Message from the Dean of Effat College of Humanities To all readers of EThos, The Effat Student Magazine: I hope you are all doing well, enjoying the term, and exploring new areas of knowledge in your personal and academic life. It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to this new edition of EThos, which has always aimed at nourishing your mind and presenting your ideas and beliefs on all kinds of subjects. This issue brings to you a number of delightful creative writing entries and artistic products with the hope that you would be entertained and also see the momentous human issues behind the lines. EThos lives only because of your contributions, so please continue to send the magazine what you would to see published. I have good news: EThos will have exciting prizes for each contributor to its forthcoming issue. That’s, of course, in addition to the value points you will receive. The editors and I are looking forward to having your contributions. Always think: It’s a privilege to know about your ideas, artistic work, interviews, commentaries, questionnaires, and surveys, among many other products that you can send to EThos. In advance, I would like to congratulate all our graduates of 2019-20, and I wish you all the best on your midterms and final exams!
Rumaisa Khusru English And Translation, Sophomore Dear reader, Thank you for embarking on this wondrous journey with us. Whether it was by
contributing your much-appreciated works or
by reading EThos and silently supporting us.
Your efforts and commitments have not gone
by unnoticed. The main goal of this magazine is to give the students at Effat University a
platform to express themselves and showcase
their talents. I truly hope that we were able to provide you with this.
With the end of another spectacular year we
would be delighted to present to you - issue #15 of EThos. As you turn to the next page and the pages after, I hope you enjoy the content and aesthetic of the magazine.
I would like to take this opportunity to also thank our mentor and everyone else on the editorial board without whom of course none of this would have been possible. Thank you,
EDITORIAL BOARD MENTOR
Dr. Sanna Dhahir
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Rumaisa Khusru
VICE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Nagham Talrfadi
EDITORS Aya Alzuabi, Basmah Bashean & Madeha Islam
CONTENTS POETRY RESEARCH/ SURVEYS BOOK/ MOVIE REVIEWS TRAVEL ANECDOTES PROSE
The Archetype You will always have the archetype. No matter how hard I try to seize my heart From all the belittled things this world has to offerLike the rainAnd how it leaves wet cobbled streets in its wake. Like the moon and the starsAnd how they seem to hold me at night. Like the crashing wavesAnd how the naked eye will never see beyond the horizon. Like the blue in the skyAnd how the ashen white clouds seemed stitched upon it. Like the dawn creeping inAnd how it sets the world on fire. Like the twilight seeping throughAnd how it extinguishes the burning flames. Like a crowd standing stillAnd how I will find a smile on a face that will never be yours. Yet a small piece of this heart stays yearning. So I have come to learnNo matter how hard you try to replicate somethingIt will always have a gaping hole Only the archetype can fill. - Rumaisa Khusru.
Hubris To Love I wish to know of love above all else. To witness for myself the tremble of hands And feverish fingers as they explore a lover’s body. I wish to know of the anguish That succeeds the passion. The unmistakable sorrow and realization Of the on course of life Stretching its length ahead, And to live this life in spite of the lover lost. Knowing the torment that is to come. And at last, I pray to heal. To mend my way back to the living. To glorify myself in light of survival. And in this, find the hubris to love again. -Rumaisa Khusru
WE FEEL LIKE IT TOO He was six He was hit, held his head low ‘Go back and give them a show’ That’s how things he was supposed to fix
He was thirty-eight He lost his post ‘Plan for your children and mate’ He was told by most
He waited, Waited for someone to say ‘It’s okay boys can cry too’
He waited, Waited for someone to say ‘It’s okay men can cry too’
He was twenty one His parents passed away ‘Stay strong, you are the son’ Society’s norms he had to obey
He was seventy-five He lost his wife The support of his life He felt no more alive
He waited, Waited for someone to say ‘It’s okay brothers can cry too’
He waited for no one He cried
He was thirty-two His child lost his arm ‘You need to stay calm’ He was told by people he knew
He cried For all those times he couldn’t cry For all those times his feelings he had to deny -Silmiya Shabaz
