Campus issue 32 (Apri-May)

SINDHU NAIR AYSWARYA MURTHY AARTHI MOHAN KEERTANA KODURU

VENKAT REDDY M HANAN ABU SAIAM

YOUSUF JASSEM AL DARWISH

PRATAP CHANDRAN BIKRAM SHRESTHA ARJUN TIMILSINA BHIMAL RAI, BASANTHA

AYUSH INDRAJITH MAHESHWAR REDDY B

FREDRICK ALPHONSO SAKALA A DEBRASS SONY VELLATT JASMINE VICTOR

MATHEWS CHERIAN IRFAAN A H M DENZITA SEQUIRA ANIS MANSOURI

A P R I L - M AY 2 0 1 6 CREATIVITY CANNOT AND SHOULD NOT HAVE ANY DEFINED LIMITS. OUR STUDENTS AND PROFESSIONALS AROUND THE TOWN PROVE THIS RIGHT BY CHOOSING WHAT THEY WANT TO DO AND WHO THEY WANT TO BE, IRRESPECTIVE OF THEIR AGE. APPRECIATING TALENT AROUND YOU AND SPREADING THE WORD GOES A LONG WAY ON SOCIAL MEDIA. IN THIS ISSUE OUR SPOTLIGHT FEATURE EXPLORES THE THOUGHT PROCESS OF STUDENTS AT STENDEN UNIVERSITY QATAR ON HOW AND WHETHER SOCIAL MEDIA HELPS IN THE FIELD OF EDUCATION. THE STORYWRITERS, ENTREPRENEURS, RESEARCHERS AND TRAVELERS WE HAVE FEATURED HERE HAVE ONLY ONE MESSAGE – UNRAVEL THE ARTIST WITHIN YOU!

Address all correspondence to CAMPUS, Oryx Publishing & Advertising Co. W.L.L., P.O. Box 3272 Doha-Qatar. Tel: (+974) 44672139, 44550983, 44671173, 44667584.

Fax: (+974) 44550982; Email: campus@oryxpublishing.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.

Published by Oryx Publishing & Advertising Co. W.L.L., P.O. Box 3272 Doha-Qatar.

Tel: (+974) 44672139, 44550983, 44671173, 44667584. Fax: (+974) 44550982.

Email: campus@oryxpublishing.com website: www.oryxpublishing.com

Tanzania’s giant 5,895-meter peak Mount Kilimanjaro was conquered by the students and staff of ACS Doha International School. Their story is inspiring.

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20 ENTER A NEW WORLD ISSUE 32 APRIL - MAY 2016

Campus speaks to the author of Khayal Manal, Muneera Saad Al Rumaihi, who writes a heartwarming book about a young girl in a wheelchair who helps her friend overcome her shyness.

10 SOCIAL MEDIA: BOON OR BANE? This issue, we talk about how social media as an interactive and communicative platform, could either be helpful or of little use in the field of education. We got a focus group of students from Stenden University Qatar who threw light on the topic with their mixed reactions.

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FULL STEAM AHEAD Finding the right posture to perfect a track race requires years of practice, fitness and endurance.

QSTEAM winners Sara Khalaf Al Kubaisi and Tamara Ismail Bashir’s research could change the world.

TAKING MUSIC TO PLACES Monica Reid, one of the inspiring young singers of Doha Youth Choir, shares her experience of guiding and being a part of this passionate singing group’s first overseas choir performance.

SEA, SPARK AND STYLE Hamza Iqbal, an aspiring young entrepreneur and senior at Georgetown University in Qatar, takes off with Chashmay.com.

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ZUMBA WITH A TWIST Priyanka Mally wanted to be different from every other Zumba instructor in town, so she added Bollywood moves and songs to fitness hour, bringing spunk to the classes! Read her story.

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A FISTFUL OF IRON Daniel Martins and Conor Johnson from CrossFit Black and Yellow demonstrate six full-body exercises that can be done with kettlebells.

CAMPUS NEWS

KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER Qatar University and Qatar Shell Research and Technology Centre have established a Faculty Internship Program enabling faculty members from the university to work at Qatar Shell for a period of three months where they will receive hands-on industry experience related to their field of expertise.

CELEBRATING PI QATAR HIGH SCHOOLERS WITH AN APTITUDE FOR MATH CELEBRATED PI DAY EARLIER THIS YEAR WITH A COMPETITION AT CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY-QATAR. Pi is the symbol π, which represents the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter, which is approximately 3.14, and so Pi Day is celebrated on March 14. The preliminary round of the competition took place on February 20, with over 250 student participants representing more than 50 independent and international schools who worked against the clock to answer 60 multiple-choice mathematics questions.

The four teams with the highest scores were invited back to CMU-Q to participate in the final round, which took place on March 12. The competition was organised to help promote science and mathematics education in Qatar by bringing students together to exchange ideas and foster a sense of community.

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CONTEMPORARY STRUGGLES

VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH UNIVERSITY IN QATAR HOSTED NEW EXHIBITIONS BY ITS TWO ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE – NASTASSJA E. SWIFT AND GINA HUNT. The exhibitions, showcased at the VCUQatar Gallery, were the culmination of nine months of work by the two VCUQatar Fellows and they documented their experiences as artists working in the Gulf region. The first exhibition was entitled, ‘I Keep Repeating It Over & Over In My Head’ by Nastassja E. Swift. The unusual title of the exhibition refers to the feelings of doubt and anxiety felt by an individual who has been subjected to or experienced racism. Gina Hunt’s ‘Liquid Crystal + Polymer’ exhibition was inspired by the digital screens that are used in our daily lives, such as laptops, T Vs, mobile phones and other electronic equipment, to create abstract paintings by using colored, translucent textiles.

RIVALRY ON THE FIELD As part of this year’s Great British Festival Qatar 2016 the third annual HADAF five-a-side schools’ football tournament took place at Aspire Zone, with the British Ambassador to Qatar awarding the Ambassador’s Cup to the winning team from Doha Secondary Independent School.

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SPOTLIGHT

SOCIAL MEDIA OR

BOON BANE?

In this issue, we talk about how social media, as an interactive and communicative platform, could either be helpful or of little use in the field of education.

Campus spoke to a focus group of students from Stenden University Qatar who threw light on the topic with their mixed reactions.

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JESSICA COORAY When you talk about social media, there are so many kinds these days such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Snapchat and Instagram.

When you connect it with education, yes, I think it helps a lot. Social media is a means of communication. It helps with group chats during group assignments. Getting to know about events and information from universities across the city has also been helpful. It’s a very positive medium to have in today’s world and is definitely a boon!

MIMI MANANDHAR In a place where we can’t physically be with each other all the time, using social media channels has helped a lot for group discussions, projects and assignments. You get to know information from the news channels you are subscribed to or follow the current fashion trends from celebrity lifestyles. Although there is a positive side, I also see a negative side which is procrastination. I spend about 2-3 hours just checking my newsfeed and notifications, sometimes delaying my actual work. It’s up to you how to use it wisely.

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HEBA QASEM HAMDAN Social media has many advantages and disadvantages.

It is a modern distraction creating attractive ways to communicate, encouraging more interaction. I should know better, as I have ADD and it’s a disaster! It’s also dangerous and can affect one’s performance and determination to compete the work at hand. Being exposed to a wide range of material online can be harmful as well. Violent footage can negatively impact students. Seeing celebrities shooting to fame and popularity also encourages lazy students to drop out of school early, taking alternative paths to success. It acts as a useful tool to the wise one, providing a platform for international communication at a cheaper and faster rate.

