The Superintendent and the Gift

The time of starting to wrap up my exchange year came with the idea of wrapping a gift for the superintendent of McDowell County Schools. I figured that one whole year that brought to my life the bitter and the sweet deserves to be finished properly. It's like being on a long vacation and buying souvenirs to be taken home with me. But, the reality of living each day knowing that you are going to a place to reflect a certain message is much greater than the thought of being at the beach and knowing that you have to reflect an image of a good tan and outfit.  

Back to my main idea, the gift! Mr. Mark Garrett is the superintendent of McDowell County Schools. He has been supporting me ever since I met him. He has a personality that attracts anyone to talk with him. He made me realize that a great leader is a humble and caring person. He showed great consideration to anything I had to say, and this really is an important thing for me. When a leader listens to the young and old, then the outcome of anything he does with his team shall be successful. Knowing that he is the person who supervises my education made me realize that a person who gives the effort of meeting with students is a person who will always leave an inspiring fingerprint on them.  

Following the last thing which my father did upon the end of his International Visitor Program in the US, I decided to use, or perhaps "be inspired", by his ideas and present the Saudi Arabian flag to Mr. Garrett. If we don't give thanks to those who help us succeed, then we will gradually lose our sense of gratitude. When we thank others and recognize their efforts, then we reach a level of humbleness that can only be attained through the actions of thanks. Once we recognize and appreciate these people who literally help us grow as young adults, then it shall be our turn to start living peacefully with our own souls which were raised on and used to the act of giving thanks.  

I presented my flag as if I was presenting a piece of my heart. I took the flag with me to many presentations, and it became the identification which made people recognize who I am and where I belong to. The green color which resembles peace, and Saudi's main logo which is two swords and a palm tree which resemble strength and generosity. Two important ideals that I kept on reminding myself of throughout living in McDowell County. I brought Saudi Arabia within my stories and talks, and I'm taking McDowell back with me through my memories and experiences.  

I really am wrapping up this year, because I reached the realization that now is the time to go back home. Everything has an end, and this is mine. I ended it with the most precious gift that I can ever give to a great leader who taught me about lessons in life through his actions. I met him only a few times, but I always enjoyed discussing with him several topics. I may not be here for a long time, but I am here for a good time.