Teach Middle East Magazine Nov-Dec 2015 Issue 2 Volume 3 | Page 58

Meet Our Writer Meet our writer Aisha Shakti Hakim T hey say that the best teachers bring a wealth of life experiences into the classroom, which helps to positively enhance their teaching practice. This is true of our featured writer Ms Aisha Shakti Hakim, known to her friends and associates as Shakti. Shakti is a native of Brooklyn, New York. She is a passionate educator. Prior to becoming an educator she worked as a licensed healthcare practitioner. Rumour has it that she is a fantastic massage therapist. Shakti is also a published author and entrepreneur. She is currently working as a Head of faculty with the Abu Dhabi Education Council in a cycle one school. Tell us a little about yourself I love to travel and immerse myself in local culture. My passions are writing, holistic healing, and singing. I’m a fan of the idea of creating multiple streams of income and am currently working on a few streams. My idea of a great time is to eat delicious food and have meaningful conversations with a small group of friends. You always seem so focussed and in control. Tell us one thing about you that would surprise others. It might surprise people to know that I enjoy old school hip hop karaoke. As a passionate educator, if you were asked to address a group of new educators to the UAE, what would you tell them to be most aware of and why? Be aware that in the UAE things constantly change and it’s important to be able to roll with the punches in order to stay as stress free as possible. I would also like them to know that things do get better and they should be patient with themselves and allow enough time to settle in and become accustomed to life in a new country. Looking back on your life what is the most important advice you would give to your twenty-year-old self? Look for mentorship in whatever field(s) you are most passionate about. Having expert guidance on your path helps make the road easier. Share two projects that you are working or have worked on that you are excited about. I’m excited to be able to offer travel deals on cruises, land tours, shore excursions and all aspects of vacation travel through my company: http://www.luxurytravelandcruise.com/ I’m also excited to share culturally appropriate behaviour management strategies and classroom tips for teachers in the Middle East through my eCourse: https://www.coursecraft. net/dashboard/created. 56 | Nov - Dec 2015 | | After The Bell