There he is, my son, standing confidently on his first day of middle school, eagerly awaiting the bus at the end of our picturesque Vermont lane on a beautiful autumn morning. His smile radiates confidence; it’s as if he’s about to take on the world. There’s not a hint of apprehension on his face, even though he’s heading to a new school without a single familiar face in sight. Not even a flutter of nerves in his belly—though a curious butterfly did momentarily land on his head.
What’s behind this calm demeanor? It’s simple: he spent the previous year in the Middle East.
Flashback to Abu Dhabi
Flashback to 2014, when my husband, Tom, and I were racing to get our son, Alex, to his first day at the American International School in Abu Dhabi. The heat was a staggering 120 degrees as we navigated the bustling streets. Alex sat quietly in the back of the taxi, lost in thought, preparing to step through the gates of a sprawling school that catered to students from over 80 different nations, including the nephew of a Sheikh.
As I slathered sunscreen on his arms and face, I felt a mix of pride and anxiety. I could protect him from the harsh sun, but inside those gates, he’d be on his own. Would he find camaraderie among students from around the world, or would he encounter the tensions that often brew in the region?
It turned out to be a mix of both. By his second day, Alex faced an unexpected challenge. A classmate from Egypt openly threatened him for being American. That incident became a pivotal moment for Alex; he realized he needed to make a concerted effort to connect with others and break down stereotypes. Instead of retaliating, he asked the vice principal not to punish the boy who had threatened him, showing maturity beyond his years.
Settling In
In late September, we settled into our new apartment on Al Reem Island, and I began a new role in communications at Khalifa University. Alex had to catch a bus every morning at 6:25 a.m., which involved a lengthy commute. I fondly watched other children board their bright yellow buses bound for schools like GEMS Academy and the British International School, waving as Alex hopped onto bus No. 7 alongside a boy from Jordan.
Yet one day, I noticed that Alex’s bus didn’t actually say “American International School” on it. Later, I received a concerning email from the U.S. Embassy warning of a potential threat against international schools in the region. Faced with this unsettling news, my husband and I contemplated leaving the UAE. However, we ultimately chose to stay, valuing the opportunity to build connections in this diverse community.
Tragedy and Resilience
Tragedy struck on December 1, when an American teacher was tragically killed at a mall where Alex and I frequently waited for his bus. The entire city mourned, and the swift apprehension of the suspect and government promises of increased safety measures reassured us. Still, I continued to send my son off on bus No. 7, trusting in the resilience of our community.
When Alex turned 11 in the spring of 2015, we celebrated with a small birthday gathering that included friends from Kenya, Russia, Lebanon, and Australia, along with his close friend, Omar, from Syria. Each child’s story reflected their families’ struggles for safety and stability.
As the school year concluded, a dependable driver named Amir became our lifeline, often picking Alex up after school activities. His presence provided peace of mind, and I’m forever grateful to my friend Lisa for introducing us.
Returning Home
Finally, on June 12, the day we left Abu Dhabi for good, Amir drove us to the airport. As we passed through the city one last time, Alex excitedly read Arabic signs aloud from the window. But it wasn’t until he stepped onto bus No. 21, headed for his American middle school back in Vermont, that I truly grasped the incredible benefits of our time in the Middle East.
In retrospect, that year abroad equipped my son with invaluable life lessons, cultural awareness, and a sense of resilience that will serve him well as he navigates the challenges ahead.
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In summary, our year in the Middle East was more than just an adventure; it was a transformative experience that prepared my son for the complexities of middle school and beyond.
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