What Do I Know Anyway? – Meet Sammy Q.

Meet Sammy Q.—an expat teacher, former U.S. military member, and lifelong learner now living in Kyrgyzstan. In this post, he shares his story, the philosophy behind his blog What Do I Know Anyway?, and what readers can expect—self-care tips, digital tools, expat stories, and real-life lessons from an unconventional journey.

Sammy Q.

7/21/20253 min read

Hey everyone, Sammy Q here!

Life, huh? It’s a funny thing. If you told me ten years ago I'd be writing this blog from Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, as an expat teacher and creator, I probably would have choked on my chai (or maybe my lukewarm instant coffee, depending on the day).

I'm proud to be an American and to have served in the U.S. military. Life has taken me on many incredible journeys — from washing dishes at 17 to working as a DOD contractor in war zones, and now enjoying life as an expat in Central Asia.

I’ve been a teacher, a writer, a wanderer, a business owner, and someone who always believes in second (or third) chances. Currently, I live and work in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, where I teach math and science, write books, run a digital store, and maintain blogs like this one.

The Philosophy of 'What Do I Know Anyway?'

So, why this blog? Why now? Good questions. Honestly, it started as a way for me to process my own experiences, to make sense of the chaos and find some meaning in this wonderfully absurd journey. I've realized that sharing my struggles and triumphs can help others, and I hope this blog becomes a source of inspiration and practical advice.

The title, "What Do I Know Anyway?" reflects a self-deprecating acknowledgment that I'm still learning. I lack all the answers and am not an expert in any field. However, I'm open to sharing my experiences—the successes, failures, and funny moments.

What You Can Expect

Here’s a taste of what you’ll find here:

  • Self-Care Insights:

    • Because thriving requires more than just coffee and determination.

  • Digital Resource Recommendations:

    • From graphic design to productivity applications, I’ll share the tools that keep me organized and inspired.

  • Expatriate Life Experiences:

    • The joys, challenges, and occasional cultural blunders of living in a foreign country.

  • Teaching Anecdotes:

    • Observations and reflections from the classroom, along with a few amusing student tales.

  • Personal Narratives:

    • Honest and heartfelt stories from my journey, encompassing my failures, achievements, and everything in between.

Is This Blog For You?

If you find yourself nodding along to any of these, welcome to your sanctuary:

  • Creators:

    • Whether you're painting the town with words, tunes, or brush strokes, this is your haven for inspiration and creative camaraderie.

  • Teachers:

    • Swapping survival tips, battling the beast of the school year, and keeping your sanity intact.

  • Expats:

    • Mastering the art of blending into new cultures, crafting a home away from home, and discovering your global gang.

  • Dreamers:

    • Chasing those wild dreams? You've found your tribe! This blog is for anyone who believes in the magic of possibilities and dares to stroll down the path less trodden.

Let's Connect!

I’m thrilled to connect with everyone! Dive into the comments, share your stories, and don't hesitate to reach out with any questions.

Thanks for hopping on this wild ride with me. Let’s learn and grow together!

Warmly,

Sammy Q