From South Africa to Iowa...and Back

Naidoo loves working with the people of his community.

"Every individual has certain defining moments, pivotal people, and critical choices in life's challenging course," Naidoo said. "For me, much of it happened at The University of Iowa."

His first educational challenge was to obtain a scholarship in the 'old' South Africa , where people of color were not favored choices for international grants. The apartheid government believed ethnic groups should not be educated with influences and values that could upset the status quo. However, with help from a professor, Naidoo achieved the opportunity to begin an educational journey at Iowa -one he never believed possible.

Naidoo was in awe with his first taste of education in the United States .

"Exposure to student government, representative councils, student activity, clubs, and societies were different from the South African experience where extramural activities were restricted and often marred by protest politics," he said.

When Naidoo returned to South Africa with his master's degree, South African communities benefited tremendously. The infusion of new blood into the South African guidance and counseling services was sustained for several years until Naidoo's passion for academics propelled him to return to Iowa for a doctoral degree.

Naidoo says he considers the late Professor Emeritus Harold Engen one of the most pivotal people not only for him, but for his entire family. Realizing that a graduate assistantship was insufficient to sustain his stay, Engen found Naidoo a part-time teaching assistantship as well as a United Nations Scholarship, which brought to an end Naidoo's financial woes.

"Professor Engen was an icon of inspiration and empowerment," he said.

When the education bureaucrats in South Africa felt his leave of absence was too long, Naidoo was summoned to return after only 18 months. He had to make a critical choice-whether to return with an incomplete doctorate and retain his job-or finish the Ph.D. risking backlash from the education department at home. He hoped for the best and chose to stay. But eventually, the South African authorities dismissed him on the grounds of abandonment, just as he was midway through Iowa 's program.

Faced with this major set-back, insecurity and stress devastated Naidoo and a major depression took over. He spent time at a psychiatric unit and received medication for several months. Host families including the Engens, Easterlies, Hottels, Williams, and faculty including professors David Jepsen, Dick Dustin, and Nicholas Colangelo were understanding and supportive.

Months passed as he regained the drive to continue. Then, a year before completion of his doctorate, Naidoo faced his greatest challenge: a major cardiac arrest.

"Our 'family' in The University of Iowa community once again was by our side as I went through a triple-bypass open-heart surgery," he said.

While recovering, Naidoo worked through comprehensive exams and successfully defended his dissertation.

"Poobal's a real hail fellow, well-met," says Professor David Jepsen, a colleague and friend. "Even in the face of all his challenges, Poobal could organize people and get things going on a project better than anyone. It's because he's so friendly-he could motivate and work with anyone."

After completing his educational program, Naidoo returned to South Africa with a healthy heart and a doctorate. A new group of South African education officials were impressed with his perseverance and reinstated him to his former position.

But another challenge surfaced-trying to reside in an all-white neighborhood in Durban . This could only be approved if the petition Naidoo took door to door was signed by each white neighbor.

"How could anyone disapprove of someone as enjoyable and fun at Poobal?" asked long-time friend and fellow graduate student Charlie Easterly (MA '81), an elementary school counselor in Maquoketa, Iowa. "They couldn't. Everyone readily signed."

Naidoo decided to work as an independent psychologist in a private practice and has brought dignity to his community in a vocation he loves for the past 10 years.

"No matter the obstacle-and in spite of many obstacles-Poobal overcame each and every one with his positive spirit and the support of family and many friends," said Easterly. "I am proud to call him my brother."

Perseverance, passion, hope, optimism, talent, and drive have been always been Naidoo's greatest assets. "I am truly grateful for my numerous blessings," he said, "especially those from Iowa!"

Naidoo plans to move to Sydney , Australia , for semi-retirement in May. He will continue to teach and consult on a part-time basis. After May 26, he can be reached by e-mail at: poobal2002@yahoo.com.