He waited, Waited for someone to say ‘It’s okay fathers can cry too’
Lemonade To my conundrum of a Heart, I say: settle down, I hear you Loud and clear! There, there! I’d say Everything’s ok, I’d certainly say To my restless Mind, I say: stop jumping so deep into baseless theories. You are worthy of certainty. I’d say or so I think I’d say! To my lazy Feet, I say: stretch yourself and twist your corresponding side. The time for rest is far from us now. Or so, I thought I’d say.. To this Life of mine, I sing: I am grateful and proud. I will make the sweetest lemonade from the bitterness of Fate. And so it shall be And so it is. -Nomad
Scars I sit alone crouched upWith my back against a tree. I stare at all the wonders of nature surrounding me. I feel myself healing as I breathe in a huge gulp of floral scented air, While I notice the summer breeze As it blows into my hair. I shut my eyes tightly and enjoy the sound of silence. My shoulders ache of the burdens I'm constantly forced to balance. This scenic beauty is a temporary relief from all of life's tensions, Like the unfairness and cruelty of society's pretensions. Manal Jan
Rebirth I sometimes remember the old me, The people pleaser I used to be. I look upon those dark years And remember all of my tears. By trial I had figured out The reasons behind all the doubt. A realization I’m glad I soon achieved I must please myself first, I strongly believed. As I bloomed and discovered my value and worth, My soul grew and flourished in this wondrous rebirth. -Manal Jan
Leptocephalus in paper cups I want to feel like Emmeline when she let the first ship go The blue lagoon Blue fool Where is this easy life that I so holily seek? Is it lost in my tough mind? Turn me away from my abnormal fixation. I want to go forward in time and back again. Instead I’m Collecting hermit crabs on disposable plates Leptocephalus in paper cups Laid out a feast of doing something but not really anything at all Break me down until I’m nothing. Nothing more; nothing less. I’ll live my life in third person. I’ll live with the delusion of self-perception. Is this what consciousness is? I wish I never learnt of it. I want to lose it all and gain it all back again. I want to feel as the waves feel Back and forth -Leen Koshak
Inner Reflection As I look into the mirror, I see nothing but my shell. It conceals the light within me And the secrets I don't tell. It's just an image on the wall, A glimpse of an appearance. It does not define the spirit inside, Or its purpose of existence. A reflection does not radiate The kindness of a heart. Your body is merely a cavity, a structure made of art. Everyone deserves to be loved by the beauty of their souls. "Looks" should not make you who you are Or control you as a whole. -Manal Jan
RESEARCH & SURVEYS
Summary of Benefits of Implementing Horticultural Therapy for children with ADHD in Saudi Arabia Numerah Bazme
The cases of ADHD children have increased in Saudi Arabia and many parents think that it could be treated without medication and that their child is too young to have psychotropic medication with its side effects. Specialists in the field are trying to reach therapeutic activities but there is negligible application of horticultural therapy. Consequently, it is important to investigate the benefits of gardening to lessen the symptoms of ADHD. This research paper was created to raise awareness for the people about its benefits and for the experts to consider practicing natural therapies along with the consumption of drugs or medicines. Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder is a medical condition, which affects brain development, the ability to sit still, and self- control. Horticultural therapy is one of the treatments that help the child experience nature. It is defined as a professional practice using gardening and plant-based activities to improve mental and physical health. Historically, the use of nature for relaxing one’s senses dates as far back as 2000 BC in Mesopotamia. The therapeutic benefits of peaceful garden environments in the USA have been considered since at least the 19th century. Dr. Benjamin Rush, considered to be the "Father of American Psychiatry" in the United States, reported that garden settings held curative benefits for people with mental illness. An inclusive search of current literature was conducted using E-Journals, Websites, Newspaper articles, and relevant studies. Articles were used to define ADHD, horticultural therapy, history of gardening therapy, effects of gardening etc. A meta- analysis conducted by Soga, Gatson, Yamaura (2016) provides increasing evidence that gardening assists in reducing depression, increase in life satisfaction, quality of life and sense of community.