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VIGNESH VENKATARAMAN There is another aspect where you have miscommunication on this platform. Anyone can speak against the other and rivalry takes form over time which has been encouraged by social media. This medium cannot be moderated which is bringing in a clash in the mindsets of students. Since you never see the person face-to-face, you tend to have the freedom to talk in a negative way as well.

This being said, yes it helps with the ease of information being passed around and makes it easier to distribute work amongst ourselves. Instead of physically finding people to complete research surveys, just look up your friends list and ask them to help. It makes life easier.

SURAYA AL YUSUF Unconsciously, we’ve learnt a way to market ourselves on social media. We know what’s popular and what’s not and how to make things go viral. We are aspiring entrepreneurs, so it s good for us to know what’s in or not from a business perspective. This also brings us an opportunity to network with people who we otherwise wouldn’t have had the chance to interact with. Knowing your audience on social media for marketing purposes is very important as well.

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NOOR AL MOHANNADI You learn facts and quotes from learned professionals on social media channels like Twitter and Facebook, but is also time-consuming. We waste a lot of time checking notifications and newsfeeds.

It also makes you come across things you didn’t know existed.

GHADIR AL SHEEBANI Social media has changed the way of teaching as awareness has spread across spaces and most schools and universities have accounts online. It’s a plus point for students as they get all information about events and competitions they can participate in. For example, photography students can promote their clicks on Instagram for the public to see even while travelling.

Students have accounts on every new app making it time-consuming but it keeps us updated on things happening around. For students of journalism, it helps in blogging their views about certain issues that spread like wildfire, thanks to this channel.

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CAMPUS TALK

YOUNG TURKS

FULL STEAM AHEAD! BY NA KEERTARU KODU Finding the right posture to perfect a track race requires years of practice, fitness and, of course, endurance. QSTEAM winners Sara Khalaf al Kubaisi and Tamara Ismail Bashir’s research into using a sports jacket has created a fresh new thought process in the sport.

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Qatar

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Foundation Research and Development s (QF R&D) annual Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math Fair (Qatar STEAM Fair), was organized in the month of March, to encourage students to explore their creative side and take innovation to the next level. Organized in collaboration with Qatar National Research Fund (QNRF), a member of QF R&D, and the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, the three-day event was held at the Qatar National Convention Centre (QNCC) and recognized students for their worthy contributions in the field of science and research. With more than 300 participants from 67 secondary, independent and international schools registered to compete in this year’s QSTEAM, it is no surprise that the breadth of findings that were put on display so proudly by these students at QNCC was commendable. Over a period of three days, projects were displayed with the help of extensive research over five months and perseverance to prove logical reasoning would be counted on.

Sara Khalaf Al Kubaisi and Tamara Ismail Bashir from Moza Bint Mohammed Preparatory Independent School for Girls won the first prize for their project titled: ‘The Impact of Sports Jacket on Amending the Runner’s Spine during Athletic Running ‘. Grand award winner Sara Khalaf Al Kubaisi said: “Participating in Qatar STEAM has been hugely beneficial.

hope we can make our parents and our country proud. Of course, we need to give all our thanks to our teacher Mrs. Hajar, who really made all this possible.”

“In the future, we want to develop this

is a big win for us. It might be too ambitious but we aim at winning. Throughout the competition, the judges gave us a lot of advice that we benefited from; to not have a lot of written material on the display board,

Through this competition we got the opportunity to meet new people, learn new research methods and were introduced to many experts in the field of science. Firstly, we were not expecting to win first place. I

jacket that we made not just for sports, but for everyone. I am very excited for the Intel competition because we are going to present our invention in front of the entire world and even if we don t win, us reaching there

to be confident, and to remain authentic to our research findings and sources. Thank God, they liked our research and that’s why we are standing here today as the winners,” she added.

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“Participating in Qatar STEAM has been hugely beneficial. Through this competition we got the opportunity to meet new people, learn new research methods and were introduced to many experts in the field of science.”

CAMPUS spoke to the winners to learn more about their experience.

HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THE IDEA OF CONDUCTING RESEARCH ON THIS TOPIC? We came up with this idea after noticing how our colleagues in school would run.

We knew that their way of running during PE classes was incorrect.

WHAT WERE THE MATERIALS USED FOR THIS RESEARCH? We needed sports shirts and other devices such as sensors, batteries and an alarm.

HOW DOES IT FEEL TO WIN THE PRESTIGIOUS AWARD AND REPRESENT QATAR ON AN INTERNATIONAL PLATFORM?

WHAT IS THE CONCEPT OF YOUR PROJECT?

WITH ATHLETES HERE?

It is a sports jacket that adjusts the backbone vertebrae during running, especially for athletes who specialise in speed running.

Yes, we tested the jackets on athletes here in Qatar and it was very well-received. We also interviewed some of them as well as physicians specialising in sports to get their views on the jacket and its function. We also sought the help of engineers in Qatar Scientific Club.

HOW DO YOU THINK IT WILL HELP ATHLETES TO ENDURE THE PHYSICAL CONSTRAINTS BY WEARING A JACKET? The jacket minimizes physical constraints by enhancing the posture of the runner which helps with balance and breathing during running. We hope that this will help athletes to break records and run more efficiently.

We feel very proud and honored to have

HOW LONG WAS YOUR RESEARCH PROCESS?

won this award and to be able to represent Qatar. And we are even happier to have made our parents and school proud of us and our achievement.

We started the theoretical work last year and conducted our scientific experimentation this year.

DID YOU INTERACT AND TEST YOUR CONCEPT

WHAT HAS THE EXPERIENCE WITH QSTEAM TAUGHT YOU? It was a great opportunity to present our project to our fellow students around Qatar as well as experts in the field and get their professional opinions on the project.

WHAT DO YOU PLAN TO ACHIEVE IN THE FUTURE AS FAR AS YOUR CAREER IS CONCERNED? We both aspire to continue in this field and pursue Physical Education in our undergraduate studies.

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YOUNG TURKS

SEA, SPARK AND STYLE HAMZA IQBAL, AN ASPIRING YOUNG ENTREPRENEUR AND SENIOR AT GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY IN QATAR, TOOK UP THE OPTION OF A SEMESTER AT SEA THAT WAS SUPPOSED TO BE PURELY EDUCATIONAL. LITTLE DID HE KNOW THAT THE WORLD TOUR WAS THE BEGINNING OF SOMETHING SPECIAL AND HIS DREAMS WOULD TAKE OFF WITH CHASHMAY.COM.

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n today’s world, where even teenagers plan international holidays for a spring/summer break, Iqbal, founder of Chashmay.com, an online retail eyewear store, took a ‘pay it forward’ initiative seriously and started a venture that was not only profitable but also worked for a social cause. He enrolled in the Semester at Sea (SAS) program and travelled on a 590-foot cruise ship called the MV Explorer for 100 days, visiting 12 countries including the USA, Mexico, Japan, China, Hong Kong, Macau, Vietnam, Burma, Singapore, Mauritius, South Africa, Namibia, Morocco, and the United Kingdom, where the students aboard the ship gained some hands-on field experience related to their courses of study.

It isn’t the usual semester abroad program now, is it? During his studies at SAS, Hamza took courses in Communications, Human Rights and World Politics.

Lessons were learnt along the way in different cities through the SAS program.

