Amish Patel ’02 runs family business in Zambia

Currently Residing in Lusaka, Zambia

Occupation: Custodian of the family business – primarily manufacturing

What’s been a highlight since graduating? I have had many highlights, but having kids takes the cake. Their presence has provided a great level of joy and purpose to life as I have gotten older and, as other parents know, demanding responsibilities also.

What is the most challenging part of your work? Managing time.

What’s the most rewarding part of your work? Working hard together as a team and eventually achieving medium-long term goals. Preserving and succeeding as a team and sharing in that is always special. Your individual abilities grow and are rewarded, but the team’s journey is a memory and stamp in time of what you all went through together and celebrated when you managed to get it done.

How has your experience at CRMS influenced what you are doing now? I thought of myself as an international citizen growing up and traveling to different places and attending international schools, but CRMS was still quite the culture shock. Different people and lifestyles and varied mindsets from the student body and general people you meet brought an interesting strain to how you perceive things, but eventually, you learn to become a more accommodating and understanding person. It gives one a unique path to maturity but is still valuable. The outdoor activities were different from the traditional sports/outdoor activities I experienced at other schools as well, and looking back now, I without a doubt cherish and appreciate that I had the chance to experience it. It took me out of my comfort zone but added skills and experiences which I feel have influenced me to be more considerate and appreciate out-of-the-ordinary thinking, even when you do not share the same philosophy always. In fact, it helps you to always keep learning from your environment.

What advice would you give current CRMS students? Cliche but… Make the most of it. No matter your current opinion, you will look back at it as an experience that really many people in the world will never get. So make the most of it and also invest your energy in the correct places; it will only help you more down the road whichever path you take.