PRODIGY Issue #7

the Season Savoring

Editor'sNote

New look PRODIGY to release next trimester!

Dear Readers,

It has been a while since we released another issue of PRODIGY There are several reasons for that including administrative issues and graduating Squad members However, we are getting back on track, with some new faces to join our Squad What remains the same is the need for your contributions

Some key changes going forward:

PRODIGY will now be released on a trimester basis - at the start of each trimester.

PRODIGY Awards will be held at the end of each trimester - the first to be held at the end of Trimester 2, 2024

Sit back and savour each section of this edition!

SULEIMAN ALTAF

Editor-in-Chief

Article Writing

Our article writing section caters to your opinionative writing needs Do you have any opinions to share on a subject matter? Are you a budding writer who can get your readers thinking? This section is for you!

The Squad

Suleiman Altaf Editor-in-Chief

Jasmina Ulugbekova Comms & Relations Officer

Fathima Abdul Hameed Assistant Designer

Arts

At PRODIGY we believe that every student has an art Art is not just the skill of drawing or painting but actually is any skill such as poetry or photography or even comic strips! Which one do you prefer?

Fiction Writing

Storytelling is a prized art form whether done in writing or verbally and who doesn't love to read a story! One catchy title and introduction can take your readers on a journey never travelled before We love to hear your stories so send them in!

Access PRODIGY's

e-magazines by scanning the QR code or visiting the link below: www issuu com/prodigymagazine

Curtin Dubai students soared through their internship at Sarsan Aviation Academy, gaining valuable hands-on experience in mechanical and avionics equipment This experience was pivotal in meeting their 480-hour 'Exposure to Professional Engineering Practice' requirement in their degree.

Congratulations to our students, Ammar Tariq Ahamed, Christian Jerome Jamelano, Rifa Anwar, Myo Tun, and Mohammed Sahal on this achievement!

We had an incredible information session hosted by Ms Rima Pradhan, Talent Programs and Events Manager at Marriott International – EMEA She introduced students to the Marriott Voyage Leadership Development Program, where Curtin graduates from various fields have the opportunity to get trained by the multinational brand and thereafter proceed to secure supervisory/managerial roles within the Group

On the occasion of World Mental Health Day, the School of Psychology & Health Sciences at Curtin University Dubai invited students, educators, and industry partners to join a morning of informative interactive sessions, followed by a community and wellness fair

Among the invitees were Yasir Khan, Owner & CEO of TYB By Yasir Khan, drvanessamoussa, Founder of Aywa Coaching

Dr Vedrana Mladina, PhD, Associate Director of Counselling, Clinical Psychologist, and Wellness Counsellor at Mew York University Abu Dhabi and Hollie Murphy, Founder of Heroes Of Hope

Students from MSB Private School Dubai, Saint Marys Dubai, The Indian Academy & GEMS New Millenium School, Al Khail participated in the event and discussed the importance of mental health.

The winners of the prestigious Pro Vice-Chancellor and SP Wahi Awards for the year 2023-24 were announced last trimester These awards provide two deserving students with a 100% scholarship towards their tuition fee for an entire year

Itot Ngono Veronique Dina won the PVC Award and Munira Khuzaima received the SP Wahi Award The awards were introduced to encourage students to strive for excellence during their time at university

Curtin Dubai’s psychology students volunteered to support a unique athletic event for people of determination, titled Precision Pairs: Heroes Edition, organised by Heroes Of Hope

34 participants, 3 intense workouts and 2 hours of pure inspiration made for a unique volunteering opportunity for volunteers.

Curtin Dubai’s student squad took the stage at Expo Live University Innovation Programme semifinals, pitching their project, HyrdroPurification to combat the water crisis, to the judges for potential funding The project creators were Haider Raza, Mohammad Zunair, Mohammad Mavia Khan, and Mohammed Raiz

PINKTOBER is an annual fundraiser by Curtin Dubai students to raise funds and awareness on Breast Cancer

The students had a lineup of exciting stalls and booths, selling and providing different services, such as 3D prints, goodie bags, and edible treats!