When we asked for memorable moments, Iqbal said, “What really stuck with me was a field trip that we made to the slum communities of Cape town, South Africa where inclusive business has brought technologies like mobile banking and pre-paid electricity meters. This allows low-income families to easily ration power usage with the control and convenience of mobile payment-style prepaid cards that can be punched into a household electricity meter. In other places like Vietnam the lesson was different but equally important; it was all about value addition and skill development. Overall the whole trip was interesting in that we visited and studied economies in all stages of development, from super high-tech Japan, to greatly rural Myanmar and everything in between across four continents.

Waking up in a different country almost every other week, and interacting with a seemingly far-off culture, only to identify its similarities with my own, has given me a renewed sense of self, and how I place myself in the world,” said Iqbal. “Taking courses as part of this study-abroad program allowed me to understand concepts of global business in a truly comparative perspective and gave me insight into how value chains work, thereby maximizing the utility and value addition that takes place on each stop along the way. What really gave me a lot to think about was the concept of inclusive business or what is commonly referred to as the bottom of the pyramid markets, which focuses on providing goods and services to lower income groups. Such business models could help more than a billion people across the globe by improving their standards of living and by allowing them to gain from economic opportunities traditionally only offered to the privileged classes.”

And thus Chashmay.com was born. An online marketplace for stylish prescription glasses. Talking about how this idea and the products, he says “The products are sourced from a design store in Shanghai; I got my first pair from there when I was visiting and got a few compliments, so I went with it.

Based in Hong Kong, this business model utilizes a unique procurement, processing and shipping model. We’re now planning to switch to a supplier in Milan.”

What further drives the model towards inclusivity and responsibility is the promise of giving out a pair of glasses to someone in need for every pair bought at their store.

When we asked why a young aspiring entrepreneur would go the way of a social cause? he says, “I wanted to work on a social business and this was a market where I could have a meaningful impact; one where it was

clear for the consumer to be able to measure the impact of their purchase.” Retailing prescription eyewear is no easy job-based alone on the sizes and specifications.

Chashmay.com proves this statement wrong.

“By retailing online, we are able to bypass high retail rental costs that are otherwise factored into brick and mortar store prices which jacks up the price of absolute necessities like prescription eyewear. In order to allow customers to try on different styles, we just launched our electronic try-out feature that allows customers to see what they would look like wearing a frame they like. This makes the whole experience more fun, interactive and stress-free. We don’t deploy pushy salesmen. Try as many or as few as you want!” says Iqbal.

Another feature unique to Chashmay.com is that they store prescription information. In case you break your pair of glasses and lose the prescription, they have you covered; replacements are only one click away. It’s really nice to hear feedback from customers, some are delighted with the quality, others are surprised about how fast the processing and delivery happens. A major segment of our backers are super-excited to be contributing to a social cause and that makes it all worth it at the end of the day!

Speaking about the experience of launching a cool platform like this one in the Middle East, Iqbal says “People have been super-supportive and thrilled. This has given us the energy to work on the new features and product lines that will be out soon. An ingenious face-shape detector coming soon will allow you to match your face shape with eyewear; a quick webcam scan later, you will be recommended styles to suit you! We’re also expanding fast and this will be my full-time commitment upon graduation for sure.

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EXPERT TALK

ENTER A NEW WORLD Meet Muneera Saad Al Rumaihi, a Qatari writer of children’s literature. Her first book, Khayal Manal, was recently published by Hamad bin Khalifa University Press (HBKU Press). It is a heartwarming book that tells the story of Manal, an inspiring young girl in a wheelchair who helps her friend Noora overcome her shyness and introduces her to her own world.

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WHEN DID YOU START WRITING? I have been in love with reading and writing stories since childhood. My happiest memories are of the time I spent in the school library or our home library. My very first experience with being published was when I was in elementary school and the school magazine ‘Israa’ published a story I had written.

WHERE DOES YOUR INSPIRATION COME FROM? Inspiration comes from life all around me.

The stories children tell, their adventures, their joys and sorrows. There’s a story in every situation.

WHAT INSPIRED MANAL’S STORY? IS IT ENTIRELY FROM YOUR IMAGINATION? Manal is a character that exists in our lives, and in every strong child who defied his or her personal circumstances and smiled at the world around him/her. Manal’s character is inspired by a brave child who is studying with my kids at school. Although he was born with only one hand, he hasn’t let this deter him from having a positive impact on the children around him.

beautiful young girl with a good heart who carries strong feelings, intelligence, hope and love for the people around her. As a character, Manal teaches young readers (and perhaps even adult readers) to not judge or underestimate those who may be different from us.

HOW CAN WE ENCOURAGE CHILDREN TO READ? Reading begins at home. By providing interesting and meaningful books and reading them to our children from a young age both at home and in school, we open up whole new worlds for them to discover and provide a solid foundation for the continued love of reading.

THEY ALWAYS SAY THAT WRITING FOR CHILDREN IS THE HARDEST TYPE OF WRITING. WHAT DO YOU THINK? Children are both sensitive and intelligent; therefore, directing their attention to a story is very difficult. They are also sharp critics; hence, I have to make sure that the story is relatable and compelling and that the writing speaks to children at their level without being patronizing.

story, as well as in its drawings, as the events took place in Aspire Park.

WHAT IS THE NEXT STEP? I am very pleased to announce that Khayal Manal will be the HBKU Press selection for UNESCO World Book Day 2016 on the 23rd of April. In an effort to encourage reading, the book will be gifted to schools and children across Qatar, and I will be conducting several workshops with librarians and counselors from the Supreme Education Council on how to present this book at school. Furthermore, copies of the book will be distributed to Syrian children in refugee camps. I am also teaming up with Gulnar Hajo, who illustrated the book, to do events in Istanbul at Pages bookshop to commemorate World Book Day.

HOW ARE THE LITERARY JOURNEYS COMPATIBLE WITH QATAR VISION 2030?

Literature is integral to any civilization and heritage, and Qatari writers will be part of Qatar’s renaissance. I believe that through literature, we can introduce the world to our unique Islamic and Arabic culture and heritage.

TELL US MORE ABOUT THE CHARACTERS OF THE BOOK. WHAT IS THE SECRET BEHIND MAKING A DISABLED GIRL THE STORY’S MAIN CHARACTER?

HOW DOES THE QATARI SOCIETY IMPACT YOUR WRITING?

WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS?

It is simply present in the underlying

I am now in the process of completing a new

People with special needs are active members of the community and their disabilities do not prevent them from achieving success; everyone should be aware of this. In Khayal Manal, Manal is a

customs, traditions and values that run through my stories. Even though I have not yet written a story from a Qatari heritage, we see in Khayal Manal the real courage and values formed between the lines of the

book, and I’m really looking forward to introducing more children and parents to it.

It uses a bit of humor and a bit of drama to illustrate the small conflicts that shape so many childhoods.

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FITNESS

ZUMBA WITH A TWIST

GO BOLLYWOOD WITH PRIYANKA You re never too old to explore yourself and do what’s right for you!

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BY NA KEERTARU KODU

SPIRIT,

raw energy and sheer determination to go places, have made this young Bollywood dancer come out of her shell into the closed circuit of Doha’s dancers and to create a niche for herself. “I believe that Bollywood dance involves a lot of expression and this is what women here need. A way to explore and express your feelings,” says Priyanka Mally.