As our focus is mainly Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, an online survey was created which received almost 62 responses. Among 62 participants, only 21 percent were familiar with the term, ‘horticultural therapy’ before reading it in the survey itself. This is shown in the chart below:
Majority (67.2%) believes that both, HT therapy as well as medication should be used to reduce the symptoms. The public is very optimistic about implementation of HT therapy in the kingdom and some wisely opted for the use of both, medication and gardening therapy to combat ADHD symptoms
The Effect of Ignoring Rehabilitation programs on Aggressive Tendencies amongst Adolescent Offenders. Duaa Mohammed Khojah Adolescent offenders get highly affected by the type, form and time of confinement they get to serve. The effects are however felt and noticeable when the offenders finish their time and get back home where they are required to integrate with the communities and get on with their lives. The most common result is recidivism where the ex-detainees find it hard to cope with the expectations and are sometimes rearrested. The cycle is common in many regions and countries due to some form of enhanced aggression on the character of the offenders. Effective offender rehabilitation programs are needed to prevent recidivism and reduce the aggression among the young people due to psychological and emotional effects of time spent in prison. The Prison-Based Correctional Programs The prison-based programs are meant to correct and rehabilitate the young people, so they can stay away from trouble in the future. The youths must, therefore, participate and complete the programs so that the maximum benefit is attained. The program should be able to take care of the psychological correctional treatment on the offenders and include specialized treatment for substance abuse and for the sex offenders (Wormith et al, 2008). In addition, the correctional facilities and methods need to practice offender intervention that includes the need, the risk and the upholding of responsibilities. They should also apply interventions for their behavior such as cognitive measures and uphold treatment integrity as an essential practice. Correctional programs are the first step to adaptation to life after prison. The correctional treatments and methods Need to be systematically reviewed and include proper meta-analyses on the institutional and community sanctions so that there can be mixed results in regard to how incarceration affects the juveniles. The aggressive tendencies differ according to the youth sent to the facilities as well as to how diverse the programs are and other environmental and personal qualities. (Bosma1et al, 2014) adds that the justice system, the severity of the crime, and the related policies are the determinants of the decision for detaining a youth. He claims that thus the need for treatment is overlooked, which can result into more aggressive youths that turn into even more risk takers but with rather heterogeneous needs. According to Bosmal et al, (2014) studies of juvenile justice populations indicate that there are more than 65% of the youths with diagnosable mental health disorder while almost 50% have a substance dependence disorder. However, even with such high figures, the correctional facilities rarely take a therapeutic model.
BOOK/MOVIE REVIEWS
The Tell-Tale Heart by Edgar Allan Poe Whilst short, this tale of paranoia is more than efficient to evoke terror within the minds of its readers. Told by an unreliable narrator whose main purpose in the story is to prove his sanity, it is rather bewildering that the more he attempts to convince his listener otherwise, the more you can sense the palpable obsession his words and actions emanate. The narrator, whose name we were not provided, begins the tale as following: “TRUE! – nervous – very, very dreadfully nervous I had been and am; but why will you say that I am mad?” He questions the claims, not the crime. In fact, he does not deny the crime. Instead, he compulsively reveals what he had done, seemingly with no remorse throughout the story. We are led to believe that this man fears no consequences nor punishments, conscience clear (if he had one.) His victim was an old man who had done him neither wrong nor insult. In reality, our narrator did not know why he killed him but excused his crime with the vexation the man’s filmed ‘evil’ eye brought to his being. “I think it was his eye! yes, it was this! He had the eye of a vulture –a pale blue eye, with a film over it. Whenever it fell upon me, my blood ran cold; and so by degrees – very gradually –I made up my mind to take the life of the old man, and thus rid myself of the eye forever.” Now, for any of us sane folk, this may be deemed utterly mad but for him, it is justified. For, it appears his perception of insanity is far from its true form. He describes madmen as those who know nothing, whereas he had planned his crime perfectly and carefully enough to be sane. He repeatedly mentions the cautious calculations of his deed, the method he hid the body with, dismembering and stuffing the man’s severed parts under the floorboards. None of it vexed him; triumph was coursing within his veins, especially as policemen came to investigate. The narrator was proud of what he’d committed. Until calm and composed then, he was no longer. For, he began hearing the heartbeats of the man below his floor and fear crept into his being. Fear of being caught should the policemen hear it or perhaps guilt or mental disturbance. No matter, the loud throbbing within his ears drew a confession out of the man, shrieking. "Dissemble no more! I admit the deed! –Tear up the planks! –Here, here! –It is the beating of his hideous heart!”
