Below is an excerpt from a memoir written by Patrick Sano. The excerpt describes his decision to come to the University of Nebraska:

"The only recollection I had of the University of Nebraska was that it had played Stanford University in the 1940 Rose Bowl game. At that time, my regional loyalty compelled me to cheer for Stanford, and I was happy that Stanford triumphed over an unfamiliar, midwestern school. Nevertheless, its name had been deposited in my memory.

How and why did the name of a school whose name I had not the occasion to use or hear suddenly come to the forefront? There was only one answer; it was revealed by Divine revelation; furthermore, the events that followed would attest that a Greater Power had intervened.

I was not prepared to send a substantiated application for enrollment to Nebraska. I had neither a decent stationery nor a typewriter with which to make a presentable request. Nor did I have a letter of recommendation to accompany my application. On a sheet of notebook paper and handwritten, I simply asked if I could enroll as a student; that I was in a war relocation camp desiring to continue my college education.

I sent my request for admission to Lincoln, again hoping for a favorable answer, but I was prepared to accept whatever the reply might be. My feelings by then were well-callused by the two previous rejections.

The reply I received from the University of Nebraska was as if God-sent. I was accepted for enrollment despite its quota of Nisei students was filled, and although classes were one month into the fall semester, I could matriculate upon my arrival in Lincoln!

As I experienced the gradual evolvement from rejections to acceptance, I felt that my acceptance came about by the unceasing supplications invoked by a humble woman, my mother, that God's Will be granted to me, "...according to His purpose."

Several questions confronted me; Why did the University of Nebraska accept me despite its quota of Nisei students was exceeded? Why, despite classes having commenced for the fall semester, did it allow me to enroll? And under such circumstances, I asked; why me?.

To be sure, there were still many other Ricardos, Herbs and Rev Ms in the world, whose spirits were touched by a greater Spirit, and they fearlessly externalized their convictions, unafraid of what others might say or do. They were Men of courage and hear, for when clay was molded and breathed upon by the Spirit, it became true Man, and that house of clay was capable of great and noble deeds!

But, was I deserting "a ship in peril"? Leaving my mother and younger siblings in camp and gaining freedom for myself provoked a sense of guilt. I discussed this feeling with my mother, and she insisted that I give primary consideration to my education."