Effat Ethos Magazine issue 7

ethos

An English and Translation Department Magazine Issue No. 7

Novemeber 2014

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Coffee Break

Literature

Events

Short Stories

General

Poems

I volunteer

Journal

Fashion and Beauty

Book Reviews

Psychology

Life Philosophy

Notes From Outside Effat

Linguistics and Translation Folktales

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The Beat Event Makers: Women Who Make America Team Environment Why Study?

Finals Frenzy Healthy Habits for Busy Effateez 18 Things to Do Before You Graduate I Volunteer – Orphanage Women’s Natural Beauty The Selfie Phenomenon Things to Cheer You Up

Cyberbullying – an Issue

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company which served the best burgers that I have ever tasted. Although the line was long, it was worth the wait. We got time to chat and to get to know the performers. They got a lot of compliments from the audience on how well they did in the show; I also spoke to them and they were really nice people.

The Beat Event Dana Younis This event was for supporting talented local artists and musicians. It was created and hosted by Hussain Dannawi, aka Big Hass, and organized by The Backpackers.

When the break was over, we heard MohWolf, a young aspiring rapper, rapping his own songs and receiving a standing ovation for his talent. He also, He got the like the others, had a lot of supporters by the end of crowed the show. After that, DJ Ozzy played his remixes jumping on and got the crowed jumping on their feet, excited their feet with and hyped about his music, as he was beyond amazing!

The show started with DJ Ozzy, who played awesome beats while waiting for the bands to start playing. At that time there was a photo booth where my friends and I took pictures with props. That was quite excitement fun. The show started with a band fun. called The Fusion Factory, an alternative rock band which played some of my favorite songs like ‘Iris’ by Goo Goo Dolls. They sounded amazing. The vocals and the instruments were really on point! The crowd really loved the band and gave them a big hand of applause.

and

There were also female singers; one of them was named Lulu. She sang blues songs. It was her first time performing on stage in front of many people; nevertheless, she was really good. Her voice resembled that of Lana Del Ray’s: so calm and strong at the same time, and the crowed greatly enjoyed the songs she sang during the concert.

After the calm songs, it was time for something to get the crowd excited. There was a duet with a Belle and AbdulHakeem Juma'a, who sang ‘Monster’ by Rihanna featuring Eminem, and sang it so well that everyone went crazy on how good they were. AbdulHakeem Juma'a did an amazing job when he did Eminem's part—I did not expect him to be that good, especially because it was Eminem's song and it's very hard to perform perfectly.

After that wow performance, they gave us a 30 minute break where they served dinner from a grilling 4

Overall, it was one of the best events I have ever been to. It was well organized, and listening to all of these aspiring artists made it a fun night for all.

Makers: Women Who Make America Manal Khalid AlMahanna

On Wednesday, September 17th, I had the greatest pleasure of attending a lecture by Betsy West, the Executive Producer of the critical acclaimed documentary Makers: Women Who Make America, at the U.S. Consulate in Jeddah.

The documentary tells the story of the struggles of American women of different races in professional fields that were considered unsuitable for women such as: business, building and construction, space missions, comedy, war and politics. In each field, women fought their way through and reshaped the American life and culture, which led in some way or another to the change in other cultures around the world.

These women paved the way for us and the future generations.

Betsy West talked about the struggles the women of America had to face in the name of equality. In our generation, we don’t face that many struggles when it comes to equality in careers and jobs and that is because of women like the ones who appeared in Betsy’s movie. These women paved the way for us and the future generations.

The women in her movie talked about all the ordeals and sacrifices they had to make to get where they are now and how much of what they have accomplished has not only benefited them but also set in motion the Women’s Rights Movement all around the world.

Betsy West’s words were so inspiring and empowering; she and her film candidates have proved that nothing is impossible if you believe in your cause and are willing to fight and make sacrifices to achieve it. West said something that I will remember for the rest of my life and that is; "The world is changing, and we're going to be the ones who change it.”

I believe whole-heartedly that if you really want to change something, you can do it, no matter your gender, race, religion or age. Nothing is impossible. If you ever feel like it’s too hard or that you can’t do it, just watch this documentary and you will feel inspired.

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Team Environment

forms and opens everyone’s mind towards environment related issues.

AlHanoof F. Bajaber

Effective change cannot be attained if environmental conservation ways are not adopted. The Effat University

In recent times, environmental pollution has become a common phenomenon. As pollution goes on, the damages inflicted on the environment become worse. In relation to scientific research

When trying to establish a strong and permanent solution to any existing problem, the first step is always creating awareness.

Environment Club will engage all learners actively and educate them on ways to conserve the environment.

Once students engage positively in this course, a milestone will be made in the field of environmental conser-

studies, continued environ-

vation. We want to make conservation

mental pollution affects the

a habit, a routine. We want to provide

human race in many negative ways. In order to stop the the positive approach to all of Effat community. menace of environmental pollution, someone has to take responsibility. In this case, taking responsibility

means taking a worthy course towards stopping environmental pollution.

Environment clubs form a strong basis to promote ideologies that relate to environmental conservation.

The Effat University Environment Club bears a clear vision in relation to environmental matters. Attaining

such a high magnitude title will come through hard work, dedication and commitment. By creating an environment literate generation within the university, a larger movement will be born out of it.

For starters, environmental clubs always bring together

This picture does not belong to the magazine. Retrieved from: www.egotailor.com

individuals who are passionate about environmental matters, a worthy cause.

When trying to establish a strong and permanent so-

lution to any existing problem, the first step is always creating awareness. Through creating awareness, the club will be in a position to educate the Effat community on various matters that affect the environment in a negative way.

Creating awareness aids in educating people since some contribute in environmental pollution without their knowledge. Conclusively, creating awareness in6

Why We Need Trees (And Why Being A Tree Hugger Isn't A Bad Thing) Robert Khaksari I'm proud to call myself a tree hugger (of the modern variety). This doesn't mean I actually go around hugging trees (although I can recall a few such instances) or wrap myself around them when they are about to be felled. What it d o es mean, however, is that I understand their importance to the environment and, more importantly, to us - and I believe they should be better protected.

Like former U.S. President FDR said, “Forests are the lungs of our land.�

No one could have said it better.

This picture does not belong to the magazine.

