With the door propped open by a kendo stick, 30-year-old Shamina Chang walks through the threshold and into her safe haven.
Entering, she takes a bow as a show of respect for the dojo, a tradition for all members of Cougar Kendo, and prepares to instruct the practice.
Chang, who graduated from the University with a double major in psychology and philosophy with summa cum laude honors, founded Cougar Kendo in Fall 2008.
She is also battling an aggressive form of stage II breast cancer.
Uncertainty
“We didn’t know if I was going to die soon or if I was going to be able to survive,” Chang said.