Zeta Spotlight
Teaching Overseas
An elementary school teacher for more than 11 years, Nailah Stamp welcomed the opportunity to travel to Bangkok,
Nailah and I met in 1995 on the campus of Lincoln University in Pennsylvania. Although we attended different schools, 1995 was the year we both became members of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. At the time, I thought I was only gaining a sister. But, through the years, Nailah has become one of my dearest and closest friends.
Despite the time difference between
Nicole: Can you share a little about yourself with readers?
Nailah: I was born and raised in New Jersey. I studied Elementary Education at Lincoln University. Upon graduation in 1997, I moved to and taught in Prince George’s County Public Schools for 11 years. My experience includes teaching kindergarten, first, and second grade. I also spent a few years as a Reading Recovery teacher.
Nicole: So, how did you end up in Thailand? Tell readers a little about your experience.
Nailah: I’ve always wanted to experience teaching overseas and the opportunity came this year for me to teach in Thailand. I am currently a
Nicole: Why did you choose to specialize in teaching literacy?
Nailah: Literacy is important for basic communication; to be able to express feelings and views, to help you know what you believe and why, to know and understand the world around you, and to help you become successful in whatever you choose. Helping children attain success in literacy is my passion. Once children feel confident in written and oral communication, there is no limit to what they can achieve in life.
Nicole: Do you have a favorite book?
Nailah: My favorite book is Cane River by LalitaTademy. Normally, I don’t care for books about slavery, but this simple story sparked a change in my life. The author, a black woman, traced her ancestors all the way back to slavery. The author got so engrossed in it that she quit her job and moved to where her family originated from to continue her research. From her research, she discovered three generations of women in her family. This historical fiction is about their struggle and the changes that they dealt with through slavery, the war and the free world. It was an awesome book! I myself ended up doing my own family research and discovered some relatives that my family and I were unaware of. I ended up planning our first family reunion with those family members as a result of reading this book.
Nicole: Before we go, I have to ask you about Zeta. Which one of our 5 principles do you connect with the most?
Nailah: I connect with all of the Zeta principles, but if I had to choose one, it would be sisterly love. Zeta brought some great women into my life. Many of whom I now call my sisters and best friends. My sisters are my family and it’s a comfort to have them in my life. We fight, we argue, we laugh together, cry together, go on diets together, travel together, and pray together. We are each other’s bride’s maids and godmothers of each other’s children. My sisters are there for me and I am there for them, no matter what the situation or how far away from each other we are.
Nicole: One last question. What is your most memorable moment as a Zeta?
Nailah: Meeting the soror who founded Delta Delta chapter (Lincoln University) last March. She represented Zeta in every way. Her story of how she had to fight to get Zeta on our campus was touching and made me appreciate what I was blessed with even more.
Visit Nailah’s page on Facebook to keep up with her experience in Thailand. There are lots of beautiful pictures to browse through.