That's because when trees (and other plants) "breathe", they take in carbon dioxide and release oxygen for us to breathe. They do so during a process called photosynthesis. Because they absorb CO2, a major greenhouse gas, they play a huge role in regulating local, regional, and global climate. After all, it isn't just a tiny amount of carbon that they're absorbing. Despite losing over 5m hectares of jungle - roughly twice the size of Belgium - each year, tropical forests alone are still absorbing about 1/5 of fossil fuel emissions each year.

After absorbing carbon dioxide, they store, or sequester, it. Trees are what are known as carbon sinks. They lock away carbon and prevent it from re-entering the atmosphere - and they do a much better job at it than other plants due to their relatively larger size and longer life span. Some of them can store carbon away in their trunks for centuries.

Undisturbed tropical forests are the best at carbon sequestration. If you fell and burn them, massive amounts of carbon is released into the atmosphere. Cutting down or burning trees therefore reduces natural carbon storage, leading to higher concentrations in the atmosphere and a warmer climate. It is estimated that 20% of global greenhouse gas emissions come from deforestation and other land use changes (underground, forest soils and root structures store carbon as well).

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Here are some interesting statistics on trees from the Urban Forestry Network:  On average, one acre of new forest can sequester about 2.5 tons of carbon annually  For every 1 ton of new-wood growth, about 1.5 tons of CO2 is removed from the air and 1 ton of oxygen is produced  Planting 100 million trees could reduce an estimated 18 million tons of carbon per year  If every American family planted one tree, the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere would be reduced by 1 billion pounds annually  The U.S. Forest Service estimates that all the forests in the United States combined sequestered approximately 309 million tons of carbon each year from 1952-1992, offsetting approximately 25% of human-caused carbon emissions during that period  Over a 50-year lifespan, a tree generates almost $32,000 worth of oxygen and provides $62,000 worth of air pollution control Similar to my argument that improving the energy efficiency of our buildings is more effective at reducing carbon emissions and mitigating climate change than producing more with renewables - planting trees, or not cutting them down in the first place, is much more effective at reducing greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and slowing global warming than renewable energy initiatives.

As The Economist pointed out in a recent article: "If Brazil had kept on felling trees as rapidly as it was cutting them down in 2005, it would, by 2013, have put an extra 3.2 billion tons of carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. That means that over those eight years it managed to save six times as much carbon as ultra-green Germany did in the same period through one of the world’s most expensive renewable-energy regimes... Rich countries spend billions on renewable energy at home, which has so far cut carbon emissions only a bit."

Something to think about... And hopefully something that will guide policy.

Brazil has made big strides in protecting the Amazon.

Other benefits we derive from trees include providing aesthetic value, increasing property values, improving water quality, reducing energy demands by providing shade, providing habitat, and maintaining biodiversity. Trees also remove other atmospheric pollutants including sulfur dioxide (SO 2), ozone (O3), nitrogen oxides (NOx), particulate matter, and toxic heavy metals such as cadmium and lead.

- Robert Khaksari teaches Environmental Science at Effat University, and blogs at www.theroamingenvironmentalist.com Mr. Khaksari has a B.S. in Environmental Science and Policy and an M.S. in Environmental Management, both from the University of Maryland. He also holds the LEED Green Associate certificate. He loves the environment and wandering the earth. The insightful article on trees is just another post on his blog. Visit the website to learn more and explore.

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Photography

Hedayh Menkabo

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Why Study?

Renad M. BaAbdullah

Academic study is almost a mandatory journey nowadays. It is a rare case if career success is not supported by a rich academic background. Systematic education is the

most direct path to gain knowledge. Alongside career and extrinsic values, academic study has massive intrinsic purposes as well. This purpose is within the person, it is their personal aim. Everyone has a different way in which they plan to achieve these aims.

Having an academic background enables individuals to serve the community with their preferable profession. In the long run, these educated individuals further lead to well-educated future generations who can provide more to mankind and nature.

The goals which are the motivations of that academic study must be kept in mind at all times. It is fundamental to find the major or field which suits an individual's personality and habits most. In addition, evolving our abilities is essential, and there should always be space for creativity, self-development, and experience.

Tips for achieving your academic goals: Schedule your classes depending on the time of the day you are most productive in.

Take notes and rewrite them. The physical act of writing helps maintaining information better than rereading.

Never procrastinate. Do your work on time and spend time on yourself.

Give time to self-reflection and remind yourself about your goals.

Our education is our tool for making the society, locally and globally; it is a reflection of our principles.

Never give up.

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Finals Frenzy Hadiza Jallo

As soon as the overwhelming panic, stress and fever kicks in, it is definitely that time of the semes-

ter. Final examinations are a very important event in every student’s life. Also a great chunk of marks goes in the assessments and tests, which are for students to properly understand the whole course.

This piece of writing will give some tips, tricks and advice in order to have a stress -free and victorious final exam.

1.

There are different types of learning styles (Auditory, Visual or Physical), so students should figure out their style, then plan and study as early as possible, because “the earlier, the better”.

2.

Joining a study group helps in having a better understanding of a course or situation.

3.

A student should prepare very well before the exam and make sure all the materials are covered completely.

4.

Procrastination is not an option; time should be used wisely.

5.

Avoid caffeine or energy drinks or any distractions a night before the exam and do not study all night, try to get a good night sleep of about eight hours.

6.

On the D-day, dress in the most comfortable clothes after having a proper rest and meal.

7.

Arrive on time, figure out the seat number and do not panic, just relax!

8.

When you’re given the paper, read the instructions carefully, devise a plan, manage time wisely and answer each question to the fullest. With the above tips, a healthy result can surely be acquired; the frenzy of anxiety will turn into a glee!

Good Lucks for Quizzes and Assignments!

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Photography

Hedayh Menkabo

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Healthy Habits for Busy Effateez

manage stress, which can prompt you to

Esraa Molah

overeat.so make sure you to get eight hours of sleep every night.

This picture is not owned by the magazine. Retrieved from: www.viral-zone.com

Avoid and/or manage the stressors of college life and don't stress yourself out! College life, wonderful and exciting as it is, has numerous

stress-inducing aspects. There are not only the expected academic hurdles to manage, but social relationships, activities, and per-

Breakfast. If you aren’t in the habit of having

sonal hobbies and experiences

breakfast, get into it. If you’re getting enough

that make you who you

sleep, you’ve not had any food for 8-10

are. So, don’t let small

hours; you may not think you’re hungry, but

problems grow into big

your body’s cells are! Eating in the morning

ones before doing any-

gets your metabolism going and allows you to

thing about them because;

burn more calories through the course of the

problems ignored don’t go

day.

away; they grow, and produce stress. Learn to live in

Keep healthy snacks on hand. If you’re going to

today, rather than yester-

have a snack, stick with healthier alternatives

day or tomorrow. Do your

such as fresh fruit, dry fruits, celery, rice

best and count on Allah.

cakes, or pretzels. Also, snacking late at night puts on weight. Avoid eating unhealthy snacks from an open container often leads to

the consumption of 500 to 800 calories in just one snack session.

