This is the story of Syoum Gebregziabher, who has had an ambitious drive to succeed in life demonstrated by a determined pursuit of education in the United States, and later using his expertise to try and improve the conditions of life in his birth place of Ethiopia. He served the imperial state of Haile Selassie and also the subsequent military junta - the Derg. In both times he tried to change conditions that were archaic, and implement progressive administrative ideas in their place.

Under the feudalistic bureaucratic empire of Haile Selassie, Syoum was involved in the formative period of higher education in Ethiopia. At the first university in the country he developed the curriculum for a degree in Public Administration. He used his academic position effectively in introducing meritocracy and industrial labor management jurisprudence in various agencies in the country.

His struggle to bring about modern means of administration and labor relations was not an easy one within the context of a semi-feudal bureaucracy, whose conspiracies and intrigues were often insurmountable.

Under the military regime of the Derg, the author was involved in the formation of Kebeles and Kebele Associations. He narrates vividly the events and development of the Ethiopian revolution and its impact in his life and family.

Syoum manages to move his family out of Ethiopia, and pursue rich and diverse experiences as an international public servant in Tanzania, Zimbabwe, the Royal Kingdom of Bhutan and Eritrea. His last professional position, at Medgar Evers College in the City University of New York, contrasts very well with his vast international experience.

Syoum's story is rich in detail, and ranges from childhood to his mature years. It is a story full of intrigue, suspense and striving by an African determined to survive the many hurdles of life.

CATEGORY
Biography, Social History/AFRICA