Campus issue 23 small by Oryx Group of Magazines

YOUSUF JASSEM AL-DARWISH

SINDHU NAIR ABIGAIL MATHIAS AYSWARYA MURTHY

VENKAT REDDY M HANAN ABU SAIAM

SANDEEP SEHGAL ALPANA ROY RAVI RAMAN

FREDRICK ALPHONSO THOMAS JOSE

HASSAN REKKAB LYDIA YOUSSEF KANWAL BALUCH

ADITYA KARKERA MARYANN MATHEW

PRATAP CHANDRAN BIKRAM SHRESTHA ARJUN TIMILSINA BHIMAL RAI

AYUSH INDRAJITH MAHESHWAR REDDY B

M AY - J U N E 2 0 1 4 FOR MOST OF US, ACADEMIC PRESSURE IS NOT A NEW SUBJECT. THE RUSH TO COMPETE FOR THE TOP RANK, THE ANXIETY TO JOIN COVETED INSTITUTIONS, BRINGS WITH IT IMMENSE STRAIN. WHAT HAPPENS TO THOSE WHO TRIED THEIR BEST, BUT SIMPLY DON’T MAKE THE GRADE? YOUTH SUICIDES HAVE BECOME ALARMINGLY HIGH IN RECENT TIMES. ACCORDING TO THE WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION, NEARLY 200,000 SUICIDES OCCUR AMONG YOUNGSTERS IN THE 15-25 AGE GROUP ALONE. OTHERS SIMPLY OPT OUT, DISILLUSIONED AND RESENTFUL. IN THIS ISSUE, WE TALK TO TEACHERS WORKING TO IMPROVE THE SYSTEM IN QATAR’S LOCAL SCHOOLS. WE ALSO EXPLORE THE VALIANT EFFORTS BY TEACH FOR QATAR, TO BUILD THE NEXT GENERATION OF BRIGHT MINDS. CAMPUS ALSO SALUTES THE GRADUATING CLASS OF 2014 WHO GO FORTH TO FULFILL THEIR DREAMS. AS YOU MAKE YOUR TRAVEL PLANS, OUR WRITERS IMPLORE YOU TO TAKE THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED. NO MATTER THE JOURNEY, WE WISH YOU A VIBRANT ROAD AHEAD. HAPPY EXPLORING AND HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

Address all correspondence to CAMPUS, Oryx Advertising Co. WLL, P.O. Box 3272 Doha-Qatar. Tel: (+974) 44672139, 44550983, 44671173, 44667584. Fax: (+974) 44550982; Email: campus@omsqatar.com. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher. The publisher does not accept responsibility for advertising contents. Licensing/Republishing CAMPUS content: To obtain permission for text syndication in books, newsletters, magazines, newspapers and web or to use images/pictures carried in CAMPUS, please contact our syndication and licensing department on the numbers given above. Permission is also required to photocopy a CAMPUS article for classroom use, course packs, business or general use. Custom reprints: Any previously published article/s to be used as stand-alone pieces can be reprinted by us on special request. The reprint cost is based on the length of the article and the quantity ordered. Contact our custom publishing division on the numbers given above for more information.Previous issues (January 2004 onwards) of CAMPUS are available for sale, contact our library department. To subscribe to CAMPUS call our subscription department on the numbers given above.

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TIME FOR TRAVEL

Our readers share their best and worst holiday memories and describe what is next on their bucket list.

22 CLASS OF 2014

ISSUE 23 MAY - JUNE 2014

Campus speaks to this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s graduating students, who share their memories and dreams for the future. We also hear from faculty members who offer a special insight into their hopes for the students.

MOUNTAIN HIGH

Performance Coach Julie Lewis believes in conquering oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fears by mountain climbing and shares the joy of the triumph of the human spirit.

SONGS OF THE DUNES Aditya Karkera decides to stay back in Qatar, explore the desert and its myriad beauty and comes back to describe natureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most vivid works of art.

OFF BEAT HOLIDAYS

Half the fun in travel is exploring new places. Campus takes you on an exciting journey of the road less traveled.

AWAKENING TO A NEW WORLD Maryann Mathew shares the experience of partaking in an international conference on families, held in Doha.

APPEALING TO THE BRIGHTEST MINDS Mohammed Fakhroo, Managing Director of the newly launched Teach For Qatar, chats about his mission to find passionate talented people ready to invest their time and effort into shaping the next generation.

SYMPHONY OF SOUND In an exclusive interview, band members from the Circle of Sound discuss the launch of their international album that made its debut in Doha.

CAMPUS NEWS

WHAT CAN YOUR ROBOT DO? OVER 200 STUDENTS FROM 22 SCHOOLS ACROSS THE REGION TOOK PART IN THE 10TH ANNUAL BOTBALL EDUCATIONAL ROBOTICS PROGRAM AT CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY IN QATAR.

his year’s competition theme was a continuation of last year’s popular NASA’s Curiosity Rover topic, where students were tasked to build robots that would be able to collect and send samples from Mars back to Earth. The team from DPSModern Indian School took home the first prize: a chance to compete at the International Botball Tournament at the 2014 Global Conference on Educational Robotics (GCER) at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles during July this year.

LEARNING TO RESPECT WATER

CONOCOPHILLIPS’ GLOBAL WATER SUSTAINABILITY CENTER (GWSC) OBSERVED AND SUPPORTED WORLD WATER DAY 2014 BY ORGANIZING A HOST OF ACTIVITIES AND PROGRAMS FOR LOCAL SCHOOLS IN DOHA.

n association with Qatar Green Building Council, GWSC organized a field trip for 30 students from the Ibn Khaldoun Preparatory Independent School for Boys to the first ultra-low energy villa in Qatar, named “Passivhaus”, German for “Passive House”. To demonstrate the difference between regular and sustainable residence, two 225 sq.m. villas were built side by side to compare their energy use and environmental footprint. To further reinforce the objectives of the 2014 UN World Water Day, the GWSC also hosted a tour for Al Wakra High School for Girls and Aspire Academy in its Visitors’ Center located in Qatar Science and Technology Park. The students were given an educational tour inside the center where they were introduced to the various initiatives, experiments and educational topics related to water sustainability.

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AMERICAN SCHOOL OF DOHA RECEIVES GRANT FROM HE SHEIKH FAISAL

signing ceremony took place today between HE Sheikh Faisal Bin Qassim Al Thani and Dr Deborah Welch, ASD Director, to commemorate His Excellency’s grant to develop the Sheikh Faisal Arabic Scholar Project for the Arabic Language curriculum that targets the Modern Standard Arabic Program for native Arabic speakers at the school. A second project of the grant will be the Sheikh Faisal Center for the Arabic Language; a center that will be built this summer at ASD to be a center for Arabic resources and knowledge sharing for all interested ASD community members.

CELEBRATING DIVERSITY

CMUQ’S ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL DAY CELEBRATED THE DIVERSITY OF ITS STUDENT COMMUNITY, REPRESENTING OVER 40 NATIONALITIES, WITH DANCE, TALENT SHOWS AND FOOD FROM DIFFERENT CULTURES.

STAND TALL AND SPEAK OUT YOUTH HUB QATAR HELD AN INTENSIVE PUBLIC SPEAKING TRAINING PROGRAM FOR THE YOUTH IN QATAR, CONDUCTED BY PUBLIC AND MOTIVATIONAL SPEAKER SEYMUR RASULOV.

p to thirty young people attended the workshop at the YHQ premises to listen to Seymur impart essential knowledge on how to build confidence and reduce fear of speaking in public, in meetings and during impromptu discussions. During the three-hour session, he provided trainees with a series of limber exercises and video workshops, kickstarting the exercise with a video of the awardwinning movie director, Michael Bay walking off the stage at Consumer Electronics Show 2014. The video helped demonstrate the importance of using body language and voice tone properly. “The passion of the kids during the workshop was like an energy drink for me. And it is the Youth Hub Qatar that helps these young people to discover the passion and great skills that they possess. I am privileged to be part of this,” said Seymur.

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Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re all going on a

summer holiday

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IT’S THAT SPECIAL T IME OF YEAR. T IME TO UNWIND, SHUT SHOP AND HEAD FOR THE HILLS. IRRESPECT IVE OF IF YOU ARE A BEACH LOVER OR SOMEONE WHO LIKES TO TAKE IN ALL THE ART FROM MUSEUMS, A HOLIDAY SHOULD INCLUDE T IME TO JUST BE. OF COURSE YOU DON’T NEED TO ESCAPE TO SOME EXOT IC DEST INAT ION (THOUGH IT HELPS). A STAY- CAT ION MAY BE JUST WHAT YOU NEED. FROM THE TOP OF THE EIFFEL TOWER TO THE LUSH GREEN OF ASPIRE PARK, THE WORLD IS YOUR PLAYGROUND. CAMPUS SPEAKS TO A FEW OF OUR CIT Y’S YOUNG TRAVELERS AND FIND OUT WHAT MADE THEIR BEST TRIPS AND WHAT THEY ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO.

2014

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Last Holiday?

Lisa Tom George University student

Where was your last holiday? What made the place and the whole trip worth it? Maryann

Bruges, Belgium. I felt like I was walking into a beautiful postcard.

Trishank

Karnataka, India. The rain and meeting my family.

Debolina

Uttranchal Pradesh its absolutely amazing there!

