Farewell UGRADers!

Working with the Global UGRAD program these past nine months has been a fantastic experience. I’ve met some of the brightest minds from around the globe, and am amazed at the courage and confidence you UGRADers show in becoming leaders on your campuses and in your communities. Although you often refer to me as an advisor or mentor, I have learned so much from you through our constant interaction – much more than simply how to say ‘hello, my name is Sanjay’ in all of your languages! I have witnessed you embrace my American culture and immerse yourself in my language. I have watched you succeed in your academics and become student leaders. I am awed at the impact you have on the people around you, and know I have changed positively due to our communication.   It is inspiring to be a part of your experience in the United States, and the lessons you have taught me are ones I will never forget, and skills I will certainly be employing in my next adventure.

Although I am excited about the future, it is with a heavy heart that I say farewell to the UGRAD Program. I have accepted a position as a youth development volunteer with the Peace Corps program in Morocco. My last day at World Learning is December 5 and I’ll be leaving the U.S. in early January 2013.  This is something I’ve wanted to do for a long time, and the opportunity to live and work in Morocco is one I cannot pass up.  Much like you UGRADers, I’ll be living in a foreign country and culture, and I’ll be using a new language daily. The strategies you use to succeed here in the States will serve as great tools for me in this journey.

Let’s keep in touch. I will try and be active on Facebook (Sanjay Iyer, add me!) and will use Skype when I can. Keep me posted on the wonderful things you are doing!  It really is tough to leave such an exciting and fun program, but I’m sure we will meet again in the future, and if any of your travels send you to North Africa you know you have a dear friend waiting!

Best of luck in all your future endeavors, go UGRAD!

– Sanjay Iyer

 


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