February 20th, 2005
In the Spotlight....... 
Diane Fansler-Wald writes:
I grew up in Amery, a small town in western Wisconsin. I earned three degrees at the University of Wisconsin: a BS in education with majors in French and journalism, an MST in speech and theater, and an MA in secondary guidance counseling.
I was teaching French in Edina, MN, when I noticed a sophisticated man standing outside observing my class. It was Jack Dewaard, Superintendent of Aramco schools, who was touring the school. He asked if he could sit in on my class. Over lunch he enthusiastically described the Aramco schools. I was hooked!
Although I had traveled extensively in the U.S., Europe and South America, I had not yet been in the Mid-East. When he left, he promised to let me know if a need for a French teacher arose. I thought this promise was similar to the "I'll call" after some dates, but the next year I was invited to orientation in Houston and accepted the job.
I loved living and working in Dhahran! I was thrilled to work and live with such a diverse, stimulating group—I thrived on sharing conversations, viewpoints, and lifestyles with school and community members from throughout the world. Everyone was highly qualified and professional, truly the "crème de la crème." The students were talented and enthusiastic. I belonged to an informal group of Francophiles that met monthly to share French foods and conversation. I felt immediate acceptance and enjoyed being invited into many homes.
I was enamored with the Saudi culture. My favorite memories are going into the desert and taking the bus to the beach in RT. I still have my abaya and thobe from Hofuf. After years in the frozen Midwest, I thought that the climate was excellent, especially the balmy evenings.
I taught French for two years in Dhahran and would probably still be there if a health crisis had not called me back to MN. My Father was diagnosed with congestive heart failure; and in January I experienced serious gynecological problems, so I came home in February.
Withdrawal from Saudi life was dynamic. I was met at the airport by my long-term boyfriend. We got married without realizing how much we had both changed. I had successful gynecological surgery in May, not realizing I was pregnant. Within one year of returning, I was married, separated, and gave birth to my son.
My Father died two years after I returned to the U.S.. I am grateful that I was able to spend his last time with him and that he lived to see my child.
Diane Fansler-Wald
The greatest joy of my life has been raising my son. I became a teacher because I love children; being a parent has increased that love and appreciation immeasurably. My son, Derrick, is a second-year med. student at Northwestern. He is also treasurer of the Med School Senate and works in the Neurological Lab. He plans to become an orthopedic or neurological surgeon. He is engaged to Joy Tsai, a lovely classmate from Taiwan.
We both look forward to expanding our family when Derrick and Joy get married. I am buying a co-op in Chicago where they are living. Last summer the three of us spent a wonderful week in Hawaii enjoying the climate, multi-ethnic culture, and each other.
I remain a teacher and coach. In 1981 I returned to Edina where I taught French and coached speech and debate. A few years later my son and I spent a year teaching ESL in in suburban Paris on a Fulbright grant.
Three years ago I returned to western Wisconsin to take care of my mother. I am currently teaching speech and coaching forensics at my alma mater during the week and spending weekends at our home in Edina. It’s been a wonderful opportunity to teach in a new environment and to spend time with my Mother and life-long friends. However, I am ready for the "next chapter" of my life.
Your request for an update for the newsletter has given me a timely chance to reflect. My hopes, dreams, and plans include: increasing my experience with international and multi-national cultures and people through work, residency, and travel; sharing more time with my son, his fiancé and grandchildren-to-be; and writing a book (yes, SA figures prominently in it).
I would welcome correspondence and updates on their lives from the Aramco alums. If any of you are aware of teaching opportunities experiencing multi-cultures, please let me know. "Can teach, will happily travel."
You can reach me at dianefansler@yahoo.com.