Shanen

Mumbai, Maharashtra! All the relatives I got to meet after a really long time.

Patricia

Tanzania. We came across many obstacles and unexpected situations but this just brought all of us (expedition members and teachers) closer.

Anita

The beautiful and adventurous forests of Kerala, India. I got lost in and the waterfalls where I learnt to swim .

Mugdha

Mumbai-India. The place gives a sense of belonging and happiness, cause my grandfather resides there.

Trishati

Dubai, UAE. The city, all the tourist attractions like Burj Khalifa, Ferrari world and most of all meeting my relatives and being with family

GOA. MY FAMILY MADE THE TRIP MORE MEMORABLE.

Anita Joseph Just completed school MES Indian School

A PLACE JUST LIKE KERALA.

FRANCE. BECAUSE I HAD LOADS OF FUN IN DISNEYLAND, PARIS. Trishati School: AKIS -CBSE

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Vacation Spot? Which is your favorite vacation spot? Maryann

One of my favorites - I love the backwaters of Kerala, India.

Trishank

India. I get to meet my relatives and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a whole new experience, the climate, people, the shops are all exciting.

Debolina

I never went there but I would love to go to New York and just admire the skyscrapers and watch a Broadway show.

Lisa

I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a favorite spot.

Shanen

Thailand is beautiful place, with friendly locals and a great place to shop. The weather is amazing.

Patricia

Nepal. Only been there once but I will definitely go back. The view was amazing, the locals were very nice and I have a lot of good memories from there. I also experienced snow for the first time in Nepal.

Mugdha Austria.

Worst holiday memory?

Trishank Rao Grade 10, AKIS CBSE

WHEN WE WENT TO DUBAI AND I ACCIDENTALLY LEFT THE IPOD CHARGER OVER THERE. Debolina Samantha Just completed school MES Indian School

MY BIRTHDAY WAS ON A TRAIN RIDE. NOT COOL.

What is your one worst holiday memory? Maryann

My family had planned a trip to Thailand but it had to be cancelled because I got chicken pox.

Lisa

Not sure.

Shanen

All my trips have been lots of fun, so no bad moments.

Patricia

In Tanzania. While we were walking up the mountain a team member become severely ill forcing us to evacuate. We were all very worried about her.

Anita

Haven’t had any. I love holidays.

Mugdha

I Can’t call it a holiday but I had to go to india when my grandmom passed away. That was the worst memory which i will have to carry throughout my life.

Trishati

My worst holiday memory was when I lost my camera in Singapore.

SCUBA DIVING AT THE GREAT BARRIER REEF A CAMERA, BOOK AND MUSIC FOR THE PLANE RIDE. Maryann Mathew Just completed school MES Indian School

Patricia Cortez Year 13 AL Khor International School

Some of the things... Some of the things you’d never leave behind when going on a vacation?

A destination... A destination or holiday idea on your bucket list. Maryann

Scuba diving at the Great Barrier Reef.

Trishank

New York City.

Debolina Rome. Lisa

The whole of Europe. Greenland/Northern Canada to see the Northern lights and Yosemite National Park.

Maryann

My loyal torch, I need light in the darkness!!

Patricia

Trishank

My wallet, ipod, laptop and camera.

Anita Japan.

Debolina

A book to read and my music player.

Mugdha

Kashmir, India.

Lisa

My phone, wallet and mobile charger.

Trishati

Florida, USA.

Shanen

My make-up, phone, camera, lappy ‘n my Bible.

Anita

My tooth brush, camera and my extreme happy mood.

Mugdha

A smile cause my relatives long for that and I’ll get gifts for them from there.

Trishati

My iphone, comb and camera

KASHMIR, INDIA. PARIS Mugdha Mahesh Bilgikar Just completed school AKIS CBSE

Shanen D’Souza Just completed school MES Indian School

2014

ISSUE 23

Julie Lewis: The spirit of adventure.

TAKING THE ROAD LESS TRAVELLED BY ANEY W MATHE

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To the ends of the earth: Exploring the Svalbard in the Arctic.

ith summer around the corner, you’re probably planning your holiday. How about taking a road less travelled a trip to the Arctic or the Antarctic? That’s a bit too far fetched you think? Well then, what about a mountain-climbing expedition? Prefer something closer to home? Then would a desert-crossing experience complete with living a simple, Bedouin life appeal to you? But if extreme heights and depths are what fascinate you, then perhaps you could consider a stint at tandem diving or even shark-cage diving for that adrenalin rush. No, these are not just far fetched ideas. These are signature expeditions that Julie Lewis, a resident of the UAE, has directed and led over the past decade. What’s more, her programmes extend beyond the

The Proposal: She said ‘yes’ on the summit of Island Peak mountain in Nepal.

borders of the Emirates to anyone who is interested. As a matter of fact, some residents of Qatar are signing up for a mountain-climbing expedition to Kilimanjaro this summer! Julie Lewis, from the UK, is certain that with belief and focused training, anything is possible. Having led over 50 expeditions in over 20 countries around the globe, Julie has trained hundreds of ordinary women and men to achieve the extraordinary in the spirit of adventure and embark on life-changing challenges. When she is not on an adventure of some kind, Julie is busy giving inspirational speeches, leadership seminars or conducting corporate retreats. Julie, who is full of energy and vigour, prefers to be called ‘Jules’, which rhymes with Joules the unit of energy. She was recently in Doha for the How Women Work conference to deliver a motivational speech and inspire women to become higher achievers. In a conversation later, she

Julie Lewis: Speaker, Explorer, Peak Performance Coach.

shared some of her fascinating experiences and stories. When asked how many mountains she has climbed so far, Julie had to actually stop and count. “I’ve climbed 19 mountains to date. I climbed my first mountain, Mount Kota Kinabalu in Borneo at the ‘tender’ age of 40! That was in 2002 and I’ve been climbing mountains ever since”. As a matter of fact it was on the summit of the Island Peak mountain in Nepal, that her boyfriend Calin proposed to her and just in case you are curious, she said ‘yes’. Somehow, as if climbing mountains wasn’t challenging enough, Jules has been on several polar expeditions too. “Mother nature has created so many heavens on earth; the Arctic and Antarctica are truly two of them. Pristine wilderness, 360 degrees of snow, ice, water, clear blue skies, fresh air and amazing wildlife are irresistible!” “In 2007 a dear friend and I decided it would be really cool to get a team of women to go to the Svalbard in the Norwegian Arctic circle. We had no trouble finding 16 women keen to join us. The trip was so successful that I ran it every year for five years!” “After the fifth trip to the Arctic I decided it was time to go south to the Antarctic. In 2012 we took the first and only team of breast cancer survivors from the UAE to the ends of the earth for the ultimate polar experience. The aim was to highlight the strength and spirit of women, to show there is life after cancer and breast cancer is not a

2014

ISSUE 23

Jewels of Arabia Challenge: In Jordan.

death sentence. “This team represented the perfect roving ambassadors and role models for the campaign. It also made modern day adventure history for the UAE and for breast cancer awareness. “It was a great success and I’ve had many more people showing interest. So we will run another one in 2015 and this will be open to both men and women,” she remarked. All expeditions do not necessarily lead to triumph and accomplishment. Talking about some of her major challenges, she says, “Our expeditions to Mt. Cho Uye in Tibet and Mt. Elbrus in Russia were the most difficult; we were unable to summit these mountains due to bad weather.” “On Cho Uye we had reached 7,000m (our highest so far), but avalanches and heavy snow made it impossible to summit. On Elbrus, we were just 342 meters away from the summit and had to turn back again, due to avalanche risks and really strong winds. The guide had to literally hold me up and keep me locked into him to stop me from being blown off the mountain. It took a lot of mental, emotional and physical energy to get back to the safety of the basecamp. It was one of my scariest experiences and for the first time I felt small and vulnerable on a mountain. The wind was powerful, the visibility poor and the snow just kept slipping away from under my feet! Needless to say I cried with disappointment. But it’s not the end. My husband and I are going back to Russia this August to

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Making History: Leading the first team of women from the UAE to Antarctica (all breast cancer survivors).

finish what we started,” she says with determination. Winding up our conversation, Jules says, “Whatever we believe and conceive we can achieve - whether that’s climbing a mountain, starting a business, a family or writing a book, in fact anything that takes us out of our comfort zone. Just remember: ‘the journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.”

MOUNTAIN HIGH EXPERIENCES “It was atop my first mountain (on a natural high) that I had the idea for my own company ‘Mountain High’. I wanted more people to experience the feeling of achievement and to be able to feel that joy wherever and whenever! The very next year - in 2003, I led a team of 17 women to the Everest base camp. After that trip, I

quit my full-time job and started Mountain High with a mission to inspire as many people as possible. I blend my background in sports science, NLP (Neuro linguistic programming), mindfulness, yin yoga and positive psychology to form a balanced integrated personal leadership programme. My work is based around three core advocates: free your mind, energize your body and nurture your spirit of adventure. I run talks, workshops and retreats that incorporate this philosophy and enable people to explore and learn.” “Meeting so many people from such diverse walks of life is such a rewarding experience. Life begins at the end of your comfort zone. I’ve learnt so much about myself and others through my travels and plan to keep exploring new places.” affirmed Jules.

Mountain High: Atop the Kilimanjaro.