Get Enough Shut Eye. Studies have connected an appropriate amount of sleep to maintaining a healthy weight. Also, Sleep is one of the most important things the body and mind need in order to function properly and a good way to 13

Don’t let small problems grow into big ones

18 Things to Do Before You Graduate

Drink lots of water! Your body needs at least eight glasses a day, and, if you exercise vigorously,

Dana Younis

you may need more. To remind yourself, carry a water bottle along to class and keep it handy during late night study sessions. It's better to have a detox water bottle because it is a great weight loss habit, and is specifically geared at

getting certain fruits into your body that you otherwise might not eat.

Build at least a half-hour of physical exercise into your daily routine. In case if have a full schedule, try to walk briskly. Take the stairs as often as possible. Remember, every time you take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator, you are making a decision that will positively affect

your long term health.

Be positive and smile!

Once you join University, the time to experience new things in your life starts. For most people, the college is 4 years, but time passes quicker than you think! At college we learn responsibility, but we should also have a little fun as long as we are not a nuisance. So I made a list of 18 things you should do before you graduate.

Use Your Student Discount Whenever You Have a Chance Do everything in your power to get a student discount. This will save you a lot of money and might get you great deals!

Join Clubs!

Join a club or the student government and if you feel you’re a leader, then run for SG Presidency. Make people remember you for your efforts.

Try Every Kind of Food Get out of your comfort zone and give your taste buds an exercise – try new kinds of food!

Be a Part of Culture Day If the University is planning Culture Day, join and get to know other cultures. Effat has students from many different cultures; befriend people from other cultures and get to know them.

Explore the University Campus You might end up finding comfortable places to sleep in.

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Before You Graduate….

Go to the Beach With Your Friends Fal beach, Indigo, Obhour are all yours!

Become an Exchange Student Spend a semester abroad and gain experience. Being away from home is always a learning experience.

actually like. Trust me; it will benefit you in the future.

Appreciate Your Professors The professors work hard to help us get educated. So show some love and thank them.

Find Friends At college you will meet a new person every

Go Out on Weekdays Have fun during the week and relax during the weekend.

Attend a Random Class Most professors at Effat don’t mind inquisitive students. Attend a different course for a day and learn something new.

Read an Interesting Book!

The library has some really cool books; check them out.

Join the Tour If you’re bored and have nothing to do, go on the school trip tour around the university and tell high schoolers about the cool stuff at Effat.

Pull Off an All-Nighter Whether you’re studying or doing nothing, stay awake for 24 hours.

Spend at Least One Summer Course in the University day if you try. You might end up meetAppreciate and enjoy the emptiness of the ing someone who you’d keep in touch campus. with forever. Be social and approachable.

Learn a Different Language With Your Buy Yourself a Graduation Gift Friends After four years of hard work you definitely You can learn French, German, Turkish… deserve presents, even if it means buying etc. that way you and your friends have it yourself! a secret language not a lot of people unI hope you guys liked all these things you derstand. should probably do before you graduate, and Change Your Major at Least Once just enjoy every moment you spend while You got nothing but time. Don’t study something you don’t enjoy just because you're in university. someone forced you to; so try majors you 15

I Volunteer – Orphanage (and Carnival) Haneen M. Abdelsalam Volunteering is difficult to practice but rewarding and inspiring.

This picture does not belong to the magazine. Retrieved from: georgialatinofilmfestival.org

I never had the guts or interest to volunteer until an opportunity for orphanage voluntary work appeared. I volunteered for 3 days in the orphanage and it was an amazing experience. I stayed with the children, I got to know them and I provided support as an older sister.

The orphanage became my second home and whenever I went, I was greeted with warm welcomes on my return. I helped the workers there by calling the kids for meals, teaching them, playing with them and telling them stories. One time the kids felt down and bored in Ramadan so their manager planned a trip for them and I asked to volunteer. We took the children to Chuck E Cheese, and played with them. There was a comedy show, a magic show, and many games. I was so happy and glad to see the children happy. I drew on their faces with face paint, ran around with them, and watched the shows.

It was hard to watch some of the kids faking smiles because they were broken deep inside, but the group and I tried our best to cheer them up. Seeing the children broken and sad broke our hearts, however, it was a great motivation for us to thank God for the gifts God gave us.

My voluntary work was rewarded with a certificate stated that I volunteered, am a good communicator and that the kids learned a lot from me in these great eventful 3 days. However, I didn't care much about the certificate; I was the happiest and proudest of myself that I had passed through it and that the orphans had learned something from me.

Another great event I volunteered in was called 'I Am the Change'. This was a carnival that a group of friends and I had arranged. The carnival included handmade items for sale as well as activities for children. We sent broadcasts to everyone to come and participate in this great effort with us and we let some children volunteer and make handmade things to prepare them for voluntary work and to get to know more about life. All our earnings went to charity.

I believe that I have to always work hard to make people smile. Your smile and support might mean everything to someone. I attribute this competency as a reason to volunteer more and more!

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Women’s Natural Beauty Ruba Hakeem When painters want to draw something special they go to nature, because God has already created diverse beauty everywhere. In addition, He placed a different idea of special and perfect in the mind of each one of us. Therefore, painters used nature as a beauty element in every paining they did; whether it was sunlight, shadows, flowers, or plants. But they felt something was missing. So to make their paintings special, they included women in them to give them life and a realistic touch.

We women are God’s creations. We are beautiful in our own way. If every flower were the same, no one would have written poems or painted pictures of them. All the women in these paintings have things in common. They all have grace, composure, confidence, no make-up, and different body types. That is what makes every painting stand out and become memorable.

Who says that in order to be beautiful you need to be paper thin and covered with make-up? All those perfect super-models are living under presThis picture does not belong to the magazine. Retrieved sure and restrictions. They are living an unbalfrom: www.pinterest.com anced and unsustainable life. Is it really worth it to put yourself under this pressure?

