I have just completed three years at the International School of Choueifat, Sharjah, and what an experience it has been! Leaving New York to come to the Middle East was one of the hardest decisions I have ever had to make, but every day I am thankful that I did. In the last three years, I have seen myself grow as a woman and as an educator. I now feel assured, confident, and independent both in my professional and personal life.
Through the SABIS system, I have learnt to be organized and structured in my lesson planning and execution. I feel honored to have taught the students at ISC-SHJ. Through the years, I have met students in this system who I know, without a shadow of a doubt, that will succeed in life and I feel privileged to have been instrumental in their lives. However, it was not always easy; there were many days when I just wanted to remain under the blanket and ‘pretend to be sick,’ but I didn’t. Every problem in the classroom, every issue that I dealt with, every funny moment, has contributed to my development.
In addition to the classroom experience gained, I have met many incredible people here, some of whom I have formed lifelong bonds with. I can distinctly remember my first night in the UAE…when I thought about how far I was from home, I wondered if I had made the right decision coming here. However, those feelings were short-lived as the next day when I met my colleagues, I was surprised to find that they were all very friendly and ready to assist. Over the years, I have met people from many religious and cultural backgrounds and they have contributed to my life immensely. Also, one of the best things about being here is travelling! In the last three years, I have traveled to Africa, Asia, parts of the Middle East, and Europe. Traveling from Dubai to many other countries is both economical and easy.
I leave the SABIS System stronger and wiser. I have had a good foundation and it is with this that I will now spread my wings and use the experiences I have had here to seek new challenges and adventures.