OFFBEAT IS

THE NEW NORMAL Summer vacations are upon us. And where you are going is only half the story.

THE WILD WAS

NEVER SO COMFORTABLE

Many would argue that the whole point of camping is defeated when you are closeted in an air-conditioned tent with a feather-soft mattress, hot water, Wi-Fi, a fully-loaded entertainment system and even a butler. But what do those people know. Some people like lying under the stars without having to sacrifice themselves to the mosquitoes. Some people can’t go three days and two nights without checking out what’s trending on 9gag. Sometimes a gourmet meal tastes better when served piping hot to you in the middle of nowhere. So while traditionally camping has been about roughing it in the wild, this interesting, and now rather established, vacation trend brings those with delicate constitutions and deep-seated phobia of creepy crawlies a little bit close to nature. From the Wild African Bush of South Africa to the sweeping Patagonia of Chile and from the Portuguese riverside to Jordan’s Wadi Rum, glamping (glamourous camping) has caught on in the big way to cater to the hordes of people who want to escape the city lights without having to compromise on luxury.

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A COMPASS AND

A CLEAN PAIR OF SOCKS

Backpacking is not a new phenomenon. It has been alive since the day the first wanderer tied a little bundle to a stick and walked off into the unknown. There is a certain thrill about having no itinerary and just making up your trip as you go. It definitely isn’t for everybody. For many, there is no peace of mind unless there is a confirmed flight ticket or hotel booking. But for some, there is pure excitement and joy in navigating their way around a new city where the language sounds strange and the food tastes stranger. It doesn’t have to be totally extreme; like the many stories you hear about people taking off to hitchhike around the world for two years and in under $5. You can turn even a two-week vacation to the most pedestrian destination into a memorable once-in-alifetime experience by opening your heart and mind. Europe is definitely the most popular destination among backpackers due to its cultural and historic richness, cosmopolitan cities and diverse topography. South-east Asia and South America have also always been favourites among the backpacking crowd. Flashpacking is a relatively new offshoot of backpacking; only this is generally on a bigger budget and relatively more comforts.

IN THE SERVICE OF HUMANITY

Shopping, partying and sightseeing are all fine. But what if you need something more out of your holiday? A chance to recharge your batteries - both physical and emotional. A chance to not only see how the other half lives but also to help with some of your time and efforts. Many of us often don’t get the opportunity to volunteer our time, so a vacation is the perfect chance to give back something to the society. And if it’s in some exotic and remote location of the world, that’s just even better. Whether it’s teaching English to kids in rural South America or helping restore a war-ravaged community building in Central Africa or working at an elephant sanctuary in Indonesia or even teaching surfing/ diving in Hawaii, there are plenty of good causes that you can support during your summer out of the country. And what’s more, these usually include boarding and lodging and work out much cheaper than a regular vacation. Of course your time is not your time but you still get the evenings and weekends to explore nearby cities and landmarks. These are also usually not short and will need a minimum of two weeks or a month of your time. But imagine how much more rewarding this break could be; it could change the course of your life in unexpected ways.

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THE OTHER SIDE OF

ALL THAT’S BRIGHT AND SHINY No matter how much you plan, a vacation can still go awry at a moment’s notice and through no fault of your own. You can unknowingly end up in the seediest part of town or stumble upon a location with a gruesome past. But what if you go seeking out the worst vacation you can possibly have? Though it hasn’t caught on in many cities yet, specialised tour operators now offer to take you around to witness the underbelly of the city, away from the glitz, glamour and bright lights, so that you can really take in what goes on below the surface. If you have a somewhat macabre taste and a strong stomach, this may include locations of famous and brutal murders committed through the city’s history and, if you are lucky, some of them might even be haunted. A controversial form of this is the ‘slum tour’ where tourists are taken around some of the most populous and famous unregulated and impoverished settlements so that they can experience life as it goes on there. Much criticism has been heaped on operators of such tours who have been accused of making a spectacle out of abject poverty but there are some who do this responsibly and in good faith. An example of this is Mumbai’s Dharavi slum tour called Slumgods, started by a couple of young residents of the slum, who introduce outsiders to the thriving entrepreneurial spirit and warm natures of the people living there, with proceeds from the tour going towards community projects.

YOUR PASSION

Whether it’s food or fashion, history or music, adventure sports or beaches, you can plan a trip perfectly tailored to quench your thirst. These custom-made vacations don’t have to be pricey and if you think the research and logistics is too much to work, there are plenty of tour companies that’ll happily step in to cater to your needs. Do you want to travel through Italy tasting some of the best pizza on earth and maybe learn to make them too? Done. How about a crash course in fashion history with a tour of the most prestigious brand museums in Europe? Done. Do you want to spend all your time Down Under jumping off heights and speeding across distances? Done. Or do you want to beach-hop across Thailand, just lounging under the sun and comparing various blues of the seas and browns of the sands? Done and Done. You can be as specific as you want. Specially interested in gothic designs and architecture? Want to visit the shooting locations from your absolute favourite Asian horror movies? Want to take a look inside the best distilleries in Scotland? There are thousand ways to do this and a thousand ways to explore the same city or country. All you need is figure out what you love best and spend your whole vacation doing exactly that.

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AWAKENING TO A NEW WORLD A VOLUNTEER’S EXPERIENCE AT AN INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON FAMILIES

BY NN MARYA EW MATH

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BEING

a volunteer for the Doha International Conference hosted by DIFI (Doha International Family Institute) on “Empowering families: A Pathway for Development”, was, in a way, quite a surreal experience. Dressed in my volunteer’s uniform I watched the finest Bentleys and Mercedes pour in, and with each car, more important people arrived. I was in awe as I shook hands with ambassadors, UN dignitaries and Presidents of organizations and welcomed them to the conference. I couldn’t believe that I, a mere 17-year-old, got to shake hands with such significant VIPs! The conference made me realize the importance of the family even from an economic standpoint. I always considered families as insignificant from the point of view of policy makers; however, the conference made me see things in a different light. I realized that stable families raise stable offspring, who then become valuable adults, who in turn have an immediate impact on the next generation, hence are an integral part of our economic policies. I started to see family empowerment as a means to an end to overall development. The conference raised several issues regarding families in different walks of life and studied various economic problems through the lense of the family. People discussed a wide range of topics from families in poverty-stricken and war-torn areas, to gender equality and work balance. I was amazed to see empirical proof showing that economic success of families had direct correlation to the health of people in that area. Areas where there are more failed marriages or single parents have higher risk of diseases, according to the World Family Map Launch of Findings. I was fortunate to meet several important people including a leading woman’s rights advocate Dr Ranjana Kumari, who has held various high profile jobs – from serving as the Advisor to the Labor Ministry of India, to working with the United Nations. Nevertheless, she gave it all up to pursue her heart’s calling – to uplift and empower women in India. She said something I will never forget. “Men are unable to accommodate the new woman; they are unable to identify with the new woman who is assertive and demanding. Hence only if they are empowered can they comprehend the true idea of equality.” The Conference dedicated a whole session to ‘Men in Families’ and their significance. It made me realize that society puts invisible shackles even on men as they are seen as less capable of handling children and

are often excluded from policy consideration. This has resulted in more women taking up the role of primary child-carer, leading to more post-natal depression and less involvement of men in their children’s lives. Perhaps while focusing our efforts on uplifting the so called ‘weaker woman’, the men may have been left out from the developmental efforts. Another interesting experience was when I was asked by one of the organizers to print a document for an elderly gentleman. On conversing with him I realized I was talking to the Chief of a United Nations NGO. I told him of my lifelong dream of working for the UN, he then casually handed me his business card and said, “Come to New York one day”. I gazed at it. I was holding a UN visiting card! (I’ve now dedicated an important place for it in my wallet.) Later during dinner I sat next to a man from Africa and as we chatted with each other (each of us trying to decipher the other’s accents), I learnt he was running a Youth Care Centre in Mogadishu, Somalia. I felt a twinge of guilt; here was a man making a difference in his country, but when I heard he was from Somalia, the first thing that came to mind was – the Somalian Pirates! That’s when it really hit me, that there was a world out there, outside mainstream media, and that ideas that were shared among the delegates during this conference could maybe change the situation of teenagers, far away, in Somalia. Lives could be changed by this very conference. To sum things up, the conference was both an educating and as an enlightening experience. I would urge any youngster out there who accidently comes across this article, to hunt for places to volunteer for. Not only do you get to meet incredible people with interesting stories, you also get amazing opportunities for jobs and internship, not to mention the fact that it’s incredibly fun!

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Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s that time of year again. A new batch of fresh, young minds inherit the world and try to shape it in their own unique ways. At the HBKU Graduation Ceremony, Founder of Teach For All, Wendy Kopp pointed out how the new generation, armed with curiosity and naivete, is capable of solving some of the most important problems that the older generation has given up on. With this is mind, we speak to some of the students of the graduating class and ask them about their best memories, most valuable lessons and their plans for the future. Some of the faculty members chip in with their thoughts on the graduating class and their hopes for the incoming batch.

