May 29, 2003 As the “last bell” rang May 24 at 5 Specialized School Parkent, we held a [graduation] ceremony in the school courtyard. The electricity did not work, but the day was typical of any graduation, with the excitement of what’s to come and the thoughtfulness of memories. Eleven A was my favorite group. Their English [allowed us to] debate the best “phase” of life, answer the question “What is love?” and discuss the importance of selfesteem. With graduation, I lose Rustam, my best English speaker. I also lose Maxsuma, the most articulate and clever student I teach. Bekzod and Saidjon will be missed because they have the most determination. I assume my pride for these students and admiration for their intellect and resilience means that I like the work I do. That makes the tough days here worth it. Congrats, 5SSP Class of 2003!
NIGERIA When a munitions dump detonated in January 2002 and unexploded ordinance spread over a large, heavily populated area in Lagos, Nigeria, Foreign Service Officer
COURTESY OF STEPHANIE WICKES, ’97
assistant] my host mother milks 12 liters from two cows, feeds chickens, cooks breakfast and cleans. Anything requiring water means a trip to the taps. With 1,000 meters of pipe and taps, the village could connect 152 homes to the central water pipeline. Last month I encouraged Kasimjon [a fellow teacher] to write a proposal for the Peace Corps Partnership Program. Hassan, the mayor, wrote a budget and obtained letters from local women. My students translated the documents. Two weeks ago, funding was secured: 2,490,000 soum, or $2,490. Next week, work begins.
Stephanie Wickes, ’97 (above, seated), staged a public service campaign via radio, television and school presentations that saved lives and fostered friendships among Nigerians, American diplomats and the U.S. Army experts sent to clean up. “I knew in high school that I wanted to serve my country, but I wasn’t sure I wanted to join the military. The Foreign Service is my way of giving something back,” said Wickes. “I’m on the front lines helping to forge relationships with other countries and foster better understanding between cultures.” Every day in Lagos, Wickes combed local press for reactions to U.S. policies and briefed senior consulate management. She also arranged State Department guest speakers for various sectors of Nigerian society on topics such as investigative journalism and Islam in America. One of her toughest moments was representing the
U.S. government with colleagues at the funeral for a Nigerian victim of the 9/11 World Trade Center attacks. After graduate school at Georgetown University, Wickes passed the written and oral examinations required for work in the U.S. Foreign Service. Her first assignment was a two-year tour in Lagos that began in December 2000, followed by a tour as a staff assistant in the Bureau for European and Eurasian Affairs in Washington, D.C. She will begin her next assignment in Berlin, Germany, in August. “St. Edward’s gave me a perspective that doesn’t come from books and lectures but from interaction with people from other cultures,” she said. “The international relations program at St. Edward’s helped me develop the dedication, perceptiveness and creative drive to advocate American foreign policy, protect American citizens and promote understanding throughout the world.” ■
“I’m on the front lines helping to forge relationships with other countries and foster better understanding between cultures.” 29