Acceptance is something you can learn. It is never too late.

People will remember you as the woman who is a lady

Would you rather be a timeless painting or just another girl with a thin body and make-up that covers what makes you special?

If you want to really standout and get recognized, believe in your natural beauty. You are beautiful. No one can change that about you except yourself. Try to walk on the earth with confidence and grace.

People will remember you as the woman who is a lady rather than just an attractive girl.

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The Selfie Phenomenon Rabya Bajunid

Selfies…. They have gone viral! Everyone is taking them. Teenagers, adults, parents and even grandparents have been introduced to the world of Selfies. If you are still wondering what a selfie is, try to remember the last time you were in any public place. A mall, a gathering, occasion or even in the street. Remember that person you saw holding their phone to their face with his/ her arm stretched out in front of him/her and posing? That person was taking what the world now calls a “Selfie”.

The word “Selfie” has gone from being a youthful word to the Word of the Year in 2013. Just the other day I was surprised to hear my grandmother ask my family to gather for a selfie! Everyone is taking selfies. One must wonder how this has happened and the This picture does not belong to the magazine.

Retrieved from: funnyasduck.net answer probably is Social media. As the world of Social media grew and expanded from Facebook to Instagram and Snapchat, new words and concepts have been People now feel the introduced, the most striking being need to update their the selfie. People now feel the need to accounts and profiles update their accounts and profiles frequently, keeping their friends and frequently, keeping their friends and family family up to date with their activities and thoughts. We now also update up to date with their activities and thoughts. people about the clothes we’re wearing (Outfit of the Day), our hairstyles, the makeup, the people we are hanging out with—in fact, information exchanged has reached the level where we post pictures of the food we are eating.

The truth is, we cannot have people documenting every moment and taking all our pictures for us and hence, we take selfies. Now a person can, within seconds, take a selfie and “Snapchat it” or “Instagram it” without any extra effort. You don’t need someone else to take your picture.

Taking selfies is fun; especially with a group. That selfie is usually the nicer picture compared to a picture of just yourself. Posting pictures with your group of friends also makes you look like you are social, fun-loving and interactive.

However, taking these selfies has become an addiction. It has become a necessity at parties, gatherings or even in classrooms. Even when there is nothing interesting to document, people continue to take their selfies. Sometimes just finding the best angle for your selfie and the best pose takes time.

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With today’s push-of-a-button technology a person can continue to take then delete continuous selfies until he/she looks his/her best. The process is time consuming and people are now wasting valuable time on their selfies. The question is: why? Does this make a person pretentious and narcissistic? We carefully plan exactly how we want to look in the pictures and with the aid of editing apps, people end up enhancing their appearance. We may end up lying about the way we look.

But regardless of all that, selfies have become a normal thing. It is no longer unordinary to see a person alone in a restaurant posing for his/her selfie and if you take a moment to think about it – people look really silly doing that!

I recently began questioning the whole idea of selfies and why we take them, but then one day I caught myself looking at a group laughing together as they posed for their selfie and immediately it dawned on me that if such a simple selfie can bring such happiness to people’s days, then maybe selfies are not useless after all.

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Photography

Hedayh Menkabo

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Things to Cheer You up When You're Down And Out Fatin Al-Makallawi One of these days you might wake up sad and out of energy because maybe something happened that got you down in the dumps, but don't despair; here are 5 things that'll cheer you up, InshAllah!

Talk to someone: It will get you to talk and let it all out. You can't bottle these feelings Write down 100 for a long time or you might explode! things that make Write it down: you happy If you're not comfortable about talking to someone about what’s bothering you, you can write it all down; after you're done just crunch the paper up and throw it away.

Watch something funny: Watching funny movies or videos will get you to laugh and we all want to hear your beautiful laugh.

Do something nice for someone: Doing or saying something nice to someone and seeing them happy is worth the while. Volunteer for a good cause, help a classmate in class or say ‘hi’ to the cafeteria lady. It will make their day and yours too.

Make time for yourself: Taking care of yourself is very important. Take time out for yourself to relax: read a book, eat healthy or take a walk. It will cheer you and your body too!

Be thankful: Write down 100 things that make you happy and be thankful for all your blessings and appreciate what others do for you.

So what are you waiting for! Go do all those things, add some of your own to the list and go be yourself and be happy!

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A lot of cases end with the victim

committing suicide

Cyberbullying – an Issue

because of depression and lack

Alyah S. Alfageeh

of self-worth.

It used to be that bullying was a phenomenon found only in schoolyards and classrooms. Now, however, with the abundance of communication media and the rise of the online social media, it is a more serious problem that is hard to control and/or track. This is partly because anyone can be anonymous online, as most online social media services do not require you to use your real name. Further-

more, new social media and chatting apps emerge every day and many people, especially teenagers, use more than one to communicate with each other.

Not all cases of cyberbullying end in just hurt feelings. Sadly, a lot of cases end with the victim committing suicide because of depression and lack of self-worth. Who is held legally accountable in such cases? Usually, no one. Cyberbullying is hard to prosecute, and we are left with grieving family and friends of the victim knowing that they might have been able to prevent the incident.

Cyberbullying can be avoided. Someone undergoing such a problem will not be driven to commit suicide if they were led to understand that they are not alone in this.

Friends and family should notice the signs and should do everything in their power to let the victim know that they are there for them. This talk should be backed by actions directed towards reducing or eliminating the cyberbullying. For example, parents could spend time with the person and elevate their sense of self.

There are things the victim himself/herself can do. They can delete all their online accounts and stay away from social media. If the perpetrators contact in any other way, they should report the issue immediately. Talking to loved ones brings peace of mind. If the person creates a new social media account, they should limit it for those they trust and assume a different name or identity for safety purposes.

Students at schools and universities should be made aware of the issue and how they can tackle it. There should be events where a psychologist should confront the students about the seriousness of the issue and the signs that they should look for. Schools and universities should provide a platform where students can discuss their problems anonymously and in turn get the psychological support and guidance they need.

Cyberbullying is an issue and it can be solved if we educate ourselves and those around us.

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Clear Heart Sadia Shafqat

For once I shall give vent to my feelings without control and allow my heart to mourn until the truth is spoken, the unsaid said, and the wounds of the soul healed. ……………..