Narcis Sadat Jafarian BUSINESS ADMINISTRAT ION, CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSIT Y IN QATAR

BEST MEMORIES My best memory would have to be being named the Andrew Carnegie Society (ACS) Scholar. The ACS Scholar is selected each year by the Dean to represent their graduating class. They are chosen to represent the best intersection of academic success, contributions to the community and student leadership. I still remember where I was and who I was with when I received the e-mail. I was with my friends on campus. It was a great feeling to be able to share that moment with those around me. Another great memory is the debate club doing so well last year. The Carnegie Mellon Qatar Debate Society won first place at the Qatar Universities Debating League (QUDL). We also won for Best Speaker and Best Novice Speaker.

PREPARED FOR THE LIFE AHEAD I feel better prepared to deal with everyday problems, largely in part to the rigorous projects we had to do in business administration. We present our projects in front of professors who act as board members and they are not easy on us. That helps us to prepare for a real job environment as well as for the challenges that life brings us.

FUTURE PLANS I would like to work in the financial services or consulting sector. I donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t have a job lined up yet but I do have a goal, it is just a matter of getting there.

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dr Ilker Baybars

DEAN, CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSIT Y IN QATAR

Touhami Abi

B.S.F.S. IN INTERNAT IONAL ECONOMICS (IECO), GEORGETOWN UNIVERSIT Y SCHOOL OF FOREIGN SERVICE IN QATAR (GU-Q)

BEST MEMORIES One of the best memories I have is of the first day of Georgetown, the commencement, when we met everyone. Going in, we all had an idea about the kind of institution we were entering in terms of quality of people and knowledge, and the international diversity of the campus, so it was very exciting to see what we were going to go into for four years.

PREPARED FOR THE LIFE AHEAD I think Georgetown has prepared me for life ahead in terms of knowledge and skills that you get from the classroom and the different hands-on learning experiences, such as traveling to different parts of the world on service trips, so it’s theoretical as well as applied knowledge. That’s just one way. But the university experience isn’t just classroom learning, it’s also about the people you work and live with. That diversity prepared me to become an even more tolerant person, open to new ideas from people from different backgrounds, and to learn how to incorporate those ideas into my own life.

FUTURE PLANS I hope to work for 2-3 years, then to eventually get an applied Master’s in public policy, public administration or economics. Before doing that, it’s always good to get a few years of work experience, perhaps in a public institution. After I receive my Master’s, it is my hope and plan to return home to Algeria to work.

THE CLASS OF 2014 Seeing our students graduate is the highlight of the academic year for our faculty and staff. This year, we are celebrating the graduation of 80 young men and women: 42 in business administration, 10 in computer science, 26 in information systems, and two in our newest program, biological sciences. Over the past four years, these students have worked hard in CMU-Q’s rigorous programs, contributed to the country’s research efforts, and volunteered in Qatar and overseas. Narcis Jafarian, who you have interviewed, was president of the Debate Club and helped organize new student orientation. Saleh Al-Raisi was president of the Student Government. Many of our graduates have been recognized at international conferences and competitions. It is these experiences, as well as the skills in leadership, team work and problem solving they develop at Carnegie Mellon that will secure their future success.

STANDOUT QUALITIES The student body at Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar is diverse, with more than 40 nationalities represented on campus. As seniors, the Class of 2014 have exemplified how people from different countries, backgrounds, cultures and academic disciplines can work together to achieve great results in competitions and at conferences.

A NEW YEAR, A NEW BATCH As a global research university, Carnegie Mellon puts an emphasis on developing new knowledge and technology that makes a lasting impact on society. I am sure the Class of 2018 will continue the university’s traditions of working hard and thinking creatively to make a difference in the region and in the world. That is why we are here in Qatar and that is what we hope to achieve.

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Dr Elizabeth Andretta

Saleh Al Raisi

THE CLASS OF 2014

BEST MEMORIES

I have many wonderful memories of these seniors. I especially enjoyed traveling with them over spring break on the Community Engagement Trips. Talking, building houses, working together outside the classroom, gave me new insights into their ideas and dreams for the future.

My favorite memory during the past four years at Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar would have to be orientation. It is the first event of the year where we are all introduced to each other. From day 1, we are able to meet each other and participate in activities together before everyone goes off to their own classes. We were all nervous and a little bit out of our comfort zone; these memories tend to stay with you.

PROFESSOR OF ANTHROPOLOGY, GEORGETOWN UNIVERSIT Y

STANDOUT QUALITIES What stands out for me is how much they have matured intellectually over the four years that they have been at Georgetown. They are thoughtful, engaged, global citizens. I will miss the lively discussions with these students in class, in my office, and in the Atrium.

A NEW YEAR, A NEW BATCH I have great expectations for the rising seniors. They have been well mentored by this group of current seniors, who are passing on to them a variety of organizations, such as the MESA Conference and the Model UN Conference, and publications, such as the Diwan magazine, that have been carefully nurtured and will only continue to get better as future classes add their own imprint to them.

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BUSINESS ADMINISTRAT ION, CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSIT Y IN QATAR

PREPARED FOR THE LIFE AHEAD The most important thing I learned at Carnegie Mellon Qatar is the ability to learn and grasp information as quickly as possible. The interaction with faculty members and the ability to learn from their experiences is something that I will never forget. These are people that have extraordinary careers; there is a lot to learn from them.

FUTURE PLANS I am looking at two sectors mainly, oil & gas and banking. I would also like to start my own business. I am working on an idea with a couple of colleagues and we will be presenting at Al Fikra, the National Business Plan Competition. We are genuinely interested in further developing our idea and kicking off the project.

Khadija Mahsud B.S.F.S. IN INTERNAT IONAL POLIT ICS (IPOL), GEORGETOWN UNIVERSIT Y SCHOOL OF FOREIGN SERVICE IN QATAR (GU-Q)

BEST MEMORIES

Sara Al-Misnad Fatema Al-Malki

B.S.F.S. IN INTERNAT IONAL POLIT ICS (IPOL), CERT IFICATE OF ARAB AND REGIONAL STUDIES GEORGETOWN UNIVERSIT Y SCHOOL OF FOREIGN SERVICE IN QATAR (GU-Q)

B.S.F.S. IN CULTURE AND POLIT ICS (CULP), GEORGETOWN UNIVERSIT Y SCHOOL OF FOREIGN SERVICE IN QATAR (GU-Q)

BEST MEMORIES

One of my most memorable experiences was when I went to Washington, D.C., to work on a video for Teach for America for an entrepreneurship class, because we were able to meet students from public schools in Washington, D.C.

One of my best memories involved a Zones of Conflict, Zones of Peace (ZCZP) Georgetown service trip to Cambodia that I took. The ZCZP program was the culmination of a lot of the things I’ve experienced in the classroom and on campus, such as the Georgetown values of giving “Men and Women for Others”.

PREPARED FOR THE LIFE AHEAD The diversity on the GU-Q campus prepares you for the workplace and for engaging with different cultures, respectfully and with an open mind.

BEST MEMORIES

Some of my best memories are from my time playing for the GU-Q women’s basketball team. I had never played organized sports before, so my time on the team was a first for me. In particular, because our wonderful coach Jacqui devoted so much of her time to the team.

PREPARED FOR THE LIFE AHEAD Qatar, in many ways, represents what the world is increasingly looking like: places are no longer homogenous, they are diverse. So college in a diverse environment has prepared me for that world.

FUTURE PLANS I plan to go into academia so, in that regard, I need a master’s and a Ph.D., so that is what my future route will focus on.

PREPARED FOR THE LIFE AHEAD Throughout my undergraduate years at GU-Q, we did a lot of networking, so these contacts shed light on life outside of school. And Georgetown prepares students to be strong leaders, so we are resilient, and adaptable to any environment.

FUTURE PLANS FUTURE PLANS I’ve received an offer from University College London (UCL) in the United Kingdom so I plan to go there to pursue a Master’s degree in management.

I’ve had several offers, and I am definitely planning on continuing my education, but I still haven’t made any definitive plans yet.

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Susan H Pak

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR IN RESIDENCE, SCHOOL OF COMMUNICAT ION, NUQ

THE CLASS OF 2014 I always love that my students take their workshops very seriously (as they should). For example, several students have brought in specific actors, or other students, who’ve inspired their work, to read their scripts aloud during workshops. Not only do such readings help the student write a better script, it often leads to much hilarity in the classroom. The most surprising students are always the quiet ones. I’ve had students who barely spoke in class, go on to write hilarious, over-the-top scripts, which still managed to cover very serious issues like racism, sexism, and peer pressure. Yet probably my favorite students were those who worked the hardest. Whether they went from a “zero” on their first draft, to an “A” on their final, or whether they fought through traffic and sickness just to get to class on time, these were the students who I greatly admired.

STANDOUT QUALITIES They are practitioners. They don’t just want to get As. Good grades are just a nice “side effect”. These students are very passionate about what they do. We have so many students who are just chomping at the bit to get started on their craft.

Hazar Adnan Eskandar

COMMUNICAT ION, NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSIT Y IN QATAR

BEST MEMORIES My acting classes, peer advising the class of 2016, shooting a documentary in France and being a teacher assistant of the Research Methods class.

PREPARED FOR THE LIFE AHEAD A NEW YEAR, A NEW BATCH My hope for upcoming students, is that they fully take advantage of the tight-knit community we have here. I hope that they work with each other, and help each other and also continue to seek guidance from upperclassmen, as well as from faculty and staff.

