Local boy’s career choice makes world of difference

Bill Skiffington can think of no better place than La Conner to have grown up but is aware more than most of all the opportunities the world beyond here has to offer.

The 2001 La Conner High grad, who went on to earn economics and law degrees from the University of Washington, will soon be residing in Oman, the oldest independent state in the Arab world, as a Foreign Service officer with the U.S. State Department.

In Oman, located on the Arabian Peninsula, Skiffington will work in the economic section of the U.S. Embassy, serving under the ambassador and alongside other career diplomats representing America’s interests.

“My job,” Skiffington told the Weekly News, “will be to connect with leaders in Oman to build relationships and find ways to partner together and understand each other better, protect and promote peace and help make both our countries better off.”

Skiffington is currently learning the Arabic language and training for his future assignment, which he will start later this year.

International travel is nothing new to Skiffington. He previously worked in Iraq and Uganda with author Bob Goff’s Love Does nonprofit organization. That and his time at the UW inspired Skiffington to expand his perspective and think globally.

“I didn’t have the Foreign Service in mind at the time,” Skiffington said of his undergrad days, “but the experience helped shape and prepare me in ways I didn’t realize – particularly the influence of certain fantastic professors who helped forge my sense of judgment and purpose, two things essential to what I do now.”

Work assignments in the Middle East and Africa opened new possibilities.

“Seeing the potential in the world for positive change left me wanting to get even more involved,” said Skiffington. “One of the best things about this (Foreign Service) job is that I get to live in different parts of the world and connect with people from all backgrounds, languages and cultures, learning together and partnering to do awesome stuff together.”

Skiffington comes by his infectious optimism naturally. He is a son of pastor Jon and Renee Skiffington who, literally on a wing and a prayer, launched a successful local ministry, starting 40 years ago with a small but loyal congregation in the former Landlubber Gallery Building on the corner of Maple and Park streets.

The younger Skiffington was raised in what has since grown into La Conner Christ The King Church.

“My faith,” he said, “has shaped and influenced every step of my life. Growing up in church and seeing the power of love with no agenda, real connection in community and the joy of freedom and grace to affect the deepest good I’ve seen in the world defines my whole understanding of reality.”

For that, he gives credit to his parents.

“They’re amazing,” Skiffington said. “They have taught me a great many things, but mostly they just set an example of how to live. No matter what they encouraged me every step of the way.”

So, too, did La Conner teachers.

“Once I got out in the world, I realized few people have the benefit of growing up in a place so rich in connection, generosity and community,” he said. “I hope I learned something from the material taught in class as well, but the most important things I learned from the teachers, coaches and staff were the human lessons about how to be and live well in the world.”

It turned out those were lifelong lessons.

“Most of my biggest goals and dreams,” Skiffington said, “revolve around people living and loving well, fully engaging with life around me, helping make the world better for others in big and small ways and developing deep connections with people where I find myself. If I can accomplish these things throughout my life, I count it a success.”

Skiffington encourages today’s La Conner students to set goals that challenge them to erase the invisible boundaries of hesitancy and self-doubt.

“Set audacious goals and chase them with passion.” he said, “but also know that your future is not limited by what you can imagine today.”

An avid sailor – he joined the sail club while in college – he often uses nautical imagery when imparting advice.

“Don’t be afraid to adjust course along the way,” he said. “Take big risks and opportunities before they are gone and fight every fear you will inevitably face with great hope.”

Skiffington stresses that does not necessarily mean venturing far and wide as he has. The same approach works nicely close to home.

“There is much good to do every day right around us,” he said. “Lean into it.”