“Dance is my basic need like food, clothing and shelter to my soul.” She wipes her sweat after an intense class on Saturday afternoon and speaks with ease when most of us would still be running out of breath. Priyanka Mally, a trained Indian classical dancer speaks about her journey of incorporating different forms of creativity into her life. “I started dancing from the age of three and continued with a vigorous passion till the age of 15, until my father said it was time for me to focus on my studies.” So she took up fashion designing as a way to indulge her creative side and focused on the works of embroidery which she excelled at in Bangalore, India.

Coming from an Indian middle-class society, the creative arts were not that well understood at the time. “It took a lot out of me to stop doing what I love when I was at the peak of my flexibility and a performing career. I had more

moving to Doha in 2011. She had a small stint with local abaya makers which didn t seem right at the moment, and a group of supporting moms who she found through Facebook pushed her to take up dance again. “My health started taking an ugly turn and I couldn’t understand how I could help myself. I was putting on a lot of weight and wanted to be incharge of my life and make myself happy. It is very important to understand that no one else can help you in the process of being content with yourself other than you.

aton Fitness Centre and began practicing as an instructor. But, here comes the twist. She knew the world loved Zumba as it is, but what could she bring to the class that was different from every other instructor in town? The moves she’s best at – Bollywood.

She adds the Indian flavor to her Zumba classes and draws inspiration from Sucheta Pal, the first Zumba Education specialist who brought this form of fitness to India.

She adds the classic steps of Zumba, reggaeton, cumbia, merengue, etc., to bollywood

than three stage shows every week and was reveling in the glory of being a stage-performer.”

A fashion designer by qualification, Mally moved back into the world of dancing after

As a Christmas gift, my family then encouraged me to take up Zumba and I was hooked, going for classes more than twice a week. This helped me realise where my happiness lies.”

She then joined the Zumba classes at Sher-

songs adding spunk to fitness hour. “I wanted to be different and my love for dancing is my path to exploring who I am within. This is what I want young women to learn.”

She gets her energy from a message deep

Wednesday 4:30 PM Stenden University Monday 8 PM Yamayoga Studios (Westbay), Tuesday 7:30 PM Yamayoga Studios (Al Waab) Saturday 3 PM Sheraton fitness Center

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within to make the world a happier, bouncier place to live in. “My energy also comes from the many dancers I meet in classes. Everyone has a story to tell and a life to break free from.

I’m glad that I can be a part of their journey towards being mentally and physically fit.”

Was she always into fitness? “I was a chubby kid throughout my childhood and dancing has helped me in many ways. I gained courage from my teachers who were relentless and rather strict on me to get into shape. It’s not about being thin or fat (curvy or slim); just

teacher gave me the confidence and this is when I put two and two together and realised that it wasn t enough to just dance, but to also teach others around me that completed my purpose in life.”

“I believe that everyone has a chance to explore their inner talent at any age. Never stop trying new things because you never know what you’ll fall in love with. I believe there is an answer for everything and a reason to do or not do something which is easier to find once you’ve accepted the situation in front

about being active and moving towards the path of being mentally fit and physical fitness will follow you.” She believes in Guru Bhakti ,devotion towards teachers, and started training for the Zumba Instructor courses. “My

of you.” Where health is concerned, she goes by the popular saying ‘eat what your grandmother ate’. “These modern diet regimes don’t help in the long run. With our relaxed lifestyle, it is also important to eat right and get a com-

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plete check-up done every six months once you are of age.”

She says students need more stress busting activities in today’s competitive world. Push yourself to do better but don’t forget to enjoy your teenage years! The creative side will only blossom when you try something new and keep going at it,” says Mally.

University students don’t miss her class and Qatari women adore her Bollywood moves!

Every class feels like a party!

Facebook: Bollywood with Priyanka Instagram: bollywoodwithpriyanka Email: priankamalli@gmail.com

YOUNG TURKS

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As 2016 kicked off, a group of students and staff of ACS Doha International School were training to take on Africa’s highest mountain, Kilimanjaro! For several weeks, the team continued to train, setting themselves progressively punishing targets, honing their skills and building up their capabilities to take on Tanzania s giant 5,895-metre peak. In early February, they were ready to take the summit!

The climbing party was made up of ten ACS Doha students from Grades 10, 11 and 12, who were joined by Lee Perry, high school teacher and Deanna Milne, high school teacher and creativity, action and service

stand to gain from the physically grueling climb itself, we are certain that this expedition will teach our climbers mutual responsibility, co-operation and other highly prized soft skills. I am delighted to say that

(CAS) co-coordinator. The quest to reach the renowned summit kicked off with the team undertaking a minimum of six physical training activities each week. Long 90 minuteswalks or jogs three times a week were supplemented by strong cardio exercises and numerous other intense preparatory activities. The aspiring climbers, guided by the expertise of ACS teachers, had successfully completed the Cooper Test, a globally recognised standard in confirming physical fitness. As part of the preparations, all participants trekked throughout the desert area surrounding Doha, finishing a 17 km walk in four hours. The team bettered that achievement by undertaking a 20 km walk in the same amount of time.

Opting to utilise locations and resources in Qatar to train, the team has so far climbed The Torch at Aspire Zone twice. The team continued to train by ensuring that climbing conditions were replicated as far as possible.

Climbers completed all practice climbs while carrying the exact backpack weights they were set to carry on their Kilimanjaro trek. In the weeks leading up to the climb, preparation intensified in order to ensure that all climbers were in perfect physical condition.

The team of teachers who accompanied ACS Doha students was confident of fitness levels and the disciplined mindsets of the young climbers. Deanna Milne said ahead of the climb: “We are so proud of the students

our climbers have already demonstrated an ethic of service, have become more caring, open-minded and reflective, and showing greater levels of self-confidence and maturity.”

Milne added: “This trip has been organised with the aim of imparting rich educational benefits, in line with ACS Doha’s International Baccalaureate learner profile, which encourages all of our students to be principled, open-minded, critical thinkers and inquirers, as well as responsible members of society. We have had a really positive response from the students so far and we hope to make the Mount Kilimanjaro climb an annual fixture on ACS Doha’s co-curricular activity calendar.”

Established in 2011, ACS Doha is part of the ACS International network of schools and its first international campus. Located at Al Gharaffa, ACS Doha’s student body comprises children aged between 3 and 18.

The school offers a number of internationally renowned programmes including its Early Years Foundation Stage, as well as the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme and the IB Diploma Programme. Several members of the Mount Kilimanjaro team are IB Diploma students. The IB Diploma Programme incorporates community service as a key component of its approach. The IB Diploma Programme is designed to develop students

that are taking part in the Mount Kilimanjaro climb. We are also impressed by how they are challenging themselves in preparation.

The climbers have proven their high levels of fitness. Apart from the rich experience they

who will make a meaningful contribution to the world, both during and after their education. The programme focuses on inculcating skills that will serve the students, communities, nations and the world.

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Confirming the efficacy of the IB approach in the last two years, senior students at ACS Doha have participated in international outreach programmes in Nepal and India, where they were able to identify and engage with rural community projects, and to leave their mark on those locations.

Steve Calland-Scoble, Head of School at ACS Doha, says: “At ACS, we nurture a diverse range of qualities within the IB learner profile where academic teaching during school hours is coupled with regular opportunities for students to engage with the wider community, reflect upon critical issues and contribute to positive change through developing creative, responsible solutions. Our goal is to inspire our students to become global citizens who are passionate about transforming the environments and communities we live in, whilst remaining accountable for their actions,” concluded Calland-Scoble.