The great thing about my experience as an undergrad was that I had the chance to invest in different areas of the field. I have taken many production-related courses, from cinematography and screenwriting to animation and documentary filmmaking. I was also able to take classes on psychology, anthropology, sociology, acting, literature and research. In addition to knowledge and skills, I have built a public speaking persona and found my vision as a storyteller and an artist.

FUTURE PLANS I’m planning on pursuing a Master of Fine Arts degree in Film and Television Production at Loyola Marymount University in LA, California. I would love to create a T V show and indulge in the world of academia as well.

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Sara Abdulaziz Al Derham COMMUNICAT ION, NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSIT Y IN QATAR

BEST MEMORIES In Spring 2013, I was 1 out of 4 students at NUQ who were chosen to represent the university in Hyderabad, India at Annapurna International School of Film and Media for the Indian film seminar. The first few days we met different filmmakers and celebrities, and also visited radio and television stations. We were put into random groups with students from the USA and India to create films in 48 hours. My group’s film, Realization, won two awards at the festival; it was an amazing and unforgettable experience.

PREPARED FOR THE LIFE AHEAD I believe in the power and knowledge that diverse experience can bring to a person. It is something I am always talking about with my students in Ta2heel, a summer program that aims to get high school students interested in the different majors in the university. Also, there are always huge events happening every other day around EC and in Doha, whether it was a lecture, discussion, screening, or fully for entertainment purposes, I think that a lot can be learnt by staying active and attentive to the things going on around us.

FUTURE PLANS I am currently in the process of applying to graduate school in the United Kingdom, specifically to LSE, SOAS and Kings College in London. I want to get a degree in Creative Media and Cultural Studies, which I think will be very valuable for me and my future employer, Qatar Airways.

Nahil Salah Al Askari MA IN MUSEUM AND GALLERY PRACT ICE UCL QATAR

This Qatar Museums Authority employee with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature and a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership from Qatar University, decided to embark upon a completely new career path when UCL Qatar launched the MA in Museum and Gallery Practice degree in 2012. Nahil recounts: “I’ve loved museums since I was a child, but when I started my career, the field of Museum Studies was not available here. I would travel with my family to Europe and my father would always take us to visit museums, so I developed an early interest and love for the subject.” The new program gave Nahil the opportunity to pursue this interest and her director at QMA actively supported her studies.

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ADITYA KARKERA DECIDES TO STAY BACK IN QATAR, EXPLORE THE DESERT AND ITS MYRIAD BEAUTY AND COMES BACK TO DESCRIBE THE DESERT AS NATURE’S MOST VIVID WORKS OF ART.

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THE

towering dune gleamed with a golden effervescence that could put bullion to shame. As the force of winds grew and the sun began to fade away into the embers of dusk - the dune’s beauty could not be undermined. But as my mind remembered why I was standing in front of this masterpiece of nature, it began looking more and uglier to me, until I saw it only as a gargantuan pile of sand. I was here to climb one of the tallest dunes in Qatar - the singing dune. It was the summer of 2013 when my family decided to actually leave the house and use our holiday to do something that didn’t include a television set and a dozen bags of chips. So we headed over to the singing dunes, one of Qatar’s more iconic natural wonders lost to the refuses of decade old tourism pamphlets. The singing dunes are located between the industrial area and Messaieed, and large enough to ensure that they are impossible to miss. Each dune is nearly half a dozen stories tall, and the abrasive quality of its fine grained sand means that these dunes have a unique quality - they can sing in deep tones when met with adequate friction, or hum at the least. Depending on the wind (and your ears) the range of the sound can vary from that of a Vuvuzela, to a barely audible throaty hymn. Qatar’s singing dunes are among a select few found in rare pockets around the world, and the conditions for their formation are so rare that you can almost credit a divine hand in the existence of singing dunes. Climbing the dune, as I was about to, is not for the faint of heart. When you stand in reverence of its grandeur, it’s easy to forget that this is a six storey pile of scorching sand that is inclined at a sharp 50 degree angle. You can’t use professional climbing equipment because they won’t latch on to the loose sand, and you can’t use a car, because it’s too steep. On the singing dunes of Qatar, your hands and feet are your best friends. Your labour and your will, among other things, will get you to the top. Sadly, I lacked both. After a grueling, extremely exhausting 20 minute ascent, I finally made it to the top, and was given my reward - a refreshing breeze, and a view of the Qatari desert never seen before, which captured every inch of the wasteland’s infinite beauty in every direction. It was a fleeting moment of euphoria that is hard in find in the malls, playgrounds and theatres that litter Qatar. I then proceeded to slide down the steep dune and heard the resounding echo of the dune’s song, which is alleged to be able to travel more than a few kilometers in optimal conditions. Wind, sand and sweat smothered my face as I slid down the monolithic dune, and the noise began to get deafening. The tempo slowed down as I reached the bottom. With clothes filled with sand and sweat, I looked back up the dune and marveled at the feat I had accomplished. The greatest thing you can take with you from the dunes is the experience of having challenged yourself and being reimbursed with one of the rarest feats of nature - a pile of sand that can sing.

You’ll never feel more in touch with nature in this quiet part of the world, and is something everyone should try out this summer vacation! Visiting the desert isn’t as perilous as one imagines, and is a highly enjoyable experience if done in good company. If you’re bold enough, you can even stay overnight at the desert, and stand in awe of the raw and jaw dropping splendor of the heavens, as the night sky that envelops the desert is emancipated from the invasive lights of the city, ensuring a breathtaking view of the cosmos, with a million tiny stars adorning the sky, and the moon being the brightest lamp in a blanket of darkness. The dry air coupled with the pitch black surroundings makes the desert a natural cinema, with a night show that’s been running for the past 4.5 billion years. In a world where a flight to a foreign country is equated as a holiday, we’ve forgotten about the simple pleasures that define holidays. Is a cosy fire surrounded by friends, family and good food under a vast ocean of stars inferior to a 6-hour flight to Switzerland? Is participating in one of nature’s spectacles mundane as compared to a fast paced and dry vacation in India? Why take flight to another country, when you can just drive beyond your imagination? We’ve been taught to imagine sandy wastelands filled with the musk of death whenever the word ‘desert’ is mentioned in conversation. But a flask of water, a willing spirit and an itch to explore can teach you that the desert is not a place of suffering, but splendor; and not one of nature’s punishments, but one of the most vivid works of art to ever leave her pallet.

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YOUNG TURKS

OUR BRIGHTEST

MINDS HERE ARE NEEDED MOHAMMED FAKHROO, MANAGING DIRECTOR OF THE NEWLY LAUNCHED TEACH FOR QATAR, CHATS ABOUT HIS MISSION TO TACKLE ONE OF THE KEY CHALLENGES FACING THE EDUCATION SECTOR TODAY – THE LACK OF YOUNG, PASSIONATE AND TALENTED LEADERS READY TO INVEST THEIR TIME AND EFFORT INTO SHAPING THE NEXT GENERATION.

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ome of us wait forever to find a passion that’ll empower us and lend credit to our days; a passion so intense that it consumes our waking moments and percolates into our dreams. Mohammed Fakhroo didn’t have to wait forever. “I had been working in real estate investment and development for over eight years when it hit me that I wanted to do something meaningful and solid for the development of the country. We have been preaching the Qatar National Vision 2030 and the knowledge-based economy but if you look around us, it’s obvious that in the Arab region the one sector that doesn’t have enough investment is education,” he says. Not just the investment of money but, more importantly, that of human capital. Because while good policies, infrastructure etc. are essential, “teachers remain the key and they are the ones who can make a real difference in a child’s education”. “And what better way to motivate and truly inspire a kid in the classroom than to learn from some of the smartest people in the country?” Fakhroo asks. This is why when HE Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani and he were brainstorming innovative solutions that could overcome some of the obstacles facing Qatar’s education system, the Teach for All model stood out for them among all the rest. The two-year fellowship seeks to “attract some of the brightest minds in the country and put them in schools so that they can have a positive impact on the

children.” Just by doing this, Teach For Qatar is attempting to address one of the sad realities in education today. Some of our smartest and most capable young leaders often shy away from entering this field. “I am effectively competing with the oil & gas companies and big banks to recruit the best talent out there and channel them into the education system. Can we attract the best of our youth into education today? No. It’s difficult. It’s not the first choice of career that comes to a student’s mind. And that’s what we want to change,” he thumps the table “and in the process, slowly start driving change by contributing the best talent towards the education ecosystem.” The recruitments were still ongoing at the time of this interview and Fakhroo was ecstatic about receiving more than 200 applications from students and young professionals. “All of them were uniformly outstanding and hard workers who were up for a challenge. I am very happy with this kind of reaction in our very first year,” he says. Through strategically placed kiosks in Qatar University and HBKU and “ambassadors” in every school to spread awareness and headhunt the most promising students for the cause, Fakhroo says these numbers are only bound to grow. This year, the competition will be stiff with Teach For Qatar looking to fill just over 30 vacancies teaching math, science and English for Years 7 and 8 in 11 independent schools across the country. And the recruitment process is no walk in the park either. A dedicated team is sifting through the applications to pick out those who have proven to demonstrate outstanding leadership qualities,

