University of Kent Magazine | AU/WI 2019 | www.kent.ac.uk
ALUMNI PROFILE
QA &
A teacher of literature at the Gulf University for Science and Technology, Dr Alshammari has published widely, including research in peer-reviewed journals and creative writing. Her works have been featured in numerous venues, including the Emirates Literature Festival and the Malta Book Festival. Dr Alshammari’s interest in women and disability studies places her at the forefront of young early-career researchers in the Gulf region. Dr Alshammari won the Social Impact Award at this year’s British Council Study UK Alumni Awards in Kuwait. These prestigious international awards celebrate UK higher education and the achievements of alumni from UK universities all over the world.
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WITH DR SHAHD ALSHAMMARI Woolf, 2011-2014: PhD in English
What do you do? I teach literature and women’s studies as Assistant Professor of English Literature. I’m also a writer.
What led you down this path? The love of words. The representation of life, the human condition, the desire to find a compass for it all. I believed that I would only find meaning to life through words, through literature. Studying literature for me gave me the tools to survive the world. I knew I wanted to transfer that love for words to others and I knew teaching would give me that opportunity. What or who inspires you? Everything that spells ‘perseverance’ and dedication. I’m inspired by people who keep going. Those who survive. The ones who know that they need to survive and tell their stories. Most of my favorite authors inspire me, but only because of their dedication to the craft.
What do you work towards in your free time? I enjoy life – the silent moments. I don’t work for an outcome, for success, I work for contentment. Satisfaction. So in my free time, I can journal, I can self-reflect, I can read, I play with my dog, I spend time with friends and family. These moments are what make up life for me. What’s the proudest achievement in your working life? Being called ‘Dr Alshammari’ and having that actually happen for me. I never thought I would have that. I was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis at the age of 18 and doctors gave me a really horrible outcome and prognosis. I got my PHD and I only did it because I wanted to – for the love of words. Not because I was challenging anyone, not because I was ‘fighting’ the illness, none of that. It was really about passion.