Parasite Leaving the cinema in Red Sea Mall this past weekend, I was left exhilarated by Korean director; Bong Joon Ho’s horror/thriller: Parasite. The Korean film, which nabbed the 2020 Oscar for best movie, and made its debut at the prestigious Cannes film festival, left me and other moviegoers on our tiptoes until the last minute. The movie screened in its original native tongue: Korean with English and Arabic subtitles at VOX cinemas. The plot revolves around the Kim family, a lower class family struggling to make ends meet. They find an opportunity to slowly infiltrate the wealthy and prominent Park family. With the naive matriarch, Mrs. Park and the absent Mr. Park, Parasite takes many shocking twists and turns. While it starts out rather slow, it takes off quite rapidly with the climax leaving audiences gasping and impatient for the next scene. Parasite takes us on a journey of retrospection, to analyze what money and in effect, social classes. Does money still mean all that much in this day and age? How far will one go to live comfortably? Ho gives his global audience much to ponder about and has definitely gained a worldwide fan base while creating a psychological horror that defies the norm of the mainstream horror and thriller genres, respectively
The Song of Achilles by Madeline Millar Ancient Greek was the age of hero’s whose legends and myths survive to our present day. There are constant re-telling’s of classical Greek literature that deals with magnificent gods and glorious wars. The Song of Achilles is a beautiful narration of the Trojan War from the perspective of a young prince, turned exile, Patroclus. The protagonist of course is Achilles, a demi-god who is blessed with mystical speed and strength. One of the most well written tragedies I have ever read, this book was hard to put down. It encompasses everything one looks for in a book, themes such as romance, war, death and heroism all add to a fascinating story. Another prominent theme present is that of the immortalization of a soul, for it to be remembered long after its host body has decomposed. Millar represents Achilles in a much different way than Homer does in the Iliad. Readers develop a sympathetic emotion towards the main character despite the atrocious events he takes part in. Moreover, the author’s poetic use of language in addition to a fast paced plot line keeps the reader enchanted from the very first page. Days after I had completed the book, Achilles and Patroclus continued to haunt me everywhere I went. I would never be able to recommend this book enough.
The Karate Kid
The Karate Kid, directed by Haral Zwart, starring Jackie Chan and Jaden Smith, has always been one of my all-time favorite movies. Although this movie is a decade old, it will always be a timeless piece of cinematography. The movie follows a troubled young boy, Dre, who has just moved to China with his mother and is struggling to fit in and find a home in this new, foreign country. One day, while working around the house, Mr. Han, the handy man notices that Dre lacks discipline and respect to his mother. At school, one thing leads to another and Dre falls into being a victim of bullying only for Mr. Han to come to his defence. Not wanting to be subject to such violence without the ability to defend himself anymore, Dre asks Mr. Han to teach him karate. However, as the movie unfolds the audience begins to realize that Mr. Han is not merely teaching him the physical act that is karate, but actually striving to teach him vital life skills such as discipline, patience, and most importantly perseverance. This movie walks its audience through a turbulent path of constantly changing emotions. It keeps you on the edge of your seat, hoping for the victory of the protagonist while also keeping you respectful of his opponents. It teaches you good sportsmanship and the importance of maintaining hope through the harshest of times. I would definitely recommend it for those looking for a good family movie or even wanting to watch something on their own when their spirits need some lifting.
