Don’t show me the tallest building in the world and tell me there aren't floors to visit at the top.
I’m starting at this blank page and I genuinely don’t know what to say.
See I crafted this list of topics for this project weeks ago. I remember even when I was writing it down then, I had no idea why this came up.
Of all places I’ve visited, Dubai has been my least favorite.
After 16 hours on an airplane, it felt like I had landed in Vegas…. except it was 16 hours away.
Being on a cultural studies tour with my graduate program, I couldn’t understand why we would come all this way for minimal exposure to culture. The few souks, or markets, that were still around were empty and nearing their end.
It seemed as if this is where people traveled to get away from their culture and party.
Lavish buildings, facades of opulence, man made islands. It just wasn’t for me. I remember being very unimpressed.
There was one thing I did do in Dubai that is etched into my heart.
As part of our schooling we were offered the opportunity to visit companies working in the region.
In Dubai, I chose to visit a chocolate making factory.
It was amazing.
The smell of cocoa butter was overwhelming, the intricacies of how a factory line worked mesmerizing, and the sweet treats to take home for gifts decadent.
It was in their office I learned of sustainable business practices for the first time.
The very small and specific area from which their cocoa came was impoverished, so the farmers’ practices were shortsighted. This major conglomerate realized if they wanted to continue to sell their popular candy bars around the world, they would have to help the people of this region with funding and long term thinking. They went in and trained the farmers on how to raise their trees for health and strength and educated them on predatory lending practices that eventually would bankrupt their livelihood. When I left that factory I understood there was a different way of approaching a business arrangement.
Working as a team was a worthy endeavor, and for these parties, it was necessary for survival.
I remember hearing from classmates afterwards about the other company trip; it was for an investment firm. They went on a boat. It was lavish. But like the city we were in, not very profound. Yet, I felt sad.
I had gone on the educational tour and missed hanging out with the cool kids.
And here is the lesson.
I’m not one of the cool kids.
Every time I’ve ever tried to hang out with them, I realize, I just don’t fit.
I once heard someone ask a very old woman what the best part of being so old was. Her response was, “no peer pressure.”
It’s funny how much we want to fit in and what we’ll do to get that.
I’m glad I didn’t go on that boat. I’m glad I did the nerdy thing.
Because I still remember that day. I had a meaningful experience. And it’s shaped how I approach my world and my work today.
Be you my friends.
The most powerful thing you can be is you.
Love,
Nat
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This photo of a very insecure woman was taken in the desert in Dubai by a classmate in July of 2011