Upon their return from climbing Mount Kilimanjaro one of the world’s top seven summits, the team of ACS students and staff reflected on their journey. Day after day, the group climbed, scoured rock faces, increased their altitude, struggled to keep moving forward, laughed around the table at the camp, and faced sunburns, bruises and scrapes. The mountain threw everything it had at them – rain, hail, wind.

Despite these challenges, when the clouds rolled past, the group were rewarded with stunning views and the unforgettable beauty of the natural environment at its best. Despite the taxing climb each climber reveled in the opportunity to push themselves further than thought possible, while forging new friendships and developing a great respect for new cultures.

On day 6, after a grueling ascent, the team reached the highest point on the African

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“For me, the climb started the day I committed myself to partaking in the trip to Kilimanjaro. It has been the single most physically and mentally draining experience of my life, but I would do it again in a heartbeat. It has taught me a lot about myself and my own qualities and thresholds, and it has brought me closer to my teachers and peers. It has been a truly rewarding adventure.”

– Ida Skouboe, Grade 12, ACS Doha continent – 5,895m above sea level!

Undoubtedly, this was one of the greatest challenges we have ever faced. Yet we stayed positive and motivated, putting one foot in front of the other and went “pole pole” (“slowly slowly” in Kiswahili) all the way to the summit,” said Deanna Milne.

It is difficult to return to an everyday routine after going through such a life-changing experience; the lessons learned and challenges faced by the group will stay with them for the rest of their lives, reminding them to step out of their comfort zones whenever they can, as well as the importance of pushing themselves and others to reach their full potential.

ACS Doha’s Kilimanjaro climbers have received the unstinted support of the entire school, parents and members of the local community who encouraged them every step of the way from the sands of Qatar right through to the summit.

CAMPUS TALK

SCIENCE FOR EVERYBODY Meet the winners of the Qatar leg of FameLab, organised by the British Council, where contestants delivered an entertaining and original three-minute talk on a scientific topic using limited props and without using any electronic presentation tools.

These two young ladies will be heading to London in June to represent Qatar in the FameLab International finals.

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RUA ’A ADEL

AIDA RAFAT

Area of interest: At present, I’m studying medicine at my school so that I can pursue a career in medicine at the higher education level. I ‘m always passionate to learn how the body works and of course new discoveries. I’m fond of science and math. I also love to volunteer in my free time.

Area of interest: I hold a bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering and a master’s degree in Environmental Engineering from Qatar University with a focus on water and waste water treatment processes.

I’m very passionate about education, science and research because I believe that only through these three can we understand our world more thoroughly, becoming better versions of ourselves and doing better to sustain our planet.

Grade 11 Um-Hakeem Secondary School for Girls

At FameLab Qatar: I chose to speak about the immune system and stem cells. We all know how important stem cells are to our bodies and the massive benefits that research will provide to the medical world, but a lot of people still don’t know what stem cells are or how they work.

Communicating science: Across the world our languages, cultures and religions can be different but our science shouldn’ t be. In addition, I think that excellent science communication is very important and can capture one’ s imagination: sparking meaningful debate and discussions that grant science a stronger presence in our society to help bring us together.

Going forward: I hope to see FameLab happen on a bigger scale in Qatar that will include students from different levels, and not only secondary school students. I believe that you can appreciate and understand science, regardless of age. Moreover, I hope that this competition will give us all the opportunity to discover talented young scientists in Qatar.

Snippets from the speech: “Can the blind be given the gift of sight? Is it possible for heart disease or diabetes to become easy to cure? Is it conceivable that we have in our own bodies a cell that is the key to all this? ... In the early stages of embryonic development, the egg begins a multi-division process known as cleavage, in which stem cells are produced. ...These cells are not yet specialized and can be modified or differentiated into any kind of cell type: neuromuscular, cardiovascular, etc.....Stem cells can repair and renew themselves. For example, if you place them in a damaged heart, they will work as a heart cell...The human body doesn’t reject them, and thus many of modern medicine s problems could be solved...The discovery of stem cells has shaken the world of medicine.”

Research Engineer ConocoPhillips, Global Water Sustainability Center

At FameLab Qatar: My topic for FameLab was completely different from what I do in research. I have always been fascinated by the world of nanotechnology and nanomaterials. I wanted to have a better understanding of what it involves. So I chose to talk about the super new two-dimensional material called graphene that created such a big buzz in the scientific community recently, because it has the potential to revolutionize our future.

Communicating science: Being in the research field, we have the privilege of being more connected and more knowledgeable about the latest breakthroughs in science and engineering. It is our duty and our responsibility to educate people about what is happening around them, to make them question, to make them more curious about science.

Because this is what we need. We need more curious people who can contribute to the exponential growth of human intelligence. We need to have the younger generation understand that science is not the written material in their school books; science governs our world and creates all the beauty in it.

Going forward: I’m sure that FameLab International will be an inspiring experience. I hope that my voice and the voices of all the other contestants will reach the largest number of people possible, and teach them something they didn’t know and make them wonder, because this is what FameLab is about.

Snippets from the speech: “...Today we live in the Silicon Age, without which we wouldn’ t have had this exponential revolution in electronics and technology. But what can be the next new material that will revolutionize our future?...The graphene sheet is so thin that it is only one atom thick, which makes graphene the world s first two dimensional material... the carbon bonds are very strong,- making it 200 times stronger than steel yet extremely flexible... It makes me wonder about all the other materials surrounding us, waiting to be discovered only if we looked at them from the nanoscale perspective.”

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CAREER TRIVIA

QUESTIONS TO ASK AT THE END OF A JOB INTERVIEW BEFORE A JOB INTERVIEW, YOU SHOULD ALWAYS PREPARE. RESEARCH WHAT THE COMPANY DOES, HOW THEY WORK, WHAT THEIR MISSION AND VISION STATEMENTS ARE AND ALWAYS HAVE A SET OF QUESTIONS READY TO ASK AT THE END OF YOUR JOB INTERVIEW. THESE QUESTIONS SHOULD COME DIRECTLY FROM YOUR RESEARCH; THEY SHOULD BE OPEN-ENDED AND ELICIT A FULL RESPONSE, AS OPPOSED TO A SIMPLE YES-NO ANSWER. SO WHAT ARE THESE QUESTIONS AND HOW DO YOU COME UP WITH QUESTIONS SMART ENOUGH TO IMPRESS THE INTERVIEWER?

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HERE, THE CAREER EXPERTS AT BAYT.COM, THE MIDDLE EAST’S LEADING JOB SITE, COMPILED SIX QUESTIONS YOU CAN ASK AT THE END OF A JOB INTERVIEW.

01

02

WHAT ARE THE DAY-TO-DAY RESPONSIBILIT IES OF THE JOB?

WHO HELD THIS POSIT ION BEFORE ME, AND WHY AM I REPLACING THEM?

Learning about the day-to-day tasks will provide you with insight into what skills are needed for the job.

This question gives you the chance to learn as much as possible about the role, what skills to acquire and improve, and whether or not this is a job for you.

The reason why the person is no longer in the company is relevant as you evaluate the opportunity to be successful in the role. That, in turn, will provide you with a clue to whether there is chance for advancement and what you will offer the employer that the previous hire did not.

04

05

WHERE DO YOU SEE THIS COMPANY IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS? If you are planning to stay at the company for several years, you need to make sure the organization is growing in order for you to grow with it. Such a question can also help determine whether the company’s goals are aligned with yours in terms of career growth and development. According to the Bayt.com Career Development in the Middle East survey, January 2016, 85% of respondents said that career development is very important to them; 53% are willing to move to another sector to further develop their career, and 54% are prepared to move to another country in order to find a better job.

