On having my eyes opened in Saudi Arabia (and the benefit of attending conferences in unfamiliar places).
I spend a lot of time on the road - meeting with students and faculty, sharing my ideas, and learning new ways of doing things.
I don’t ask for much - help with travel, a place to sleep, and advice on the menu.
I reciprocate by investing in people - coaching students on papers, collaborating on projects, and creating opportunities for intellectual or cultural exchange where I can.
Sometimes, my life feels surreal - bc I am drenched in opportunities to grow - with the past decade being truly transformative personally and professionally.
At past 50, I am still maturing - which feels pretty good.
I could not be happier with my academic life.
But.
I’ve spent most of my time traveling in Europe and Asia.
Why?
Because they are familiar.
I know people in Europe - my best friends are German - I love the pace and cadence of life.
I know people in Asia - my daughter’s aunties are Chinese - I feel safest on the streets of Hong Kong.
I spent time in these places because I was invited and they felt safe.
Yet.
I’ve come to know that by going places that feel safe and familiar, I have missed out on much growth and learning.
I spent the past week in #saudiarabia at the MENA conference.
TBH, I didn’t know what to expect.
My interest in history had made it a place that I wanted to visit.
My ability to get to Saudi Arabia was limited.
My understanding of Saudi Arabia was limited.
My impression of Saudi Arabia was colored by the press and geopolitics - it seemed unsafe & strict & even close minded.
My impression was wrong.
My Saudi Arabian experience was safe, genuine and open minded.
Where in Philly, I worry about my safety.
In Saudi, I felt safe and secure.
Where in Philly, I worry my daughter’s safety.
In Saudi, I saw women walking with no issue.
While I recognize the Saudi way is not the American way, the cultural differences may seem stark from afar, I found more similarities than differences and much to respect.
As an acaedmic, I found in Saudi the same interest in research, teaching and community that I share with my colleagues in the States.
The people that I met were open, passionate about their work, and far from idealogues - they cared about each other & doing good work.
As a human, I found the Saudi community generous in every way, in ways that go beyond the States.
For example, students, volunteers & staff shared tables at lunch with participants, we were all the same at meal time.
It was an equity that I did not expect - but I came to know was part of the culture & faith of the people.
So my takeaway? For a reader?
If you have a chance to visit Saudi Arabia & GCC states, drop your tools.
Set aside what you have seen in the Western press.
Meet the people.
Listen to their voices.
You will find a warmth & a depth that is unexpected.
Let’s build a stronger academy - that welcomes all voices.
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