Richard Lee Wilkin, III during the Heritage Day Celebration at Bu Rahma School for Boys in Beda Al-Motawah (Al-Gharbia/Western Region), UAE

 

 

 

 

Growing up in rural Virginia in the United States, I never dreamt that my life’s journey would lead me here to the sands of Arabia.  After matriculation from Howard University, I served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in South Africa for two years and then spent four more years working in Pretoria.  I thoroughly enjoyed my time there.  However, towards the end of this time, I realized I wanted a new direction, bigger challenges, and a change of scenery.  I applied to many places around the world and to be frank, the United Arab Emirates was not a country high on my list of places to live and work.  I even discussed this during my interview with a SABIS® recruiter.  As fate would have it, this is where I ended up and I am very glad to have made this decision.

I am concluding my 2^nd year with SABIS® and have enjoyed the journey!  The working environment, though challenging, is stimulating, and keeps me on my toes.  Educational reform is never an easy process.  The opportunities for personal growth and professional development are limitless.  Living and working in this region has been an amazing experience.  Where else would one have regular interaction with colleagues from 22 nationalities and six continents?

On a personal level, the lifestyle, sunny weather, and friendly people all serve to make living in UAE a pleasant experience.  My family and I are looking forward to an extended stay in the United Arab Emirates and are hoping to continue to make a significant contribution towards the development of sustainable public education institutions within this country.