03 HOW DO YOU EVALUATE SUCCESS HERE? How a company evaluates employee success is a vital factor in whether or not you accept the job. It demonstrates your interest in being successful and the answer will show you how to gain momentum when you start.

06

WHAT CAN YOU TELL ME ABOUT THE TEAM I WILL BE WORKING WITH?

WHAT IS THE NEXT STEP FOR US TO PROCEED?

Asking about the team is as important as inquiring about the job itself. It tells you about the people you will interact with on a daily basis and if you can fit in with the team. This also gives the employer the idea that you understand the job is of a collaborative nature, and that you are a team player. Almost half of the respondents (48%) in the Bayt.com Middle East Job Index survey, August 2015, said they are primarily looking for team players.

This is an essential question to ask to conclude the interview. It shows that you’re interested in moving along in the process. This is the perfect way to conclude your job interview and shows your interest in the job and the company. It also shows leadership skills, and may even give you an idea of how many other people are being considered for the position.

Bayt.com is the #1 job site in the Middle East with more than 40,000 employers and over 23,500,000 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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TECH TALK

BEYOND FEAR, THERE IS VICTORY SAMSUNG TECHNOLOGY IS HELPING PEOPLE TO OVERCOME DEEP-SEATED FEARS LIKE BEING AFRAID OF PUBLIC SPEAKING OR VENTURING TO GREAT HEIGHTS.

That is the result of the #BeFearless program run by Samsung Gulf Electronics Co., Ltd., as part of its Launching People campaign. Selected participants from Germany, Austria, Russia, Romania, Bulgaria, Hungary and the United Arab Emirates took part in virtual reality training sessions using Samsung Gear VR, to see whether a virtual but immersive exposure to challenging situations would help them master these tasks in real life. At the end of the training, all 27 participants were

ready to achieve their full potential, having overcome their fears. Some of the participants then celebrated their achievement with real-life challenges in Dubai in the United Arab Emirates, in which they tackled these fears head-on – either by speaking in front of a large crowd at the city’s Courtyard Playhouse theatre, or by taking the Zip-line challenge at Dubai Mall. The training sessions were held over four weeks, some run with professional help, others based on self-training at home.

TRAVELING THEATER A recently published Ford patent details the automaker’s plans to offer drop-down projection screens that cover car windshields, transforming automobiles into cinemas. The most intriguing part of the idea is that you actually could drive somewhere and watch a movie at the same time, thanks to Ford’s self-driving car technology. The patent describes two different modes for the movie theater. When the car is in self-driving mode, the screen would fully cover the windshield, providing a cinematic experience. But switch to manual drive mode, and the screen would disappear, leaving a more conventional in-dash display to take over movie playback.

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WHAT HAPPENS ONLINE IN ONE SECOND? ON THE INTERNET, THINGS MOVE FAST; IN JUST A SINGLE SECOND AN EMAIL CAN BE SENT, A VIDEO WATCHED, A 1000 SUBJECTS SEARCHED. WE’VE SUMMARIZED JUST HOW MUCH ACTUALLY HAPPENS IN ONE SECOND ONLINE.

7,114 T WEETS ARE SHARED

IN CYBERSPACE, NO ONE CAN HEAR YOU SCREAM

485 INSTAGRAM PHOTOS ARE UPLOADED

“The level of stress caused by mobile delays was comparable to watching a horror movie.”

Ericsson ConsumerLab, Neurons Inc, 2015

1,465 TUMBLR POSTS ARE CREATED

2,029 SKYPE CALLS ARE MADE

33,012 GB OF DATA ARE TRANSFERRED

QCRI IMPROVES ONLINE SEARCH QATAR COMPUTING RESEARCH INSTITUTE HAS PARTNERED WITH QATAR LIVING, A RICH SOURCE OF NON-OFFICIAL INFORMATION ON QATAR, TO INCORPORATE NATURAL LANGUAGE UNDERSTANDING TECHNOLOGY ON THE QATAR LIVING WEBSITE. QCRI’s Arabic Language Technology Group has worked on the advancement

to their questions on the forum to save time. QCRI joined forces with

of the technology for over two years. In collaboration with a team of engineers from Qatar Living, the development is now ready for industry application, allowing visitors to the website the ability to easily and quickly find answers

researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (MIT-CSAIL) to develop novel algorithms for language processing on the data provided by Qatar Living.

52,911 KEYWORDS ARE SEARCHED

117,070 YOUTUBE VIDEOS ARE VIEWED

2,467,055 EMAILS ARE SENT This infographic is bought to you by: PAYFORT

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YOUNG TURKS

TAKING MUSIC TO PLACES MONICA REID, ONE OF THE INSPIRING YOUNG SINGERS OF DOHA YOUTH CHOIR, SHARES HER EXPERIENCE OF GUIDING AND BEING A PART OF THIS NASCENT BUT PASSIONATE SINGING GROUP’S FIRST OVERSEAS CHOIR PERFORMANCE.

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T

hirty-four children, stood side by side, led by a fearless leader, Alena Pyne, all from different places around the world, from all age groups ranging from seven-year-olds to 16, sharing one passion, the passion of singing.

Many people ask the same questions: Why waste your time in a choir? Why spend six hours of every week dedicated to learning new music and singing? Why participate in a choir instead of private singing lessons? The fact is that when you share experiences and frustrations within the boundaries of the rehearsal hall and a common passion and dedication to singing, it makes the entire

which contributes to the choir’s many successes; whether it be caring for the younger children, ensuring everyone is participating or making sure everyone is prepared and organized for the performances. So, when people ask why I spend six hours of rehearsal every week, I tell them that when the last perfect note is sung, the audience is left with pure satisfaction and a joyful awe, followed by the moment when the choir relaxes and the roaring applause begins. It is in that moment we, the choir, consider everything we have worked for and undertaken to be truly worthwhile. Without pure determination and dedication the choir could

shared experience worthwhile and a success on all levels. When one individual makes a mistake, everyone makes a mistake, and when everyone works together to overcome that mistake, that is the real accomplishment. Each member in the choir depends on the other’s support and encouragement. Everyone in a choir has a specific role,

not exist.

Accomplishment is not a walk in the park or served on a silver platter; it takes hard work and a focused effort. With the help of the many parent volunteers, our pianist Mark Seay, our vocal coach, Zach Singerman, our administrator, Maralyn Sargunam, the

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“Sometimes we left the rehearsal feeling dispirited that we could not get it right. But through good guidance, hard work, and perseverance we eventually succeeded.� sponsors (KLM, Radisson Blu Hotel, Fifty One East, Yamaha, German International School, Doha College, etc.) and the choristers, for the past three years Doha Youth Choir would not be what it is today. For a few of the choir members getting to this point may have felt like a never-ending journey of tireless rehearsals and constant frustrations. But for the majority it was clear that one day all the work put in from the beginning three years ago would bring rewards.

Since the start of the New Year the DYC has been working six hours a week in rehearsals, and learning 13 songs for our first international tour to Germany. In the beginning, many of us began to feel overwhelmed and discouraged, especially since many of the songs were in different languages and also since time had to be made for singing and practices in between regular schedules of school schedules and assessments. However, over time, when our bonds and relationships grew stronger, and the urge to prove that we as a choir deserved to stand next to world-renowned choirs and join them in music grew, our motivation to work fearlessly overcame our frustrations. These were not simple steps on the road to success. Some of the songs were very difficult and seemed to take forever to learn. Sometimes we left the rehearsal feeling dispirited that we could not get it right. But through good guidance, hard work, and perseverance we eventually succeeded.