All money raised was donated to support Breast Cancer Awareness through the Al Jalila Foundation, helping us make an inspiring and positive impact in our community

One of Curtin University Dubai’s social clubs that debuted this trimester includes the Theatre Club, founded by Arya Shah, Mariah Martinez and Ilsa Iftikhar The club promises a journey full of enchantment and magic through performing arts, as they bring the tale of Aladdin to life on stage

Throughout the trimester, the club continues to hold auditions to finalize their cast and crew. With teams dedicated towards set designing, props, costumes, SFX and sound, as well as a multifaceted cast that is working diligently every week, under the supervision of the founders, this club aims to unveil a grand performance, and take the audience on a journey through the bustling city of Agrabah The play Aladdin is set to performed in March 2024

Apart from this, the club is also working on creating skits and musicals of varied genres, that are scheduled to be performed at different university events, such as Alumni days, ethnic day and related programs, in order to elevate the entertainment factor at such events

As the Theatre Club produces unforgettable performances, hosts creative workshops and promotes inter-club collaboration, the management team calls upon students to join their journey Theatre is not limited to an art form, according to the club’s motto; it is a thrilling adventure waiting to be explored The theatre club strives to be true to its tagline: where stories take center stage!

SOCIAL CLUBS’ FEST HIGHLIGHTS

Attention Social Club Heads!

If you wish to get your club featured on this section of the magazine, please send the relevant workshop/event/session details along with pictures to prodigy@curtindubai ac ae and promote your clubs! Please mention the date of the same and add a suitable subject line The next section of this magazine is specifically for write-ups/articles/how-tos of social clubs which should also be sent on the above email Make note of the deadlines so your club doesn't miss out!

RECIPE OF RECIPE OF RECIPE OF THE MONTH THE MONTH THE MONTH

Recipe taken from inthekitchenwithmatt.com

MICROWAVE S’MORES

TRIED AND TESTED BY THE CULINARY CLUB!!

Ingredients

CHOCOLATE - best to use Hershey’s chocolate but any will do

GRAHAM CRACKERS - for the sandwiching

MARSHMALLOWS - standard large size

Method:

Place some graham cracker halves on a microwavesafe plate.

1. Place some piece of chocolate on the bottom graham cracker Hershey’s chocolate will be best but any chocolate that you like will also do the job.

2. Place a piece of marshmallow on top the chocolate.

3. Put the plate into the microwave and heat them for around 20 to 30 seconds so that the marshmallows are almost double the size

4. Remove the plate from the microwave.

5. Place another graham cracker on top of the marshmallow to create a sandwich and press down.

7

6. The chocolate will have been melted In case, you do not want the chocolate to be melted, you may add the chocolate add this stage.

PRODIGY AWARDS

Where talent is awarded

Showcase your skills by sending in your work to PRODIGY. Get featured in one of PRODIGY’s issues and qualify for the PRODIGY Awards to be held at the end of the trimester!

Best Writer and Best Photographer awards are up for grabs!

DON’T MISS THE OPPORTUNITY!

Prodigies @ Curtin Prodigies @ Curtin Prodigies @ Curtin

'I dream to establish an accounting firm of my own!'

PRODIGY's Communications and Relations Coordinator Jasmina

Ulugbekova caught up with B.Com Accounting and Finance student Angel Gwyneth Gutierrez who is aspiring to start her own consultancy firm. Find out more about her in this edition's Prodigies @ Curtin.

Q: What is your name and current major?

A: My name is Angel Gwyneth Gutierrez and I study B Com Accounting and Finance (Double Major)

Q: What are your two special characteristics?

A: Good listener and a multitasker

Q: One word that others would describe you with?

A: A lot of people say that I am a woman of few words, I tend to be quiet around new people

Q: Your greatest talent or skill that you have?

A: I play music instruments such as the guitar and the keyboard

In this brand-new special section of PRODIGY, we interview, as the name suggests, prodigies at Curtin Dubai. Who will be next in the roll of honour?

Q: What motivated you to join this university?

A: Curtin Dubai offers great support to students in terms of career success.

Q: What’s your favorite spot in university?

A: My favorite spot would be the little bean bag area behind 10 4!

Q: What do you think is your greatest achievement?

A: My greatest achievement is being able to get higher education in a good university, because this will help me get more closer to my dream life

Q: What are your plans after graduation?

