MEET THE PROFESSIONAL
July 2017
Ms. Rola Ghadban is a Mindfulness Well Being Coordinator and Grade 2 homeroom teacher at Greenfield Community School in Dubai. She graduated with an undergraduate degree in Sociology with a minor in Education from the University of California, Los Angeles, and obtained her Masters degree in Teaching from University of California, Irvine. Rola has taught in California, London, Beirut, and now Dubai, in a wide range of ages, curriculum, and experiences.
Rola is a supporter of professional networking and our mentoring program within our community. We are very excited to feature her as our professional in this month’s “Meet the Professional” series.
Below are a few questions to help facilitate this interactive connection. At the end of the page you will have an opportunity to post your own questions for Rola.
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Describe your current Occupation & Degree/s and Universities.
- Masters in Teaching from University of California, Irvine
- B.A. in Sociology/Minor in Educations from University of California, Los Angeles
A list of any awards & recognitions:
- Innovative Teacher of the Year by Education Journal Middle East for her work initializing and opening the first Mindfulness Room in the region, and promoting innovative positive education programs as a priority in schools.
Discuss a moment or turning point in your life that led you to your career path:
I decided I wanted to be a teacher while working in Los Angeles as a researcher in the Los Angeles Unified School District. I saw huge discrepancies in classrooms, but was inspired by the power and compassion some unique individuals displayed. I knew I no longer wanted to be behind the scenes, rather, actively involved in impacting the minds and futures of children, in hopes of making a positive change. Teaching has become my passion, especially as I have delved into a much more focused niche of Mindfulness in schools. One of my favorite quotes is by Aristotle, “Educating the mind without educating the heart is no education at all.”
Discuss a role model or mentor who influenced your career choice:
Mainly, a professor at UCLA was one of my prime role models. She always recognized my hidden voice that was yearning to come out. Growing up I was always timid, but she saw through the shell I had and challenged me in new ways. It was then that I made it one of my life missions to help transmit confidence and empowerment in all students I encounter, as there are few things worse than fear to speak.
Do you recall any specific challenges you encountered and overcame?
It’s no mystery that strength comes from overcoming struggles. Like most of us, I definitely had hurdles at different stages professionally. With regards to the most recent project of making a Mindfulness Room, my main hurdle was support from the outside community, and receiving funding to support the transformation of space. As the idea was the first of its kind, there was no budget allocated to invest in resources, thus I had to be creative with ensuring things got done by doing all I could to involve members of the community to help volunteer some materials, as well as make resources from scratch. I stayed committed to the vision and though things took a lot longer then expected due to some failed negotiations, and issues with some people not following through with their promises, all worked out in the end. Perseverance wins :).
Where do you see yourself in the next 10 years?
Hopefully continuing pioneering a mindfulness movement in education throughout the international region, presenting more internationally, and empowering and inspiring young minds wherever I am.
What advice would you give to someone starting out in your field?
The advice I give to anyone in any field is make sure you’re doing what you’re passionate about because only then will your true potential shine, as well as your ability to help others. In education, you have a crucial, valuable potential to leave lasting positive marks on all people you encounter, yet remember nobody cares what you know if you don’t show you care. Connecting in on a personal level is one of the most powerful skills.
All experiences can be used as a stepping-stone, and regret is something that doesn’t serve anyone. Thus, the power of the mind in having the confidence to take risks and challenges to help you grow. As a teacher, one of the most valuable lessons is remembering that you too are a life long learner and always strive to be the best version of you!
Tell us a little bit about your hobbies outside of your field:
I love to explore new lands, learn about cultures, dabble at different languages, and understand people from all over the world. Hence, why I have had the privilege to work in 4 countries internationally in the last 10 years. I also am a certified yoga teacher and Reiki practitioner, which always help me stay mindful myself. I also enjoy nature in all forms, and am a bit obsessed with growing my own plants right now! My favorite thing of all though is sharing happiness and positivity in whatever ways I can ;).
A Q&A form will be uploaded shortly. In the meantime feel free to send any questions you would like to ask Ms. Rola Ghadban to admin@network1017.com
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