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either at work/school or in the community. “Once the applicants are further screened through some preliminary questions, they have to sit for a full day of assessment that tests various skills and helps us identify some of the traits we are looking for.” Once you make it through that round, you are assigned a school, introduced to the principal and will officially become a full-time employee of the Supreme Education Council. “This is when the exciting part begins,” Fakhroo says will glee. “The two-year development program begins with intensive eight-week training, covering both the practical and content side. They would get to practice for two weeks at summer school before the school year begins in September.” The training and support program has been developed partly by adopting Teach For All’s research stretching back over two decades and partly through Teach For Qatar’s own strategy based on some of the considerations unique to Qatar. “Motivation is our priority,” Fakhroo says. Once school starts, “instructional mentors” will be making the rounds of the schools, sitting in on the classes and constantly giving feedback on your teaching styles and how effective you are in engaging with and motivating the kids. “At the end of the fellowship, we plan to support you if you’d like to continue your path towards developing education. We would create different trajectories that help you to stay on in teaching and go into policy making or shaping curriculum. In reality, a large percentage of the fellows everywhere choose to stay on and continue. We’ll have a clearer picture of this after a few months though,” he says. But what is clear right now, he says, is that this could be the most transformative leadership experience ever for the fellows, “Qatar is

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a nation of excellence. A country that has given us everything and the people who apply just want to give something back to the country, make a difference and build a better Qatar.” And Teach For Qatar is not in it alone. “It’s amazing that regardless of our backgrounds and circumstances, kids are the same around the world. We learn from the stories of the program which is present in 32 other countries, study their approach, and contribute the learnings from our experience to the rest. We have the same mission. No education system is perfect. This is, and ought to be, a journey of continuous improvement that would never end,” he says emphatically. “It’s only natural that we all want to improve, that we are constantly striving to reach our full potential.”

CAREER TRIVIA

PASSION THAT LASTS A LIFETIME HERE ARE EIGHT SIMPLE STEPS FROM THE CAREER EXPERTS AT BAYT.COM TO HELP YOU FIND YOUR TRUE PASSION.

When you find yourself at important life crossroads, like selecting a major or starting your first job, a piece of advice you’ll often hear is to do what you love, or to ‘follow your passion’. But before you can follow your passion, you’ll have to find it. So where do you look for it? And how do you find out what it is you are truly passionate about?

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IS THERE SOMETHING YOU ALREADY LOVE DOING? Do you have a hobby that you love doing, but never considered it as a career possibility? Have you always been a good writer, speaker, artist, organizer, builder, teacher, or friend? Have you been good at connecting people or selling? Give this some thought. Take at least 30 minutes going over this question; often we forget about things we’ve done well. Think back as far as you can – to summer jobs, school projects and hobbies. These are clues that will help you identify your passion(s).

It may be something at school, or it could be something you do as a hobby, a part-time job, or as a volunteer. It could be something you haven’t done in a while, too. Again, think about this for 30 minutes. Add any answers you come up with to the list you’ve made in step 1.

WHAT DO YOU READ ABOUT? What do you spend hours reading about online? What books or magazines do you look forward to read? What blogs do you follow? What section of the bookstore do your friends usually find you at? Add them to the list.

WHAT HAVE YOU SECRETLY DREAMED OF?

DO YOU HAVE THE REQUIRED SKILLS? OK, now you have a list. Pick one thing from the list that excites you most. Now read up on it and learn from people who’ve been successful in the same field. Make a list of things you need to

APPLYING WHAT YOU’VE LEARNED Here’s where the learning really takes place. Apply what you’ve learned and put things into practice. It can be in the privacy of your own home. But as you become better at what you do, make it public. This will motivate you to improve even further. You will start getting feedback, and your reputation will improve as you do.

WHAT EXCITES YOU?

You might have some ridiculous dream job you’ve always wanted to do – to be a novelist, an artist, a designer, a personal coach, an entrepreneur, etc. But some fear, self-doubt or circumstance has held you back and led you to dismiss the idea. Add these to the list too, no matter how unrealistic they may be!

learn or work on, skills you need to master, and people you need to talk to. You can join Bayt.com Specialties platform (bayt.com/en/specialties) where every day, thousands of professionals go to share and find insightful answers to questions that are directly related to their careers and areas of interest.

BANISHING YOUR FEARS Self-doubt and fear of failure is the biggest obstacle for most people. You will need to face it head-on and banish it. First, acknowledge it rather than ignore or deny it. Second, write it down in order to externalize it. Third, feel it and be OK with having it. Fourth, ask yourself, “What’s the worst that can happen?” Usually it’s nothing you can’t deal with. Fifth, prepare yourself for doing it anyway and then do it.

MAKING A LIVING DOING YOUR PASSION Making a living doing what you love doesn’t happen overnight. You may have the interest, but you will need to work on your aptitude. Work on enhancing your skill level. This could take months or even years, but if you’re having fun then that’s what really matters. During this stage, building a good online professional brand would be ideal. Bayt.com allows you to create one for free on people.bayt.com. Remember, we only live once. So dare to dream, dare to imagine all the possibilities and dare to actually search for what you are passionate about, and ultimately, make a living doing it.

Bayt.com is the #1 job site in the Middle East with more than 40,000 employers and over 15,250,000 registered job seekers from across the Middle East, North Africa and the globe, representing all industries, nationalities and career levels. Post a job or find jobs on www.bayt.com today and access the leading resource for job seekers and employers in the region.

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SYMPHONY OF

SOUND BY L ABIGAI S MATHIA

A GROUP OF ARTISTS CHOSE TO LAUNCH THEIR SECOND ALBUM IN QATAR. MOST OF THE CROWD WERE UNAWARE OF THEIR MUSIC. ALL THAT CHANGED THE MOMENT THEY BEGAN TO PLAY THEIR FIRST TUNE.

Drummer Bernhard Schimpelsberger signs autographs.

Soumik Datta on the santoor.

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Left: Singer and guitarist Fiona Bevan and drummer Schimpelsberger while in concert.

Pianist and vocalist Laura Stanford.

The

band, Circle of Sound, introduced us to its unique sound. The venue for their debut concert in Qatar, could not have been more appropriate. It was the circular auditorium of the Al Rayyan Theater. When asked to describe their music, members of the band called it, “Ethnic space age.” Of course it is much more than that. Comprising a 19-stringed sarod player, drummer, violinist, pianist and a cello player and hailed as the ‘vanguard of British Asian music’ (BBC), their sound resonates with deep Indian ragas, urban beats and a spirited rock attitude. Soumik Datta, a fiesty young sarod player, who’s been recognised for his sheer talent, makes the classical Indian instrument look cool, playing it much like an electric guitar. He smiles when we mention this saying, “I’ve always felt that music should break barriers. Maybe dressing in my jeans and a quirky T-shirt helped.” Drummer Bernhard Schimpelsberger is quick to laugh along with his fellow band member. The duo exhibit a comradery that is evident both on and off stage.

Their visit marked the launch of their second album, Anti Hero -- a first stop on an international tour. If no one had heard of them before, their first performance saw a lot of new fans who were rushing to buy their album after the show. “We live in a world where everyone is fighting for that top spot. We wanted to show that its ok to be the anti hero,” says Schimpelsberger who surprised the audience by singing Indian ragas. Though Austrian by birth he has spent a great deal of time in India learning music. “I was only 15 when I went to India and met Suresh Talwalkar who later became by tabla master. As for Datta, he has collaborated with Beyoncé Knowles, Talvin Singh, Shankar Ehsaan Loy, and composer Javed Akhtar, among others. He is also is a resident artist for the London-based Alchemy Festival and the Rich Mix Cultural Foundation. Fellow musician singer-songwriter Fiona Bevan explains that they met in English Literature class and cannot believe that their music has brought them halfway across the world. Bevan has written music for leading artists like One Direction and has just launched her own solo album. “For me, this journey is unbelievable,” she gushes. Other band members include Laura Stanford, Rosabella Gregory and Daniel Keane.

2014

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TAG THIS

TRAINING THE TRAINERS WHEN 14 LOCAL TENTH GRADE STUDENTS FAILED THEIR CHEMISTRY EXAMINATION, ONE OF THE TEACHERS DECIDED TO SWITCH TO NEW STRATEGIES TO ENSURE THAT THIS DID NOT RECUR. HER PLAN WORKED AS TWO MONTHS LATER, THE NUMBER OF STUDENTS THAT FAILED THE TEST DROPPED TO ONLY TWO.

