Greetings from an AISB newbie, mother, spouse, avid traveler, yogi and wellness enthusiast. My family and I arrived in Bucharest just over one year ago from Phnom Penh, Cambodia, as a family of three. Our son proudly took on the role of an EC3 student, Vampy’s biggest fan, and lover of seasons. 

My husband arrived eager to wear the hat of AISB’s MYP Coordinator, roadtrip navigator and outdoor adventurist. And I arrived just in time to experience the medical system in Bucharest when our 2nd son was born in September of 2017. We spent our first year in Romania, as many new families do, adjusting, exploring, and building the connections that have helped us feel at home. 

Just over one year later, I sit in an office with colleagues that know my story, with plans on this week’s calendar, with a routine for buying groceries, transport and logistics around the city and trips to the park. My family and I have found our place, are making friends, and as we adapt, we are evolving and growing as individuals and as a family unit. Working with the Alumni team to pull together stories of connection to AISB and Romania is an honor and contributes to my appreciation for the place we have landed. 

It’s certainly not easy to be in a state of transition. However, I wouldn’t avoid the challenges of a new place, for the failure to challenge my assumptions. I wouldn’t give up the travel to avoid the jetlag, and I know you wouldn’t either. We are already connected in that way. In the way that we appreciate the AISB community for it’s diversity of people, ideas and goals. For the way that we understand the value of opening ourselves up to new experiences and for the importance of AISB being not just a safe and supportive place, but a place that encourages us to grow. This issue’s theme revolves around these connections. 

The Unification of Romania 100 years ago represents collaboration, the ability to grow, compromise and cooperate. As a new member of the AISB community, and a new resident in the beautiful country of Romania, I can clearly see how this strength and perseverance has contributed to the success and ambitions of the country. 

To give you just a teaser of the stories in this issue, Tae Lee tells us about the diversity in experiences that shape and define him, and how embracing his identity as a true international student and professional has helped him thrive. 

Meanwhile, finishing her interview from Tanzania, Diana Suciu shares her passion for Public International Law that was sparked and cultivated at AISB. 

We also hear from parent alumni and current staff member, Fabiana Papastefani-Pezzoni, who shares with us just how important AISB was for her family, and how her children grew and blossomed here, ultimately calling Romania home. 

This magazine brings people together who grew at AISB, who evolved, and who learned in one common place. I am so appreciative of the talented Patty Khalil-Warren who laid the groundwork so that I could step seamlessly into this position, and who worked tirelessly to ensure that World Alumni Magazine showcases the adventures and celebrates the successes of alumni all over the world. 

As my family and I continue to evolve and settle into our new home, this work and these stories are a constant reminder that we carry with us our homes and our memories, and that wherever we are in life, we can stay connected to each other. I will be here with you reading every story, creating a bridge to the memories and to the future through the stories of the World Magazine. 
 

Happy Reading, 

Kirsten Pontius 

Editor


Read the entire edition of the WORLD Magazine Special Edition Winter 2018 here.