First Day Back to School in the UAE

Last night, I could barely sleep! I’m still not sure if it was because I was nervous or just because it was boiling hot in the UAE. Either way, I made sure to have everything prepared beforehand so my morning would go smoothly.

The Welcome Back

One thing I’ve noticed about UAE schools is that the first day back is always filled with warm greetings. You come in, meet staff, say hi, hello, hugs from people who didn’t message you once during the holidays but suddenly look so cheerful to see you. Honestly, it’s lovely. I felt welcomed and appreciated, which gave me a sense of motivation and positive energy. It reminded me that I am liked, and sometimes that’s exactly what keeps you going here.

Living alone isn’t easy, and making friends here can be really tough, no matter how much effort you put in. But I’ll keep trying until my energy runs out (lol).

First Day Vibes

The day itself was a bit boring but still informative. It felt like a repeat of last year, but the principal really stood out to me. She spoke about the importance of kindness, and I loved that. She shared how some of the most famous people in the world went through horrible things in their lives, yet they’re remembered for their kindness. She said kindness is contagious and people never forget it.

That really stuck with me because I’m all for kindness. At the same time, she also pointed out that you shouldn’t let anyone take advantage of your kindness, which is such an important reminder.

Safeguarding Training

Later, we had safeguarding training. Even though it can feel repetitive, it’s always good to refresh our knowledge. It’s especially helpful for new staff who might not be confident about certain parts. Plus, you always end up hearing some interesting stories during those sessions, which makes it more engaging.

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Overall, it wasn’t the most exciting first day back, but it left me with some positive takeaways—especially about kindness. If anything, that’s the energy I want to carry with me into this school year.