THIS

has been one of the success stories of the school-based support programme launched by the Qatar Universityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s National Center for Educational Development (NCED) three years ago. The teacher was trained by the Center to adapt new methods and her efforts bore fruit. Teaching students always makes the job easier and that is what Hanan Farraj, a professional development specialist at the Center, does during her visits to the schools to train the teachers. Showing the teachers on how to use a sliced tomato to explain to students about the human heart will go a long way in helping the latter to understand the subject. Tasked with the responsibility of improving the teaching standards and also studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; performance, NCED has initiated school-based support programes wherein the teachers are offered

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25 different training programes that run 12 to 15 hours a week. The need for development of educators was felt when some educators from abroad visited Qatar on a previous occasion to train the teachers. But even after this there was no follow-up to the training and the earlier programmes failed to have the desired impact. The newly initiated programes, which are said to be first of its kind in the Arab world, are considered to be of immense help to the Arabic-speaking teachers including Qataris, who have successfully graduated in basic subjects like English, Mathematics, Sciences, Arabic and leadership, but are not properly trained to impart the same to the students. Training in leadership is to develop human resources in the country which is moving away from its dependence on hydrocarbons to knowledge-based economy, as envisaged in the Qatar National Vision 2030. Besides training, the center also publishes research and

The school-based support programes conducted by us in the last three years have helped increase the number of students who passed the tests from 73% to 96%. Once trained, the teachers will train others and it will be a kind of relay exercise. DR. ABDULLAH M. ABU-TINEH DIRECTOR NATIONAL CENTER FOR EDUCATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

evaluation papers. The programme will also cover the involvement of parents in the education of their children and the discipline and dedication among the students as far as their studies are concerned. As part of the school-based support programme, NCED deputes a team of professional development specialists to each school where they work with teachers as part of the capacity building exercise for four days a week. These teams will also collect data relating to students’ achievements, the teachers’ performance and parents involvement, besides all aspects of teaching. After returning to the Center, they submit a report assessing the drawbacks and needs of the principals as well as teachers, and prepare a development plan in association with the faculty members of education. This plan will be implemented to overcome the deficiencies. “The school-based support programes conducted by us in the last three years have helped increase the number of students who have passed the tests from 73% to 96%. Once trained, the teachers will train others and it will be a kind of relay exercise,” says Dr Abdullah M. Abu-Tineh, Director of NCED. During the training programes, the teachers will use active learning and inquiry-based teaching techniques which are designed to engage students in the learning process and deepen their understanding of math and science concepts, he says. The Center has covered 181 independent schools and 3,500 teachers so far and these programmes will witness a spurt once the Center has more space to accommodate the teachers. “We are coordinating with the Supreme Council for Education and other government-related entities (GREs) to train the teachers,” he says. The government is aware that some students are not able to cope with the standards when they complete secondary education to join colleges. Hence, the Centre is also focusing on the students and preparing them to succeed at university level. “We have made some industry-oriented programmes in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) for students and encouraging them to take part in them so that they become useful after completing the studies,” Dr Abu-Tineh says. They also started partnership programes by entering into agreements with organisations like MADA and Awsaj Academy to teach students with special needs and also ExxonMobil to train the teachers. Ever since the Supreme Education Council issued orders to revert to Arabic as the main instructional language for independent schools two years ago, Dr. Abu-Tineh says more students are keen to join the College of Education and take up teaching as a career. In the degree programes, the number of students has gone up from “very few” to more than 1,300 now.

2014

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AUTO SPOTLIGHT

FUN TO DRIVE LEXUS RECENTLY INTRODUCED THE ALL-NEW LEXUS IS MODEL RANGE IN THE REGION.

n an effort to offer a new experience to sedan drivers, Lexus introduced the all-new Lexus IS model range emphasizing emotional design and improved performance that delivers real pleasure at the wheel in all driving scenarios, not to mention the perks of the most advanced technologies and the thrill of F Sport. According to Nobuyuki Negishi, chief representative of Middle East and North Africa representative office, Toyota Motor Corporation, “With its contemporary and elegant design, advanced driving dynamics and innovative technology, the new IS range marks the entry of a distinctive and premium sports sedan to provide a truly responsive vehicle which is a natural extension of its driver. The pursuit of perfection has earned us a reputation for amazing technical excellence, not to mention superior service and a new

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standard of luxury. The Lexus IS represents much more than a car -- it’s an emotional experience and that is what the IS exemplifies by bringing our customers joy as part of a fulfilling and sophisticated lifestyle.” The new IS appears fast and powerful, even as it is standing still. From the front, the unique, trademark spindle grille is elegant but aggressive and powerful. From the side, the lines of the car flow smoothly from the door sill up to the tail-lights in the rear which are angled down and out, with the rear spoiler now integrated into the trunk lid’s trailing edge. This car is definitely sportier. The L shaped LED daytime running lights are positioned just underneath the headlamp cluster drawing the eye to the side and rearwards in a subtle but sophisticated way. From any angle, the aerodynamic lines of the new car suggest speed and agility.

HEALTH & FITNESS

BY MARLO KEET PHOTOS BY ROB ALTAMIRANO MODEL ASHRAF MUSA RAMADAN

EVEN THE MOST COMMITTED OF FITNESS BUFFS USUALLY LET THEIR REGIMES SLIDE DURING THE SUMMER MONTHS. IT’S THE TIME TO TRAVEL, SHOP, LOUNGE ABOUT IN THE SUN AND GORGE ON LOCAL FOOD. But what if we told you that with the minimum amount of time (so as to not cut into your shopping or sight-seeing) and almost no facilities or special equipment (why narrow down your choices of places to stay just because it doesn’t come with a gym) who can keep fit during you vacation and come back to normal exercise schedule to pick up where you left off. South Africa personal trainer and sports coach, Marlo Kleet, takes us through a few simple exercises that you can do in the comfort of your hotel room.

Marlo Keet

STATIONARY ALTERNATING LUNGES Stand up straight with your feet a shoulder-width apart. Place one foot forward with the knee bent but keep your back straight. Repeat by placing other foot forward and alternating for 8-12 repetitions.

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THE PUSH -UP Place your hands slightly wider than shoulders and press down on your mat or floor. Bend your elbow as you go down, making sure you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t touch the ground. Push yourself up and repeat 8-12 times.

TRICEP DIPS Place your hands on any raised object (such as the bed stand) behind your body with your legs at a 90 degree angle. Bend your elbows with your buttocks moving towards the ground. Come back to the starting position and repeat 8-12 times.

PISTOL WALL SQUAT Stand with your back against the wall with legs slightly bent. Slowly slide down the wall with one leg straight up and the other leg at a 90 degree angle. Move back up and repeat 8-12 times by alternating with other foot.

V SIT - UP Lie down on the ground face up and place your arms above your head. Slowly bring your arms and legs up at the same time, raising your back and touching your ankles. Repeat 8-12 times.

2014

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CUT

STUDENTS FROM TWO FROM ACROSS THE DIFFERENT CONTINENTS

SAME

CLOTH

SHARE A PASSION TO CREATE. THE COMMON THREAD THAT BINDS THEM TOGETHER IS FASHION.

Winners of the Kheit competition, Carolina Tonnetti dos Santos from Belas Artes, from Brazil and Kinda Morshed from VCUQ.

Carolina and her Professor Valeska Nakad.

BY L ABIGAI S MATHIA

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arolina Tonnetti dos Santos from Brazil and Kinda Morshed from Qatar are the proud winners of the first Kheit Competition. Kheit, Arabic for ‘thread’ offered an opportunity for students to research attire from each country and create and interpret cultural heritage through art and design. The competition began in February and March 2014 where participating students designed pieces that incorporated heritage style of both countries in a contemporary manner. As part of the Qatar-Brazil culture year, students from Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar (VCUQ), and the Centro Universitário Belas Artes de São Paulo were brought together to showcase a common interest in culture. The students are global ambassadors of the countries they represent. Professor Valeska Nakad from Belas Artes de Sao Paulo, speaks to us shortly after landing in Qatar. “We had 21 students who sent their designs to Qatar from which five finalists were selected. The jury that made this selection included the fashion elite from Brazil.” Carolina is from Belas Artes in Brazil. On her first visit to this part of the world and to Doha, she is slowly taking it all in. “Whatever I have read and learnt about Qatar was helpful but visiting the country has offered a unique picture. There is a kind of mystery which is exciting to explore,” she beams. The process of bringing this project to life involved the guidance of the teachers of each of the participating institutes. “We took up specific designs from Qatar but were acutely aware about the dressing attire in this country. For us it was important to respect the traditional heritage of the country,” mentions Carolina who explains that she was inspired by Her Highness Sheikha Moza bint Nasser. Closer to home, Kinda Morshed found the subject of Brazil, equally fascinating. The 21-year-old VCUQ student is born and raised in Doha, though originally from Yemen. “Even before the competition I was

interested in carnival outfits,” says Kinda. “I researched about the origins of these costumes. I also learnt more about the people who live in the rainforest. Everything they do is inspired by nature.” Much more than simply swapping roles and visiting a new country, this initiative is viewed as a life altering experience for these young impressionable minds. “Though I was guided by my peers and professors this is the first event of its kind so I was facing a new challenge. I had a few basic guidelines but beyond that, I was on my own,” says Carolina. Despite the huge inroads that fashion has made in many circles it is still considered a hobby by the uninitiated. “Initially my father didn’t want me to get in to fashion. He wanted me to take up another profession like architecture where I would easily be able to open an office and set up a business. Rather than take the safe option, I went in to fashion,” explains Carolina who’s victory at Kheit validates her abilities. It is something Kinda can identify with. She says, “I’m shocked that people from Brazil have to deal with the same bias towards fashion. All my siblings are doctors and my family assumed I would become a surgeon. I started drawing in grade seven and soon everyone noticed I had a passion for design.” Professor Valeska has studied the business aspect of fashion for many years. She is quick to point out, “Fashion is not just about a glamorous world. We must understand that it contributes much more to society. Unfortunately students who want to join fashion are often forced to take up other streams.” The organisers hope that this competition will become an annual event as a way of sharing knowledge and fostering cultural exchange and dialogue between various countries. The Kheit exhibition is on at the VCUQ from 20 April untill 1 July 2014 and will travel to Museu Belas Artes de Sao Paulo (MUBA-Belas Artes Museum in Sao Paulo).

