
The Myth of the Perfect Employee Equity is a word we often see at the top of mission statements in our school districts. It looks great in banners, policy drafts, and social media posts. But what happens when those same institutions quietly favor candidates who are flawless on paper, leaving out those with non-traditional paths,…
Strikes Close Schools but Do Not Put Students First
Evergreen Public Schools is now entering the third week of a strike that has closed schools since August 26, 2025. Families are under pressure to manage disrupted schedules, students are missing valuable instructional time, and the district and the union remain locked in dispute. Official reports confirm school buildings remain closed, and although meals and…
When Inclusion Fails: A Parent’s Journey Through Equity in Public Education
I would like to begin with The Welcome That Wasn’t. Over the past few years, I’ve tried to volunteer, support, and advocate for more inclusive parent engagement in my local public school system. I came to this work as a Russian-American gay parent in a multicultural family. I also came with a professional background in…
Ricoh’s Shifting Identity: From Customer-Centric Values to Enterprise Account Losses
In 2025, Ricoh’s past commitment to customer engagement and brand values is challenged as key accounts like Kroger and universities transition to competitors like FedEx Office. Gaps between promises and reality widen, highlighting executive disconnect and a profit-driven strategy that jeopardizes Ricoh’s customer-centric identity, raising questions about its future viability.
Something went wrong. Please refresh the page and/or try again.
Mikhail Oparin 