Three tireless months later the choir members and volunteer parents were packing their suitcases and boarding an aeroplane for this once-in-a-lifetime journey to Germany. After travelling for eight hours without sleep, the group finally arrived at the first destination: Berlin!

Although exhausted and tired, the moment we glanced at the new and breathtaking scenery, our energy returned and excitement overtook us. Many of us did not know what to expect, and many of us had never been to Germany or Europe before. The first day in Germany we explored everywhere and did everything together.

This was a choir tour and our passion and love for singing went with us, in the subway, on a boat, everywhere! Once, as the choir piled

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“When traveling with a lively choir, one should expect nothing less than a journey without sleep. Once we reached Hamburg, we were joyfully welcomed by our host families.”

on to the subway, a few of us began to sing Disney songs until the entire subway carriage was immersed in song from an unknown cheerful choir group that had travelled thousands of miles to be in Berlin.

After a long and amazing rehearsal plus workshop with the host choir, followed by our exquisite performance, our stay in Berlin was suddenly over and a new journey began to the next destination, Hamburg. The ride from Berlin to Hamburg took over three hours.

As a caution, when travelling with a lively choir, one should expect nothing less than a journey without sleep. Once we reached Hamburg, we were joyfully welcomed by our host families.

These families were very kind and made the choir very welcome.

A distinct and special bond was created between our host families (both from Berlin and Hamburg) and between the other members of choir that will never be forgotten, as now we have lifelong friends and unbreakable relationships.

Throughout this entire experience we were able to encounter the astonishing cultural aspects such as the food we ate (when we first tried currywurst) and the German lifestyle. In Hamburg, the group enjoyed many amazing sites and places. On the first day, we took a boat tour of the Hamburg harbor.

Then we went to the Miniature Museum, The Hamburg Dungeon, and took a walking tour of Hamburg.

Unfortunately, the next day would conclude our amazing journey to Germany, and we would have to say our goodbyes, which was the hardest part.

Singing for our final concert in Hamburg was one of the most memorable parts of the entire trip. The Hamburg Girls Choir sang perfect overtones and the most exquisite diminuendo which left the concert hall in complete silence and awe. By the end of the concert there were over 100 choristers on stage singing in perfect harmony.

At that point, we knew it was all worth it, even though there is still much more that we can do. As we all know, learning music is a relentless yet fortifying journey, of which we had taken a small but worthwhile step.

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FITNESS

A FISTFUL OF IRON Daniel Martins and Conor Johnson from CrossFit Black and Yellow demonstrate six full-body exercises that can be done with kettlebells.

Kettlebells began as a form of showmanship and entertainment rather than the fitness tool they have become today. Their use started during city festivals when Russian men would use them to display their strength, balance, coordination and stamina. Today they are used by a wide variety of fitness professionals and are seen as an affordable way to add to your home gym or you can even keep one in the boot of your car for a workout anywhere your life takes you. Here are six simple exercises to help you shape up on the go.

01

LUNGE Hold one kettlebell in each hand. Take a forward step with each foot while maintaining an upright chest. Make sure that the knee of the forward leg stays perpendicular to the ankle. Touch the back knee to the ground lightly. Then stand back up. Repeat 10x per leg.

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02

GOBLET SQUAT Start by placing your feet shoulder width apart. Grab kettlebells by the horns and hold at chest level, close to the body. Perform a squat by keeping the chest up and driving knees out, descending to the deepest point. And then return to standing position. Repeat 10x.

03

TURKISH GET-UP Lie on your back with one hand holding the kettlebell and opposite leg bent.

Slowly lift the kettlebell with one shoulder then continue lifting with your torso.

Lift your hips and slowly sweep your straight leg to the back into a kneeling position. Straighten your chest while still lifting the kettlebell. From kneeling position stand up straight. Perform the exercise in reverse and go back to the lying position. Repeat 10x and then repeat again by switching hands.

04

RENEGADE ROW Place two kettlebells on the floor about shoulder width apart. Position yourself on your toes and your hands as though you were doing a push-up, with the body straight and extended. Use the handles of the kettlebells to support your upper body.

You may need to position your feet wide for support. Push one kettlebell into the floor and row the other kettlebell, retracting the shoulder blade of the working side as you flex the elbow, pulling it to your side. Then lower the kettlebell to the floor and begin the exercise with the opposite hand. Repeat for several reps.

06

05

RUSSIAN TWIST Lie down on the floor and place your feet either under something that will not move or by having a partner hold them. Your legs should be bent at the knees. Elevate your upper body so that it creates an imaginary V-shape with your thighs. Your arms should be fully extended in front of you, perpendicular to your torso and with the hands clasped. This is the starting position.

Holding the kettlebell, twist your torso to the right side until your arms are parallel to the floor. Hold the contraction for a second and move back to the starting position while breathing out. Now move to the opposite side. Repeat for the recommended amount of repetitions.

SEATED KETTLEBELL PRESS Grab the kettlebells and hold them at your shoulders while seated on the ground with legs splayed. Keep your stomach tight and press the kettlebells overhead. Keep the kettlebells directly above the shoulders and return to start position. Repeat as required.

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THE INSIDE-OUTSIDE HEADPHONES VIE SHAIR are being marketed as “pain-free sociable headphones”, ones that promise a comfortable listening experience that allows you to let the outside world in, should you choose to.

The open air frame provides ultimate comfort while the closed air frame ensures privacy. Traditional headphones are painful because they create pressure and generate heat. They’re also subtractive, in that they take you out of your environment, which makes communication difficult and awkward. VIE SHAIR’s 3D molded air frame design floats the speaker just off your ear, and is extremely comfortable to wear, in addition to being Bluetooth-enabled. It also allows you to interact with your environment while listening to your audio. When you want privacy, the open air frame easily converts to a closed air frame. $113,251 out of the $150,000 goal has been pledged.

GET GADGETY

KICKSTARTER EDITION Due to popular demand, this time we are bringing back a list of cool things that are on Kickstarter. Watch the funding stats, you might be able to buy one of these real soon.

A MOUSE FOR ALL AGES This is probably the biggest innovation in mouse technology since we got rid of those annoying balls. Tmouse, the world’s first deformable mouse, offers you two kinds of grip methods by means of deforming. You can stretch your palm to use the mouse as usual, or roll your palm like clenching your fist in a natural way to use it, which will make you feel more comfortable. Tmouse will change your clicking style and is an absolutely new experience for mouse users. $48,147 out of the $10,000 goal has been pledged.

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AN UMBRELLA YOU CAN NEVER LOSE Davek have been known to make the strongest umbrellas with the most advanced technology.

Now they are upping the ante with a “smart” umbrella that you could sync to your phone. They call it the Davek Alert Umbrella. Once activated, the umbrella will automatically connect to your phone within seconds when you pick up the umbrella. Now, if the distance between the chip and your phone exceeds 30 feet the umbrella would send a reminder to your phone. Never forget your umbrella again! Can’t remember where you last left your umbrella? Activate the new “Last Known Location” feature on the app. $32,730 out of the $80,000 goal has been pledged.