Drops of blood drip down my hands. My heart is in my mouth and the dread I feel is palpable. With my own innocent little hands I have ripped apart his body and blood is gushing out of his veins. He lies on the street amidst his own blood, raindrops falling from above, diluting the blood. With a dagger, I stab him again and again until his body is mutilated. I stand on the street full of people staring at me right in the eyes, with blood dripping down my hands. I stand as a murderer tonight. Yet, they don’t see the blood.

They don’t see what I have done. Their eyes deceive them and the blood flooded streets are invisible to them. I mutilate him savagely, yet he does not die. With unendurable pain he mourns out loud; yet I don’t liberate him. I massacre what I once called my love. The echoes of his screams kill me every minute of my life. The tale of such ruthlessness my mind withholds, and questions the existence of this man. Thereby, my heart reveals to my mind the name of this victim of brutality.

The victim is not a human, for how could a man bear such bloodthirstiness. You ask me what it is; it is Allah’s creation that once enlightened my heart; whose existence healed my wounded soul and filled my heart with purity that would glitter my conscience all the time; a gift of Allah that enriched my eyes with modesty and my secret self with nobility. The victim is none other but my “Emaan” (faith/ fear of God) that once was embedded in my heart.

I may be an assassin tonight, but for how long will I stand on this bloody street invisibly stabbing him every night? One day the dagger will break in the hands of the devil within me... One day Allah will hold my bloody hands and take me to the straight path. One day my Lord will connect my lost soul to my emp-

ty heart. Seeking repentance, my tears will flood these streets until they cleanse my soul and my heart.

The ignorance of my mind and impotence of my heart will depart me. Then, In that solace shall I flourish for a lifetime.

Let me whisper to you the truth, oh dear mind. I may stand here with bloody hands tonight—my Lord may deprive me of this jewel for a while—but never will He snatch away this endowment from me because to my each breath is tied this “emaan”.

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Clear Heart…(Cont.)

I may be an assassin tonight, but for how long will I stand on this bloody street invisibly stabbing him every night? One day the dagger will break in the hands of the devil within me... One day Allah will hold my bloody hands and take me to the straight path. One day my Lord will connect my lost soul to my empty heart. Seeking repentance, my tears will flood these streets until they cleanse my soul and my heart.

The ignorance of my mind and impotence of my heart will depart me. Then, In that solace shall I flourish for a lifetime.

Let me whisper to you the truth, oh dear mind. I may stand here with bloody hands tonight—my Lord may deprive me of this jewel for a while—but never will He snatch away this endowment from me because to my each breath is tied this “emaan”.

One day my soul will be radiant, covered in gold. This torn away soul will be beautifully sewn by the strength of my Lord’s words. I shall

My heart is not blind; it has simply forgotten how to see.

truly feel, inhale the existence of my Unseen’s love. The true love for my Allah that will starve all my fears and insecurities, alleviate my

soul that quivers with pain every moment. His words that today appear opaque to me will dress my soul with purity. The bruises that seal my soul will heal and my soul will gain the vigor to stand up once again.

Oh dear mind, let me tell you one simple thing tonight, My heart is clear of blemish. Had this heart been blinded, it would have never recognized the little sparks of light in this pitch darkness. My heart is not blind; it has simply forgotten how to see. What is forgotten can be remembered. You must know that “emaan” is the “noor” (sight) of this heart ...this heart is clear of blemish, this heart isn’t blind!

Oh MY DEAR MIND, I may have attempted to kill this man several times but no matter how many times I stab him, never will this man die... Never will this man die. *****

(Non-Effat students can submit your short stories or essays for this section.)

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LITERATURE A Place Like No Other The Tress White Hair The Supernatural Love

FEATURED A Place Like No Other

Destiny and Decision

Jawaria Ali Khan Single Night

A Scale of One to Ten

The Experience of Failing

Future Winter

Asma Awad

Grey Concrete Leap of Faith

I Am Not Ill, I Am Me

The Experience of Failing

Rwtana Chahtli

I am not ill, I am me Certainty Being Me Stage Fright Where Rainbows End 25

Photography

Shahad Habis

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A Place Like No Other Jawaria Ali Khan

I have found you, I hear you calling, and I want to do all in my will and power to come to you once more.

It is true. It is so very true. That people who travel a great deal, or maybe not such a great deal, but generally speaking anyone who has travelled, don’t seem content with staying at one place for a very long time. Why? ‘Why’ depends on person to person, but my reason would be that I have never found any other place with enough pull to make me stay. Don’t get me wrong, I would definitely like to revisit some countries, now that I know more about their cultures and history. But to stay there, I probably wouldn’t bet my money on.

And no, the places I’m referring to aren’t your commonplace, run-of-the-mill random countries. France, Italy, Rome and Germany, with their luxurious scents and appealing delicacies, their beautiful people with pale skin and thick accents. Russia, with its -20˚average temperature; Switzerland, with its picturesque peaks and oh gosh, the Best. Cheese. Ever. Sudan and Kenya; with all the majestic to monstrous to colorful animals in the wild, roaming the Savannahs. Bosnia Herzegovina, having the prettiest flowers and most gorgeous houses on little hilltops. Kuwait, Bahrain and other countries from the Middle East which I’m not even entirely sure I’m remembering correctly because I was just a kid back when I visited them. All of the UK (except for Ireland where I haven’t been yet) with its castles and royalty and rainy afternoons. Concisely speaking (yes I could go on, but never mind me) I have, alhamdulillah, been to many places across the globe, entirely diverse and each a completely new experience. But never have I stayed up nights longing, wishing, praying, and aching to go back to them. As I do for the place my Prophet (SAW) rests.

The ambience of the place is strong, stronger than the undeniable aroma in a coffee shop in the afternoon, stronger than the spiky fresh crisp air that enters your lungs forcefully on a morning walk uphill. It is fifty sensations, followed by fifty more, just on the journey to Medina, when you reach, when you enter the Masjid, when you depart . I pray that everyone from anywhere in the world does get a chance to visit Medina (āmeen), for once you go there, you surely leave your heart behind always.

I remember the time I first went to Medina, eleven years ago. I was eight years old then, and I wouldn’t expect myself to recall much, yet find myself with memory of almost everything that happened. At that time, near Masjid-en-Nabvi the streets were not paved; it was plain ground with pebbles and sand, and the sidewalks and neighboring streets would function as mini-markets of sorts. There was no concept of shops, as there is now, just set-up, manual stalls with a cloth as a roof to protect from the weather. There were many of them, haphazardly arranged in the streets and area immediately surrounding the Masjid, with bright shining bulbs hanging from loosely arranged wires and shining on the merchandise they held to display.

