From Unexpected Beginnings to Lasting Belonging

By Chad Laws (AES Communications Specialist)

There are journeys we plan—and then there are journeys that quietly unfold, leading us exactly where we need to be. For me, coming to the American Embassy School in New Delhi was never part of a grand design. In fact, I had never imagined returning to India. It was my husband’s work that brought us here, and in many ways, the decision felt as if it were made for me. I arrived carrying a mix of hesitation and uncertainty, wondering what this next chapter might hold. And yet, what I found at AES became one of the most meaningful experiences of my life.

A Life Across Borders—And a Return Home

My journey in international education began in 1979 in the Philippines, where our family spent 14 wonderful years. From there, life carried us across Hanoi, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, and back to Manila—each place deepening my understanding of teaching, learning, and culture.

Along the way, I had the privilege of working at respected international schools, including International School Manila, United Nations International School, International School of Bangkok, and International School of Kuala Lumpur. Each community shaped me in lasting ways, both as an educator and as a person. My children, too, grew up within these global environments, gaining the perspective and adaptability that come from a truly international education. Still, it was my arrival at the American Embassy School in New Delhi that marked a turning point—an unexpected homecoming that would define the longest and most meaningful chapter of my career.

A Community That Became Home

Since 2007, AES has been more than a place of work—it has been a community that has sustained and shaped me. As I prepare to retire this May, I feel deeply honored to remain part of the AES alumni network and to continue calling Delhi home. Life today is quieter in some ways. My children are now raising families of their own overseas, and after the passing of my husband, I have built a life grounded in independence and connection. I’m fortunate to be surrounded by extended family and close friends. My days are filled with simple joys—traveling, exploring new restaurants, knitting, reading, playing Mahjong and card games, and continuing my yoga practice.

Yet even in these everyday rhythms, the influence of AES remains present.

Moments That Stay With You

When I reflect on my years at AES, what stands out most are not just milestones, but moments.

I think of the joy of former students returning to campus—no longer third graders, but confident young adults finding their place in the world. I think of the quiet pride in watching a child I once taught walk across the graduation stage, a full-circle moment that never loses its magic. I think of colleagues—extraordinary educators and leaders—whose conversations challenged my thinking, whose collaboration strengthened my practice, and whose friendships continue to span continents. Even now, at international conferences or through a simple message online, we pick up right where we left off. And I think of the daily rhythms of school life—the shared laughter, the challenges, the small victories—that together created a culture grounded in trust, care, and purpose. These experiences shaped how I see relationships: not as fleeting connections, but as lasting threads that continue to influence our lives long after we leave a place.

The Joyful Pursuit of Excellence

At the heart of AES is a commitment to what the school calls the joyful pursuit of excellence.

For me, this was never about perfection. It was about growth—about creating classrooms where curiosity was encouraged, where students felt safe to take risks, and where learning was both rigorous and joyful. It meant celebrating effort as much as achievement, and recognizing that excellence looks different for every learner.

This mindset continues to guide me. Whether in conversations, personal goals, or the way I approach new challenges, I carry forward the belief that learning should be engaging, meaningful, and deeply human.

Preparing for Life Beyond the Classroom

AES doesn’t just prepare students—it prepares educators. My time here strengthened my belief in collaboration, adaptability, and lifelong learning. It taught me to embrace change, to listen deeply, and to value diverse perspectives. These are not just professional skills; they are life skills. In retirement, I find myself drawing on these lessons in new ways—staying curious, remaining open to new experiences, and continuing to build meaningful connections within my community.

Lessons That Endure

If there is one thing AES has taught me, it is this: relationships matter. The connections we build—with students, colleagues, and families—are at the heart of everything we do. They shape our experiences, influence our growth, and remain with us long after we move on. AES will always hold a special place in my heart. It is the place where I spent the longest chapter of my career, but more importantly, it is the place that deepened my understanding of what it means to teach, to learn, and to belong. And that is something I will carry with me—always.