THE BEDSIDE 3D PRINTER AN OBSERVANT PASSENGER The TrapTap wireless speed trap indicator is a 100% legal device that warns you of speed traps, school zones, and red light cameras by flashing different colors. It has a two-year battery life and already knows the location of every red light camera and school zone but relies on its community of users to mark the location of mobile and radar traps. TrapTap has been pre-mapped in Qatar, so once it’s out you can just plug and play. $99,948 out of the $85,000 goal has been pledged.

OLO is democratising 3D printing by making the first ever smartphone 3D printer. Portable, multimaterial and affordable, this works accurately for professionals and is easy for new users. OLO uses the light from your smartphone’s screen to print 3D objects. You can take OLO anywhere and it fits in any bag or backpack. Regardless of brand or size, OLO can turn your phone into a 3D printer and can print with many different materials. Just select your object , pour resin of your choice into the device and sit back and watch the magic happen. OLO also works with any 3D scan software. $1,624,694 out of the $80,000 goal has been pledged.

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WHAT’S COOL

MOSS FOR THE MIDDLE EAST Kate Moss returns to her collaboration with Rimmel and introduces the Exclusive Middle East Shades Lipstick Collection by Kate Moss.

A new twist on her classic collection, Kate brings the matte trend to your lips. The range consists of five cutting-edge shades, and in a chic reversal of the original design, the packaging consists of a matte red pack debossed with the Rimmel crown and autographed by Kate in glossy black with her name and signature heart.

FEST IVALS ON THE RAMP Festival-inspired fashion is back this season. Fringes are back again, adding a boho folk touch to outfits for sunny days. This trend was seen at the Spring-Summer 2016 ready-to-wear shows, and has been given a boost by the summer festival look. The trend is romantic but not overly, nonchalant but chic, with a hint of the folk boho vibe: this season women will be trying to strike the right balance to nail the festival look. Flowy jumpsuits, skirts and long dresses will be big news this season, along with floaty blouses decorated with fringes or pearls and pieces in light powdery pastels.

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THAT VACAT ION LOOK Lancaster In-Shower Self Tan Lotion gives you that instant bronzed skin, all in the time that it takes to complete a shower thanks to the Tan Color Adapt Technology. In your everyday shower, apply In-Shower Self Tan Lotion in a circular massage action over all the parts of the body you wish to enhance. You can rinse your skin after just one minute’s application. Gently dry your skin and wow your friends with the just-back-from-vacation look.

THROWBACK THURSDAY

THE FINE BALANCE ck2 is a dual-faceted scent that balances the urban with the natural and fresh. The fragrance is a story of two individuals defined by who they are, not what they are.

One unisex fragrance for a man or a woman, without prejudices, to unite and create an experience that can be shared together in love and friendship.

Fendi is also channeling a retro vibe with its new ‘Eye Shine’ collection, which blends a 1970s color scheme featuring golden yellows and turquoise blues with futuristic shapes and structures. Its ‘frame within a frame’ concept gives round glasses a modern cat-eye silhouette, while the magnetic mirror effect on the entire frame keeps things fresh.

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MARKET WATCH

INSPIRED BY THE GYM Activewear outfits are no longer limited to the fitness club.

A larger trend in the industry, the Athleisure is dominating the apparel markets worldwide. Taking inspiration from the gym, this collection from Celio borrows its codes from the catwalks and translates our desires for urban mobility and a dynamic body. Their color shades reflect a return to minimalist dressing – mat black, white ecru, multiple grays – neutrals are ruling activewear.

SUMMER COMFORT The Hush Puppies Spring/Summer ‘16 collection is inspired both by global trends and the weather. Bright colors, metallic materials, bold prints and soft pastels dominate while sunshine is a key trend for these warmer months. Soft colors of the desert combined with the pops of bold color that you can only find in Palm Springs, CA define this collection, which is about celebrating life and all the little moments that add up to a life well lived, comfortably.

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AROUND TOWN

WHEN LOCAL EVENTS REVERBERATE ACROSS THE WORLD HAMAD BIN KHALIFA UNIVERSITY’S COLLEGE OF HUMANITIES AND SOCIAL SCIENCES OPENED ITS SEVENTH ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL TRANSLATION CONFERENCE ON THE “POLITICS OF TRANSLATION: REPRESENTATIONS AND POWER” WITH OVER 200 IN ATTENDANCE.

The event’s keynote addresses, panels and workshops highlighted the crucial role translation plays in an increasingly globalized world as a powerful instrument often used to shape a narrative, the portrayal of an event, or a current situation. The conference brought together local and international scholars, political commentators, media personalities, and the general public to discuss some of the most critical challenges in the field. Keynote speakers included Dr Henri Awaiss, Dean of the Faculty of Languages of Saint Joseph University –Beirut, Dr. Joselia Neves, Associate Professor at Hamad bin Khalifa University, and Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi, a well-known columnist and commentator on Arab affairs based in the United Arab Emirates.

RUNNING FOR HEALTH

Over 150 men and women gathered to take part in the final race of the Qatar Running Series, which was hosted by Qatar Foundation. The last race in a six-part series took place in Education City and was entitled ‘QF Classic’. Catering to all abilities, the event featured four separate races, and included a marathon, a half marathon, a 10-kilometer run, and a five-kilometer run.

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EMPOWER EVOLVES AND GROWS EACH YEAR

THE BIGGEST EDITION YET OF REACH OUT TO ASIA’S EMPOWER 2016 YOUTH CONFERENCE BROUGHT TOGETHER MORE THAN 450 PARTICIPANTS FROM AROUND THE WORLD UNDER THE THEME, ‘INNOVATION IN YOUTH SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP’.

EMPOWER 2016, now in its eighth year, was officially inaugurated by HE Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson of ROTA. Aiming at raising awareness of opportunities and challenges relating to entrepreneurship amongst Qatar’s young population, the conference featured panel discussions, keynote

speeches, exhibitions, and group workshops. Topics such as crowdfunding, innovation in product creation, entrepreneurship, and the power of social networking were addressed. Students also benefited from the opportunity to practice the knowledge and skills they acquired over the course of the three-day conference. The event ended with participants touring some of QF’s partner universities, including Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar, and also Qatar Business Incubation Center, Qatar Scientific Club, and participated in a set of activities facilitated by the United Nations Development Programme at the Hamad bin Khalifa University Student Center.

BUILDING CAPACITY OVERSEAS REACH OUT TO ASIA, IN PARTNERSHIP WITH HAMAD BIN KHALIFA UNIVERSITY, RECENTLY TRAVELLED TO NEPAL WITH 14 STUDENTS ON A VOLUNTEER MISSION TO DEVELOP THE CAPABILITIES OF NEPALESE YOUTH. The joint initiative also known as ‘Not Your Average Spring Break’, involved students from HBKU and other partner universities in Education City visiting the Agyauli Community Resource Centre in the Nawalparasi District of western Nepal. During the trip, the Education City student volunteers led daily peer-to-peer workshops that focused on a variety of subjects such as Leadership Skills, ICT Skills, Cultural Exchange as well as Sport and Health. Commenting on her experience in Nepal, Sahar Al Ansari, a student from Virginia Commonwealth University in Qatar who participated in the trip, said: “It was eye-opening to see young people my age, and with as much ability as me, underestimate themselves. Although we came to teach the students in Nepal, we also learnt a lot from them too. We tried to create a curriculum that would enthuse our students and bring out their leadership qualities. We also worked on highlighting their beautiful culture and shared ideas about how to live a healthy lifestyle. ROTA’s Community Resource Centre in Nawalparasi has definitely enabled the local Nepalese youth to improve their lives and those of their families,” she said.

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ISSUE 32

2016