A: I plan to work in the accounting and finance field and dream to one day establish my own accounting consultancy firm

Q: What is your favorite quote?

A: If you change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.

Emerald, Blue and You

Salonee Kulkarni B. Com, International Business

Dark colored, bitter and slightly addictive. Coffee, strangers and random conversations. Some conversations are like gentle pink petals. They glide down your skin. They spread their fragrance and enlighten your heart. Some conversations are like dark roast coffee grains - bold, smoky and unbearable. I think these conversations have bitter grains of truth. If they perfectly blend with the milk the coffee tastes perfect.

“She was staring outside the yellow window. She yearned to know what the sand grains felt like. How would the warmness of the soil compress her gentle feet? How would the grains wholeheartedly wrap a part of themselves with her not wanting her to leave? The sea waters would greet her and massage her feet Relieve her stress As if the sea took a part of her brokenness along with it The beach was a place she could surrender herself and let go each broken ailment It was as if nothing and everything belonged to her at once She wondered what it would feel like to sit on a swing that carelessly painted itself in this scenery Where would the swing take her? If nowhere, what made her happy to sit there Why did she keep smiling? Probably the prettiest smile anyone must have witnessed I can’t forget her face ”

“This was your diary entry?” Amelia asked

“Yes, about her and the other piece of missing paper is her diary entry,” Neha answered.

“What are you going to do about it? What’s written?”

“Some stories have a destined closure. Do you close the book or continue to read? In my case I wrote a book and closed it forever, unwilling to open. Surrendering myself to the dust settling on the jacket of the book cover.”

“That’s the diary entry?”

“Yes, I am going to find her. She is my classmate, I just saw her yesterday. She accidentally left her diary here. Just one entry and a picture. It was our school picture.”

“Why the trouble?”

“I couldn’t be in touch with her ”

“You weren’t in touch with me for three months ‘I couldn’t be in touch with her’ You wouldn’t say that for anyone Why the trouble?”

“Reasons I tore her teddy bear ”

“Teddy bear? This is all for a teddy bear? First thing she is your classmate. Second thing I am your friend. Third, we travelled all the way to spend some good time in Andaman because it was your 25th birthday! Seriously, have you lost your senses? There is no way to find her and what are you going to do return the picture?”

“I tore her teddy bear.”

“How about you place a candle on the piece of the diary entry and blow it?”

“I tore her teddy bear and accidentally pushed her down the stairs I hurt her ”

Amelia pulls her chair and sits beside Neha “These fights do happen between kids You want to apologize after all these years Why do you feel so sorry?”

“I saw her smile. I am glad she is happy. I did apologize to her.”

“Then?”

“The teddy bear was a toy she adored a lot. I read all her diary entries. I tore a piece of her diary entry, kept it with me and placed the diary exactly where it was.”

“So, you just want to meet her?”

“Yes. When I tore the teddy, it had a bandage on its wrist.”

A waitress and a young lady collide with one another. The coffee mugs fall to the ground. The sound startles everyone. The coffee spills on the floor with a broken bottle of milk and blends into the feelings of earthiness, warmth and security

“That’s her! That’s Priya!” Neha shouted

“What did you ask her Neha?”

“If the bandage on its wrist still exists ”

Neha and Amelia walk outside the café The sunset looks pretty They both hold a part of her diary entry, a broken fragment from a single piece of paper. Somethings aren’t destined to return, like this entry back to its owner, Priya. They let the emerald; blue waves heal a part of their unheard stories.

She is lying there under a pile of wooden logs. I gently cover her body with a white sheet.

What color represents her I wonder?

What cold symphony would she sing? Her blue lips what story do they have to share? She is smiling, I want to embrace her like I once did. I wonder how many people she has gathered beside the wooden log.

How unaware she is about the world, how peaceful?

Sleep little baby, sleep!

Let the night sky tell you another story Can the fire compete with the warmth she embraces?

I let her go with the river

I let her go with the river

I finally let her go with the river

Neha clutches onto this piece of diary entry

CLASS OF 2023!