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The Masjid itself in the daytime was a magnificent sight to see, in all its splendor and overwhelming aura. In the night it was alive with light, not a shadow to be seen anywhere, and the liveliness and spirit about the place was thrilling, and you felt the constant need to keep panting to keep up with just the sight of it all.

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I was eight. I was captivated. I couldn’t move. I remember my first glimpse of the Holy Mosque was from the entrance gate, where upon my parents and grandparents (who had accompanied us for this trip) had kept walking, but my feet did not aid movement. My steps forward decreased until at some point they stopped completely, and I felt it was just me, and the place I was in. I was eight, I did not know much about things but let me tell you, I knew for a fact that no other place would impact me as did this one. The adults paused a great deal in front of me and turned back, slightly annoyed I was not pursuing them, but God help me if I noticed. I was transfixed. Many a times I have tried to write the feeling down, but words fail me. I remember my head started to bang and throb from a depth inside. I was cramming in too much information and detail than I could comprehend. My father had then urgently motioned for me to follow. When I caught up with them had I realized I had finally exhaled the breath that seemed to have been caught somewhere for some time.

The days after this seemed to consist of only three events in my memory. Going to the Masjid for offering prayers, coming back from the Masjid, and the time spent inside the Masjid. I have little recollection for the events in the hotel room and such, and the only thing to remind me of them is a few pictures of the room and my baby brother in a mini Ihram. On the final days of our stay there I remember I fell in love with a pair of emerald green ‘party shoes’ on display on one of these stalls outside the Masjid. I pleaded and implored to my parents to buy them for me, but to no avail. My grandmother whispered in my ear, “Did you know? Whatever wish you make here, whatever you pray for with all your heart, your prayers shall definitely be answered without you even realizing how”. I was listening but not quite believing it. Could it be? Not missing a chance, I then prayed and prayed. I cringe now to think of it but I prayed with all my heart for those party shoes. But nothing really happened, and the next day we boarded our plane to head home.

Every trip now to Medina is cherished and looked forward to by me, and I feel immensely lucky for being blessed enough to be able to go there more than once. I embrace it and sit restlessly in my seat glancing and marveling at everything in the way. I think of my oncoming destination and tears crash to my lap, endlessly working their way in trailing paths along the slopes of my face. These tears are sometimes of joy, sometimes of anticipation, and most of the times are out of my conscious will; they just happen. Every time I go there I miss my grandmother dearly, and long to have her there with me.

Needless to say, exactly one day after my arrival back home eleven years ago, in my cupboard I had discovered a pair of beautiful shoes. Emerald green party shoes.

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The Tress White Hair Samar Sarhan I'll tell you my experience of living with a friend who changed my life. When I was ten years old, I came back from school and I felt cramps in my stomach.

Mom: What’s wrong with you?

Me: I’m not feeling okay and I see two of you at the same time.

I started rubbing my eyes and I felt sleepy so my mom let me sleep because she thought I was tired after school. Two hours later, my father woke me up and told me we were going to his friend’s.

His friend was a doctor, an old man with white hair and medical glasses. He welcomed us, and examined me and did some medical tests.

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After a while, he told me: O my daughter, I will present you with a new friend who will go home with you. You should take care of him and make him happy always and it will make you happy, but if you don’t take care of him he became sad and he will make you sad too.

I thought he was a normal friend. I went back home and when my mother saw my new friend she was shocked and started crying.

After several days, everyone started noticing my mom’s tress white hair. I did not blame her because my friend was really annoying. He was always making me cry, and when he felt hungry, he forced me to feel hungry. I could eat only with his consent, especially sweets and chocolates. I could not sleep unless he wanted to sleep. I did not like him and I never wanted people to see him.

I felt I would not be able to deal with my new friend, but then I remembered the words of the doctor, and that I should take care of my friend. I started trying to satisfy him and pay attention to him more than I paid attention to myself. It became clear to me that he was very nice and he just wanted to join me in everything in my life. We share in eating, drinking, sleeping and feelings as well.

He has become my best friend.

The doctor called my dad on the phone and asked him to bring my friend and I to visit him because he wanted to reassure us. I told him that I loved him and everything was fine. He told me that that was great news, and I should keep going because we would continue to be friends forever.

Now it is my 21st birthday and my life is getting better; my friend is celebrating with me and growing with me. He is 12 years old, the same age as my mother's tress white hair.

I forgot to tell you that my friend, my life partner, is not a human being, not an animal either. He lives in my blood.

His name is diabetes and I am diabetic.

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Single Night Shafna Abdul Majeed

Your lips trace these words into my skin, These words I’m not entirely sure mean Anything More than its persuasive whisper For a single night –

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Future

Yes, we’ve been together for a month But this still feels like One long fleeting evening,

Heba Attar Everything passes next to me,

Strangers groping, is what we are,

as if they don’t exist,

At strings

as if I don’t want them to exist.

That are nothing more than loose ends.

When everything sickens you to your

Untied, uncommitted,

spine bones,

Just friends

You’re wondering when are you gonna be free, go as far as the wind can take you.

Winter Aysha Abdullah Ahmed

Under the snow

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There he stands Bleeding

A Scale of One to Ten

Endlessly

Fatima Abdullah Haroon

Screaming

One golden star,

Silently

Two points of views,

Cause no one will come for him

Three world wars,

No one will come and save him

Four identical crews,

Frozen the tears in his eyes

Five shades of hearts,

Blinded by the sorrow in his heart

Six names of you, Seven separate parts,

He trusted

Eight wonders that you knew,

But it was all in vain

Nine months to restart,

Now all that's left is regret

Ten welcomes and ten thank you.

Blood all over the place I see the cold of winter in his face.

