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Lebanese citizen, I was born in Beirut where I lived most of my life. My childhood and upbringing were shaped by the civil unrest and the Lebanese war of that period. I went to the International College for my elementary, middle, and secondary education.
I pursued my graduate and postgraduate education in the American University of Beirut, in the business and banking field. Given the situation, I did not have the luxury of choice for my major. I have always had the passion of teaching and being around kids so during my college years, I gave private lessons and worked as summer camp animator.
Once I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in business administration, I joined Citibank N.A. Beirut office as a treasury operations manager for around 5 years, where I met my husband…
Wanting to work in a different environment then my lifelong partner to be, I then moved to Medtronic Mediterranean and took the job of Senior Financial Analyst for another 5 years.
In 2006, my husband and I decided to leave the country due to the political situation. So, we moved to Bahrain with my eldest daughter, who back then was our only one. During that time, I focused on my home and my family.
A couple of years later we were blessed with our second daughter, and we relocated to Riyadh Saudi Arabia.
In 2010, we welcomed our last bundle of joy and once she was off to kindergarten, I decided that I had to get back to work.
Going back to the business world, was not an easy nor a practical idea given the age of my kids and the culture of the country. I therefore gradually shifted to education. Started teaching a couple of kindergarten classes, but with time the school kept offering me more classes. I currently teach English to all grades from Grande Section (equivalent to KG2) to 6eme (grade 6).
The more time passed the more I realized how enriching this experience is. I was learning from those kids as much as I was teaching them. Being someone who believes that learning should be a fun and pleasant experience I always tried to incorporate the teamwork element in my classes, respect, collaboration, fun and love for learning. Accommodating for special needs was especially interesting for me as I believe that a good educator is one who can teach kids with difficulties more than kids who can do it on their own…
My passion for teaching grew more the more I understood that education is not limited to a certain curriculum or classroom walls, after all an educator is someone who is shaping the future generations. I therefore expanded my scope of work to afterschool activities and annual school trips.
With two of my colleagues, we started a drama club, we adapted play scripts to our needs, integrated various cultures, mythologies, and different languages in them to promote cultural and linguistic diversity. It was one of the most gratifying experiences, to teach those kids about Greek mythology, languages, values etc. all in one activity.
With another colleague I also managed the school swimming league, and we participated in biweekly national competitions. And the most gratifying experience of all was going on international school trips with 8- and 10-year-old kids, embracing the real world together and learning about various life skills.
The more I got involved in school activities the more I was fulfilled with my job. Being around kids is my passion. Accordingly, I decided to pursue my education in this field and earn my master’s degree in education. Doing it online seemed the most practical solution for me as I did not want to leave my family (although I still crave being a college student, walking with my notebook on campus and hopping from one classroom to another 😊).
Thankfully, technology and MSU Education department have made it possible for me to pursue my dreams without having to forgo important matters in my life. And I think I am blessed for that!
Now, I thank my loving family (Serge, Sarah, Maria, Jana and our little Luna) for all the support they have offered me and for putting up with my “occasional” stressed mood during the past couple of years. Without their love and encouragement, I wouldn’t have been able to be a mom, teacher, and student all at once. Their help and inspiration were key for me.
**All images on this site belong to Randa Abla Cherfan, unless attributed otherwise
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