~Alister John Saldanha Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and Finance

I had a multitude of experiences which enhanced my character and personal development at Curtin University Dubai The first trimester may make students feel overwhelmed and lost, but with the guidance of lecturers and support from peers it can be sculpted into a beautiful memory that initiated a wonderful journey I was fortunate to pursue my passion for cooking alongside university studies by Founding and managing the culinary club with the assistance of Curtin life The university also offered opportunities to embark on several journeys through debate club, Magazine contribution and outdoor events such as Paint ball Overall there were upsides and downsides, but with a positive mindset each experience good or bad can be an opportunity for learning and growth

~Mahima De Alwis Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting and Finance

My journey at Curtin has been a memorable one. From starting my undergraduate journey in 2020 at the midst of a pandemic, I am appreciative of the quality of teaching, support and student services made available to us - then and now The all-rounded support offered by faculty and staff, allowed me to be better motivated in reaching my goals and aspire to be better As a two-time Curtin Global Vice-Chancellor’s List inductee and a member of the Curtin Dubai Student Council for 2021-2022, I am grateful to say that the student learning and experience offered at Curtin, will pave my way forward for the tomorrow to come

~Fateh Amjad Bachelor of Science in Information Technology

At the end, all I would say is that it was worth every moment and this is what university was all about Everyday was a new day, meeting new individuals, some that have become my everyday people along with the wonderful faculty that was around us at all times to support and motivate us. I would like to THANK each and every member of the Curtin University family, whether it being our Student Services, CurtinLife, Finance, Transportation, or Management team. Without you all, this journey would have not been so memorable and in smooth flow of events

Personal best memories during this journey:

- 6 development projects under my belt

- IT School Officer for academic year 2022-2023 (Student Council)

- Face of IT School on Gulf Edu-Fair and GETEX

- Judge panel team for Hackathon 2023 hosted by Curtin University

- Team supervisor for Autism Transformation Carnival

PHOTOGRAPHY

SONJA SCHOEMAN

TABLE MOUNTAIN, SOUTH AFRICA

Redefining The Role of Academic InstitutionsPart Two

Suleiman Altaf Editor-in-chief

In the last issue, we talked about the changing dynamics of school education and particularly, high-school education that shapes students’ career-paths. In this edition, we shift our focus to universities and higher education, in general.

Higher education is no longer a thing for the elite Students from all backgrounds and corners of life get enrolled in universities to secure an almost obligatory requirement for most jobs - the undergraduate degree While most students succeed in acquiring one, in recent times, it has failed to gain the confidence of employers with many, if not all, asking for related work experience while hiring too Those that do not lay down such a condition are ready to onboard on an unpaid regime Whether internships should be unpaid or not is a different topic altogether and will be discussed at length in the next article but for now, we need to seek answers for why employers are no longer satisfied with the quality of graduates that universities are producing

In a TED talk in 2013, Indian intellectual Dr Shashi Tharoor explored the difference between a ‘well-filled mind’ and a ‘well-formed mind’ It is quite astonishing that the crisis has only worsened with more and more graduates struggling to find good placements as fresh graduates.

Perhaps, the answer lies in understanding and dissecting the current methodology of transmitting information As a final-year undergraduate student myself, I have come

to realize that taking in information through lecture slides or even textbooks can get you to pass exams but it certainly does not equip you with the skills to incorporate the knowledge learnt at your workplace Of course, on-ground experience and theoretical knowledge go hand-in-hand but the implementation of that knowledge in real-life is what continues to elude most university education

Take the finance unit ‘Introduction to Derivative Securities’ as a case study As part of the unit’s assessments, we had to study a case of a certain kind of a mutual fund which claims to protect your principal amount almost entirely We were asked to research on what option strategies do they applied to achieve their goal Most of us successfully wrote about it reading from different sources but did we actually understand its functioning? The answer is negative. Instead, our unit could involve the entire class actually trading in options in real-time but in smaller numbers (of course) and seeing them in action for ourselves.

University education is meant to prepare you for the real world so why are modules, in the pretext of making them easier to pass, ignoring real-life applications? Transactions cost, for one, are ignored in most finance units at the undergraduate level Why, you may ask? Well, they would make a question too complicated to solve then

Unless universities switch their focus from simply graduating batches to producing thinkers and ‘wellformed minds’, the concurrent employability situation is not for changing

To be continued

CONGRATULATIONS TO TEAM ‘THE LAMP OF WONDERS’ ON A SUCCESSFUL SHOWCASE!