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Grey Concrete

Leap of Faith

Sumaiyya Naseem

Ghaliya Zaneb Aziz

I was walking

"You're stupid; did you know that?"

on grey blocks of concrete my pace quickening

What if I say that

with each heartbeat

Something bad will happen

and flutters of the wind

What will happen?

the retreating sun

I don't know

folding an orange afterglow

Something bad

on roaming clouds

Really?

my body lugging along

Or is that a myth

all my useful things

Something I've led myself to believe?

coffee flask, notebooks pens papers pills

Lately, I've noticed

laptop and lipstick

That there's a wall here

a bag of university necessities

Is it supposed to be there?

and some discarded flowers Curious

I'd picked up stealthily

It's really funny, but all this until

I think this wall might not even exist

a sudden movement of bird What if I break it?

startled me severed my grip

"It takes one to know one, darling."

laughter in the distance but I stood watching petals of my dismembered pink rose my delicate soft rose chasing each other gliding swirling swimming with the wind on grey concrete in a field of my useful things

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Destiny and Decision Nadine Hussain When my feelings clash together, when I cannot differentiate between what is true and false, between the possible and impossible, between comicality and seriousness, between real love and exploitation. When I relinquish my dignity and nobility versus meaningless and useless matters, it is the moment where a woman can lose her entity and humanity falling in shifting sands, difficult to escape then. Does love exist as long as it exists as an abstracted thinking?

We usually love getting involved in love before we really do and still wish for this love to stay as it is depicted in our imagination and minds. We are not willing to imagine it in a completely different picture from the one we had already painted in our dreams. Nevertheless, we are still looking and panting towards it until we find it and we fail to accommodate and cohabit with it. We are left questioning ourselves; does love have the miraculous superpower to create a reality, which could be different from the actual reality?

We have to fight to make the selfishness generosity and the generosity, faithfulness and the faithfulness, truthfulness and the truthfulness, loyalty. By uniting all of them, happiness can dwell in the universe and love will then be achieved.

Real love is a beauteous feeling, its day is a sincere moment, its pulse is tenderness, its call is affection and its world is all about happiness.

I walk without previous planning yet similar faces are about to blind me, hypocritical faces, mistrust and gossip bleeding in black hearts. I become hateful to correct the errors of facts and I withdraw, lonely in my shell, a prisoner between thoughts and darkness. Dear Daddy, although your absence is a miserable fact to accept, it cannot heal my injuries and cannot apply fairness and equity after my falling.

I do look for love not just today, not just yesterday, but I was seeking for it years ago. I search for you not physically and not intellectually, but I search for you spiritually, affectionately, warmly and thirstily.

Without planning or predictable warning, I find you and I regrettably wish that I had not found you.

Have you ever felt the need for someone that did not really need you? Have you ever felt your desire to cry in front of a person you choose unconsciously between all the people surrounding you? It’s hard to reproach the self, the self who owns pride, dignity and respect where you are incapable and paralyzed to understand. While the hours are passing followed by hours, my solitude starts to vanish, my lack begins to diminish and my mourning eventually ceases. Yet how much I appreciate feelings and emotions in a time that has no mercy, time of dalliance and futility.

Survival is predestined and living is decisional. While sickness is predestined, treatment is decisional.

Marriage is predestined and divorce is decisional. While melancholy is predestined, gladness is decisional. The existence of particular people in your life is predestined and keeping them is decisional. While loving someone is predestined, forgetting them is decisional.

If you cannot and will not own your destiny, you definitely own the decision.

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The Supernatural Love Nadine Hussain

Real love can easily conquer any obstacles or setbacks, obliterate any distinctions or disagreements, and approach any differences in positions and social classes, and even distances. When we fall in love, it is inevitable that we are continuously in the process of change and trying to completely banish our bad habits.

We change our senses, our voices and our features. We are glad for no reason, yet we cry and are

sorrowful for no reason again. We become heavy thinkers, supremely desirable and fearful.

Heaviness comes with a word, just as a moment comes with happiness, and this happiness has its own taste. Painting our plans, creating coincidences, therefore we are thanking circumstances for that. It is in the moment when we fall in love that we learn to equally feel pain and sorrow. Generosity becomes endless, taking becomes unrequited and tears become more honest. We usually ignore sorrow and disloyalty, always plant seeds of hopefulness and scream out soulfully that tomorrow will be better and brighter.

Whenever real love is present, we do not select love and the person we love because love comes unconsciously, without any predictable warning. It cannot be considered real love if the matter

is optional. It is either fantasy, or caprice, admiration, fascination or an ephemeral and vulnerable relationship. Love is predestined; neither time, place, nor any particular people can restrict it.

Therefore, there is no negotiation or compromise necessary to fall in love. “I hope that real love and truth are stronger in the end than any evil or misfortune in the world.�

- Charles Dickens

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tions to quantum theory and statistical mechanics, passed the uniAsmaa Awad versity's entrance exam on the Failure is often conceived as an undesirable state, a second attempt! state that keeps us from being successful and denies Honestly, the only person who us from achieving our goals. Truth is, failure is only should be called a failure is the a way of giving us experience! It makes us grow and one who gives up when things gain even more knowledge. I believe that failing get rough. You owe it to yourself shouldn’t be thought of as a weakness, it should ac- to try at least one more time. As tually be a fuel that motivates us and keeps us go- they say, the third time’s a charm. ing.

Or in case of Tomas Edison, the 10,000th time’s a Let’s look at Tomas Edison, for example, the inven- charm!

The Experience of Failing

You owe it to yourself to try at least one more time!

tor who developed the light bulb. He had a lot of struggles to reach a final result and create the great invention we still use to this present day. Do you know what he said? He said, “I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work”. Imagine what would’ve happen if he would’ve quit the first time he failed!

In addition there’s the great Albert Einstein, except he was not an "Einstein" in school. Einstein the Nobel Prizewinning physicist, famous for his theory of relativity and contribu-

Even if you hit a wall you can always push through it. Just remember that some mistakes are meant to happen. So just enjoy the experience of failing and take a step back, because at the end of the day the only thing that matters is what you’ve learned from your mistakes and what you’re going to do to move forward. Finally, you should keep in mind what Randy Pausch, the author of the last lecture, said:

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“Experience is what you get when you didn't get what you wanted. And experience is often the most valuable thing you have to offer.”

I Am Not Ill, I Am Me.

mentioning that no one person can be a 100% introverted or extroverted, it’s just that a person can have one more

Rwtana Chahtli

dominant than the other.

During Hajj break my mother told me she wanted to take me to a psychiatrist because she believes I’m psychologically ill. She came to this conclusion due to the fact that I was spending most of my time alone in my room instead of going out with my friends or doing that which is considered socially acceptable for young college students on break. Ironically enough just a week later when I went back to school I came in contact with a couple of college girls whom I never spoke to before and they told me

The other reason I got excited to write about this subject was the fact that people condemned my introverted side and encouraged my extroversion. I notice this a lot in our now day and age, where to be an introvert is considered socially unacceptable and it gets to the point where people might consider introverts to be mentally ill -as my mother so beautifully demonstrated. This could not be further from the truth.