Wuthering Heights by Emily BrontĂŤ If you are a literature student or someone who enjoys reading in general, it is given that you have come across countless allusions to the infamous tragedy between Heathcliff and Catherine. The novel is set in the moors of Yorkshire where the house Wuthering Heights is based. The tragic hero, Heathcliff, is an orphan from Liverpool. Mr. Earnshaw who has two children, namely, Hindley and Catherine rescues him. Catherine later falls desperately in love with Heathcliff. However, the shared love between the two protagonists only brings about their own demise. Wuthering Heights is a perfect representation of a toxic relationship. It portrays marriage through a dark perspective and shocks its readers at every turn. Needless to say it is a phenomenal book, which is obvious by the way it has stood the test of time. Published in 1847, Wuthering Heights is still studied around the world by students of all ages.
TRAVEL ANECDOTES
Mother Mother, you are the brightest star when the skies are grey, and a paved path when I’m lead astray. Mother, you are the prettiest flower in a garden of wilted leaves, and a safe harbor in a world full of thugs and thieves. Mother, you are a ray of sunshine through the storm, and in a freezing blizzard, the fire that keeps us warm. Mother, every hardship I’ve endured you’ve endured twice as much, bearing the heavy weight on your frail shoulders. I wish I could tell you how badly I dream I could be the daughter you deserve. The daughter you imagined having when you were a little girl. The daughter you dreamed you would raise. I’m sorry that I cannot fulfill your dreams of motherhood, and sincerely hope that I will one day. Thank you for all you’ve done for me. For 17 long years you have always been by my side, through every illness and ailment, every tear I’ve shed, every nightmare I’ve woken up from, and every heartbreak. You’ve been there through every loss and every gain. Thank you for always supporting me and believing in me. Thank you for cheering me on in every performance, every soccer game, the wins and the losses, every accomplishment, every writer’s award, every ceremony, in a crowd of proud, smiling faces, yours always shined the brightest. Mother, I love you with all my heart.
From Gold to Grim I once believed that everything I touched would turn to gold. Glistening under the bright sunlight. A beautiful sight for any passersby. Lustrous, luxurious, exquisite beautiful beings of precious metal, transformed at my touch. Nowadays, I’ve come to realize that they were golden only for a fleeting moment, before crumbling into ash. Destruction is at my fingertips, accompanied by pain, suffering, and misery. But that doesn’t stop me. I’m like a dragon that believes his scolding fire is a healing gust of wind. He runs ramped, burning the things he loves, deluded by a thought he clings to desperately: that he is not evil. But alas, he is. He’s cruel, and no matter how long he’ll remain in denial, the truth is unavoidable. He brings death to those he cares about in hopes of helping them. I’m like a tree bearing poisonous fruit. She lures people in with her colorful display of tart berries, thinking she’s doing them favor, satisfying their hunger, offering them needed nutrients. She watches, happily at first, as they pick her flavorful fruit, but then in horror as she realizes what she’s done. She cannot escape what she is: a murderer. A vile killer. Bating her prey with the promise of a comfort that she will never provide. So here I am staring in the eyes of a hideous creature. It stands before me, naked, jarring, and unmissable. The truth. The bare truth that everything I touch will turn to ash. That I am no good. Not to myself, not to my friends, not to my family, and not to my lovers. I’m a waste of oxygen, a waste of space, every breath I take I’m stealing from many who deserve it more than I do. I’m a waste of time, stealing people away from those who are better for them. I am a waste. -Bella Morte
The Parade My father carried me on his shoulders. It was summer, in the early 2000’s and I wore shorts then. It all went by so quickly, it was just another vacation. He was Superman, invincible and happy to have been certain, that I was enjoying the view from the top. Children forgetting their parents, who could blame us? The characters we owned, bed covers, songs and dolls, all coming to life under the august sun. My father must’ve known what it meant to me. Come to think of it, all I remember is the sea of faces, the chaos, sweat and ruffled music. I must’ve had ice cream after it ended and everyone scattered in different directions. It was late afternoon in Paris, and I remembered the taste of vanilla on my lips while my father and I fell asleep, in the backseat of the car. That was the day we went to the Disney parade. - Nomad