Are you a changemaker in the Middle East? Do you want to connect with other Middle East changemakers? Are you free November 7 to 14? Are you aged 20-40(ish)? I really encourage you to apply to the Middle East Jam in the beautiful Wadi Rum in Jordan this fall. It’s an opportunity that I believe… Read More »
Three years ago today we moved to Saudi. We didn’t know what we were in for and that was part of the allure. Every time I have moved to a new country (to study in New Zealand, to live in the UK, and to live in Saudi), I have had this very particular and hard… Read More »
KAUST recently joined the photo-sharing site Flickr and now has an extensive array of pictures from within the compound walls. It has some great pictures that will give you a feel for our community including academic/professional interests and also living at KAUST. >> Here is a list of all of the KAUST photo galleries on Flickr
Every year KAUST hosts a talent show for community members to show off their skills. This year, there were all sorts of talents – some musical performances, dancers, actors, and there was even a baton twirler! The winner this year, Brit Jenkins, blew away the crowd with her KAUST-themed original performance. She started with some classical vocals,… Read More »
Recently, KAUST President Jean-Lou Chameau invited community members to join a task force to help make recommendations towards improving our community. Specifically: The President’s Task Force is your opportunity to be part of shaping future community, arts and cultural programs, events and activities at KAUST. My hope is that we can build upon our success by… Read More »
A few days ago, I posted about being a non-working KAUST spouse. As I was information gathering for the post, I connected with my friend Patricia Ahicart-Vargas to ask her for feedback for my post. Her feedback was superb so I invited her to write a guest blog post describing a typical day for a stay-at-home… Read More »
One of my first impressions of KAUST was being totally insulted on my first day here. I got my ID card and in big bold letters at the top it said “DEPENDENT”. As someone who considers herself quite IN-dependent, this label made me feel like I’d been slighted. I soon realized there is a (somewhat)… Read More »
I’ve given the website a bit of a facelift! I installed a new theme on the site which should make it easier to navigate, be easier on the eyes, and show the date of posts more clearly. I also added info about my efforts as a doula. Please take a look and let me know… Read More »
News of possibly the strongest storm ever to make landfall has been dominating the news for the last week or so. Typhoon Haiyan/Yolanda smashed into the Philippines on November 7 causing widespread devastation. And this, just a few weeks after a major earthquake hit the same area. I have been deeply affected by the images… Read More »
In 2010, Amy Sample Ward had an idea to start an online group for community organizers working on social benefit projects. I soon became an active member and even took the lead organizing role (aka “cat herding”) for a time. 3 years later, this community is well-established and making great strides in helping strengthen communities… Read More »