2014

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WHAT’S COOL

The “Katy Perry PRISM Collection”, an assortment of jewelry and fashion accessories designed in collaboration with the ‘roar-ingly successful’ singer. The collection is exclusive to Claire’s and will debut to coincide with the start of Perry’s PRISMAT IC WORLD TOUR in May 2014 and her latest album PRISM. The exclusive collection will launch in Claire’s stores worldwide and at Claires.com in May 2014 with the collaboration continuing through 2016.

Blue dominates the color palette for Bourjois, new season’s collections. In delicate monochromes or combined with whites and pinks, it conjures a romantic atmosphere. The “So laque Glossy” nail enamel is perfect to paint the sky blue.

For a slightly different approach try Amazing Grace. Featuring the most concentrated blend of the classic, clean florals, this perfume has a long-lasting scent.

For the definitive summer apparel opt for a collection that is just as cool. Echoing the lighthearted, contemporary, pretty and sweet spirit of See by Chloe’s summer girl, this exquisite look is both fashionable and comfortable.

The boys have no reason to feel left out. Nero Assoluto, Roberto Cavalli’s latest eau de parfum, is a decidedly uncompromising creation: absolute quality, absolute sensuality, absolute glamour. An artful contrast of boldness and elegance, it perfectly reflects Roberto Cavalli’s values, his unique sense of style and audacity.

Perfect for the summer is the Marc Jacobs cosmetics line, Marc Jacobs Beauty. We picked our favourite lip color– this fresh tinge of orange.

2014

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GIZMOS

A PRINTER IN YOUR POCKET This product, which appeared on Kickstarter a few weeks ago is fast gaining traction and if all goes well, you can expect a mini printer, that can print documents straight from your mobile phone by the beginning of next year. While almost all essential electronic items have gone mobile, the printer has sadly lagged behind. But this is about to change with Israel-based ZUta lab’s Mini Mobile Robotic Printer. This neat battery-operated, Bluetoothenabled device, barely 10 centimeters high, 11.5 centimeters in diameter and weighing about 300g, connects directly to smartphones and to PCs, allowing the user to print on any size piece of paper. The device moves across the paper, printing as it goes. The inkjet lasts for over 1,000 printed pages and can print up to 1.2 pages per minute. The company, in addition to having run a successful crowd-funding campaign, is also generating a lot of interest from tech giants, accelerators, product development companies and investors. It’s unclear how much the device would eventually cost but Kickstarter investors would get it for as cheap as $200 (QR728).

BHAM! YOUR IPHONE IS NOW A... Why does the iPhone case have to be just a thing of beauty? These cool new products, available on Amazon.com, will give new purpose to your protective casing.

EQUALIZER Get this funky iPhone case that can display the beats to your favourite tune or even your phone conversation for $9.99 (QR36).

MULTI-TOOL UTILITY CASE Your iPhone can now be a multi-purpose utility tool as well with blue and red pens, nail file, tweezers, scissors, toothpick and Philips and flat-head screwdrivers. That’s a lot of functionality for $44.99 (QR164).

CHARGER Sick of the tangle of your charging cable? Say goodbye to all that with this case with inbuilt AC charger that you can simply mount on the wall. It’s

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PANORAMIC SHOTS ARE EASY AS PIE Sweeping time lapse movies now don’t require sophisticated software or a steady sleight of hand; just this convenient little device. Going on a scenic holiday? Don’t forget to pack this Smartphone Time-Lapse Turntable that is a perfect addition to any amateur photographer’s kit bag. The smooth, clockwork movement ensures a steady panning action that allows you to capture the perfect panoramic pictures or videos. The smartphone attachment lets you slip your digital device into place and is also compatible with large cameras and tripods. For £19.99 (QR122), this is a no-brainer.

NEVER BE IN THE DARK AGAIN Don’t shy away from exploring places that interest you just because you are afraid of the dark. Strap on this flexi-light to any surface and you are ready to go. This bright battery-operated and bendable Flexi Flash can be attached to any object from a bike, to a bag or umbrella, and will light up your way no matter where you are – trekking up in the mountains or walking under a broken streetlight. It weighs less than 50g and can be yours for QR55 when you order from www.wamli.com. And it comes in several blinding colours as well just in case the light isn’t bright enough.

DOGGIE TUNES Listen to your favorite tunes on the go with this adorable Funkyfonic Scottie Dog speaker. This adorable speaker is compatible with any device with a standard 3.5mm headphone socket including all smartphones, tablets, MP3 players, portable gaming systems and computers. This USB-charged device can play up to four hours of music. For QR88, you can take your music with you wherever you go.

2014

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AROUND TOWN

FLYING HIGH

FIVE WINNING TEAMS FROM DOHA TO FLY THE QATARI FLAG AT THE DI GLOBAL FINALS IN KNOXVILLE, TENNESSEE, USA Hundreds of school children from across Qatar pitted their creative, innovative and imaginative talents against each other when they recently competed for the much-coveted first place in the various Challenges performed at the National Finals of the international education programme Destination ImagiNation (DI). The seven schools piloting the program in Qatar include Amna bint Wahab Independent Preparatory School for Girls; The Gulf English School; Newton International Academy; Barwa City; Newton International School, Lagoon, Noble International School, Omar bin Al Khattab Independent Primary School for Boys; and Park House English School. The winning teams will soon take off to the DI Global Finals in Knoxville, Tennessee, USA at the end of May. These include the ‘Alpha Ducks’ team, from Newton International Academy, Barwa City who won the Technical Challenge. The Scientific Challenge prize went to the ‘Sci-Fi’ team from Newton International Academy, Barwa City. The Fine Arts Challenge saw the ‘DI Enlighteners’ team coming in first from Gulf English School. The Improvisation Challenge was a triumph for the ‘7 Awesome Kids’ team from Newton International Academy, Barwa City. Finally, the Service

VODAFONE TARGETS YOUTH WITH FALLA GREAT MOBILE DEALS, EXCITING ACTIVITIES AND DIRECT YOUTH ENGAGEMENT ARE AT THE CORE OF THIS NEW TELECOM PLAN FOR THE YOUTH.

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Learning Challenge Project Outreach was a victory for the ‘Fluffy Nephews’ team from Newton International Academy, Barwa City. Abasifreke Aniedi, winner from Newton International Academy, Barwa City, said, “This was our first year participating in DI and it was quite challenging at times, but we tried our best and made it through to first place in our challenge category.” Close to 500 people attended the DI National Finals, during which each team had eight minutes to present their challenge solution to volunteer judges, their families and their peers. Teams were marked on their creativity, originality, workmanship, effort and overall quality of final presentation. Teams were also given a previously unseen Instant Challenge and for this had five minutes to complete it and present it to judges.

A Qatari expression that means enjoying the moment, “Falla,” is Vodafone’s new plan, available for both prepaid and postpaid users, which includes 1000 minutes of calls to Vodafone numbers, 1GB of internet for mobile streaming and downloads with the music app Anghami, and 100MB mobile internet free on every prepaid recharge with 1GB included in the postpaid plan. “There are half a million young people in Qatar with their own taste and their own requirements not only in terms of lifestyle but also in the field of day to day communication. Vodafone feels that there is a real opportunity to offer something unique to them, that talks to them and that helps them to achieve their dreams and ambitions,” Vodafone Qatar’s CEO, Kyle Whitehill said during the launch. Falla has also teamed up with the Gaming Lounge to offer free gaming every Wednesday from midday to midnight. In addition to this, every month, a select few Vodafone Falla customers will get the chance to participate in exclusive workshops and get fashion advice from international experts. Falla will keep the public informed of these events and more through its dedicated digital platforms on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. The youth engagement comes in the form of chill out zones in campuses at Qatar University and Qatar Foundation, a Falla van that’ll deliver coffee and cupcakes at select locations on campus on certain days, and support using WhatsApp, a first in the region.

DOHA’S FIRST ARAB HIP-HOP FESTIVAL A NUMBER OF ESTABLISHED HIP-HOP ARTISTS AND MORE THAN 500 MUSIC ENTHUSIASTS GOT TOGETHER FOR THE COUNTRY’S FIRST ARAB HIP-HOP FESTIVAL HELD AT THE HILTON BEACH, DOHA.

BUDDING TALENT YOUNG STUDENTS FROM THE GULF ENGLISH SCHOOL CELEBRATED THE END OF THE SPRING TERM WITH AN ANNUAL MUSICAL CONCERT, FEATURING ENGLISH AND ARABIC SONGS FROM AROUND THE WORLD. More than 200 children performed in front of the school community, parents and family members, singing popular numbers like ‘Let it Go’ from the Disney film Frozen and songs from The Sound of Music. Songs from the special concert are included on a CD compilation and profits from the sale will be donated to the animal charity Second Chance.

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The event saw a wide range of talents, including breakdancing, graffiti art, beatboxing, DJ-ing, and rapping. Volunteers, visitors, and participants had the opportunity to meet key hip-hop personalities, learn about their experiences in the entertainment and arts industry, as well as learn some of their tricks and talents through various workshops and competitions. The festival comprised two parts: the outdoor festival featuring various competitions, performances, and featured zones, and secondly, the Hip-Hop Conference, which aimed to be the first annual hip-hop conference in the region, welcoming experts and speakers from the industry.