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Adam
Piers Pope at sixteen has brought home accolades any
parent would be proud of. His recent IGCSE results have
shown a straight score seven A’s and one B, with Arabic
results still to be declared. This wars matter of pride
of Mr. Khalaf Al-Habtoor, who wrote, “I’m so happy and
glad to hear that you did a great job in your exams
Adam. I wish you very good luck and I have no doubt
that you have an extremely bright future ahead of you”
“Adam sets a very high standard for himself”, says one
of his teachers, and so he should; after all, his first
teacher and mentor was his father, Leslie Pope, one-time
Editor of the Al Shindagah Magazine, and later Director
of research for the Al Habtoor group, who passed away
tragically last year.
Adam has always been a good student, achieving
consistently high grades academically and athletically,
and his love of the Dramatic Arts and Basketball is well
known amongst his teachers and peer group.
As
a child, his father encouraged him to read – poetry,
Brian Jacques, Terry Pratchett, and even the unabridged
edition of Dracula! Often he read to Adam at bedtime,
changing voices and accents, gesticulating and
playacting. In later years, he broadened his son’s
horizons by having discussions on varied topics whilst
driving to school each morning. Having an extensive
library at home helped – a library that has science
fiction, “who-done-its”, satires and biographies. Adam
discovered a similar affinity with the desert that
Leslie had, and has chosen to do projects on Arab
history, social-culture and traditions. Leslie Pope has
left a lasting legacy in his son, a love for the written
word and a passion for the Arab culture.
When he completes his education at the Emirates
International School, Dubai, Adam will be going to
Medical School. He is not sure what he would like to
specialize in eventually, but feels it would most likely
be Pediatrics, or Oncology. His father succumbed to
Mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer. Adam has designed
a website that now assists patients, carers and family
of Mesothelioma sufferers.
As
he starts the new term, we at Al Shindagah Magazine wish
him another successful academic year, knowing that his
hard work will keep him on top of the game for all the
years to come. Well Done Adam! |
