CHRISTY FINE ARTS

Just a few months ago I was facing a big deadline for an important essay. I knew that I needed to stay focused and alert so I decided to bring in my own kettle and coffee supplies so that I could stay overnight and finish my work.

As I set up my makeshift coffee station* in the library, I couldn't help but notice the planes taking off from the nearby airport. It was a fascinating sight, and I found myself watching them as the kettle gently boiled away.

As the night wore on, I delved deeper into my essay, typing away on my laptop as the planes continued to take off into the darkness. The sound of the planes was like a soothing background noise, and I found myself feeling surprisingly calm and focused despite the pressure of the deadline.

As the hours passed by, I watched the planes take off and land, their lights shining in the darkness. It was a peaceful and serene sight, and I felt like I was in my own little bubble, immersed in my work and the world outside.

Despite the long hours and the pressure of the deadline, I was able to complete my essay and submit it on time. As I packed up my things and left the library, I felt a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment.

The memory of that night stayed with me, and I found myself looking out for the planes every time I returned to the library. It was a reminder that even in the most stressful and challenging moments, there is always beauty and wonder to be found in the world around us.

*Use of kettles or other makeshift coffee stations are strictly prohibited in the libraries.

Omar Engineering

I once went to the UEL Docklands library on a dark night after hours of timetabled lessons. I had deadlines one after the other. I was stressed, anxious and determined at the same time. What a combination right? It was my last year as an undergraduate on the BEng (Hons) Civil Engineering programme. I had a dissertation to get done in a short space of time. I was aiming for a 1st class and aimed for this since L4. The clocks were ticking, and I logged onto a computer on the ground floor. I started finishing one of my assignments that was due at midnight. The pressure was incrementally getting to me, with all the noise from students laughing in rooms. My mind went blank; I started to seek help from the One who created the heavens and the earth in six days. My wellbeing and anxiety immediately went away and the load that I was bearing on my shoulders was lifted. I remembered what I wanted to say. Page after page, I managed to finish in time and submit. In the end, I am now telling the story of a 1st Class student that was once in a place that you may now be in, stressed, tired, confused about your classification, but trust me, those who put their full reliance on the One and only Creator, neither fear nor grief shall affect them. You will be at ease. Put the effort in, take a deep breath and the knots that were once present will be untangled by the Almighty Allah who knows the solution to all your worries in this life. Never let stress be the obstacle in your life. Life is a test, so make the most of what you can and be the best person you can!