"You’re such a social person” or "how come I never saw A third to half of the population is introverted. So to find you before, you seem so social" or "I have seen you before, whether it is nature or nurture that determines whether a person is introverted or extroverted we have to take a close

and I knew you were social".

I

look at their response to social stimulation. Usually, introverts respond higher to stimulation not only in social as-

To be an introvert is considered socially

pects but also in every aspect of their senses such as taste

unacceptable and it gets to the point

or smell. I must mention here that introversion is not shy-

where people might consider introverts

ness for shyness is the fear of social judgment. And in many cases introverted are highly self-confident and selfassured. In fact, introverts achieve better grades and are

have confession to make. I am not social. In fact, the idea of fun to me is a cup coffee in one hand and a book in the other. And being the psychology freak that I am, I had to look into this more; why is it that I assume a different kind

more knowledgeable than extroverts, according to a research. Many of our world's transformative leaders are introverted such as Gandhi, Rosa Parks, Eleanor Roosevelt and many others.

of personality depending on the situation or place. Ask and you shall receive. I found out that I’m not psychologically ill or fake.

I am an Ambivert.

My aspiration to be a life coach made me go a step further and find out about the kind of social personalities people exhibit, and how these social personas were perceived in the society. Long story short - people demonstrate two types of characters; Introversion and Extroversion. Extroverts are the people who are socially energized and their drive and power come from social interactions, whereas, introverts are the loners, those who need a reboot after social interactions since their drive and energy comes from solitude. People like me, ambiverts, are those people who display both traits equally. We are in between. We take the

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best out of extroversion and introversions. It also worth 35

I have found that we live in a world designed for the well- something, you failed in doing it is not because you have being of extroverts. That being said, in order to progress bad luck but because you don’t have that surety. You may individuals must be placed in environments where they say to yourself that you can do it and it's simple and easy are most productive. This is bad news for introverts who but you haven't looked inside your heart. Inside your heart live in a world where our most important institutions like you keep doubts and tell yourself that maybe it’s too diffiour schools or work places are based on group work activi- cult for you. ties or group thinking or open offices – and these are intimidating situations for introverts. Interestingly enough psychologists also found that individuals unconsciously mimic each other’s behavior and even adapt other's thoughts and it is usually the thought of the most domi-

Don't give up on your dreams, keep fighting, keep motivating yourself and let your heart give your soul the positive words. You will find the determination you need to achieve your goals and dreams.

nant person, disregarding the fact that this person might Wishes come true when you have certainty. not be the smartest or the most knowledgeable.

Abraham Lincoln, the 16th president of the United States,

I am not on a campaign to eliminate extroversion or group continued fighting and made several attempts to reach his work, however as a person who aspires to be a life coach, I goals. He had a terrible childhood. Lincoln is proof that do encourage people to embrace their inner self, their failure is a lesson and you can start all over again with deunique personality regardless of whether it is extroverted termination and achieve your goals. or introverted. Our authority figures should allow intro- 1831- Lincoln failed in business. verts to be who they really are. We need their unique abilities of creativity which can only be attained by providing 1835- His fiancé died. them the perfect environment; the environment of solitude 1836- He faced a lot of neurological problems. and freedom. As for ambiverts, we take the best of both 1843- Lincoln took part in the Congress and failed. worlds.

1848- He participated in the Congress and failed again.

1855- Lincoln participated in Senate elections and was unsuccessful.

1856- Lincoln joined Vice President’s election and failed.

1859- He participated in the Senate and failed again.

1860- Lincoln was elected president of the United States

Be determined to achieve.

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Certainty Ruba J. Banoon Sometimes you make goals and a to-do list, but you procrastinate and you don't follow through. This happens to you again and again. You keep thinking why do I always fail in everything I do? Maybe you lack certainty.

Certainty is a stillness and a determination that your heart reassures you about. You are not scared of anything. Your heart is not afraid. This is certainty. Whenever you do 36

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Being Me Lama Jamjoom

As humans we live looking and searching for happiness, while some of us find it and others struggle. Happiness is summarized in one word: faith.

Four years ago, nothing really related me to Allah, except some ideas I have learned through school. There was no bond, no communication with the one who created us. But one day, I heard of the death of someone young. Suddenly I felt everything was real, and decided to start praying to get closer to Allah.

After two months, it was a new me. I just had this peaceful feeling inside of me. My thoughts changed. I got closer one inch but Allah got closer thousands of inches. This is how generous he is!

As in the Hadeeth: ( I am as my servant expects me to be, and I am with him when he remembers me. If he thinks of me I think of him. If he mentions me in company, I mention him in an even better company. When he comes closer to me by a handspan, I come closer to him an arm's length. When he get closer to me by an arm's length, I get closer by a distance of two outstretched arms nearer to him. If my servant comes to me walking, I go to him running. ) (Al-Bukhari) Who knew faith would give you the feeling of rest and comfort. You just don't worry about anything, because you trust Allah! When you set alone you smile and thank him. This is how he reassures us that we are fine as long as we are by his side.

I started with prayer, and everything came after that. Automatically!

As Allah says in Qur'an: prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing. (Surat Alankabout, verse 45) This is how everything comes after prayer automatically. Prayer changes your inside.

With time your faith becomes stronger and stronger, small details fix you!

Small prayers, dua'a, modesty, donations, smiles and manners makes you pure with perfect heart. Even your face will shine and light. Even words can't describe the feelings of Faith.

Today I am who I am because of that day. You are never late to change who you are. You just need the first step. As long as you are breathing you are in the right time. Just Start!

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Stage Fright Fatima Abdullah Haroon

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Performing or giving a speech has become second nature to me. Unfortunately, this was not the case in the past. Nervousness felt by a performer or speaker when appearing before an audience is the definition of stage fright.

My first ever appearance on the stage was when I was in grade two, and I was portraying Aladdin’s character. I had memorized all my lines and all my steps, but the moment that huge red curtain parted from the middle and the audience became visible to me, I froze. I had all these different sensations bombarding me at that time. Basically, I was about to faint.

My teacher was standing on the side hidden behind the curtains, so that she was only visible to us. She looked at me and hinted me to remember our conversation earlier, she had told me “If you ever get scared just pretend that all the people in the audience are clones of your favorite person”. I closed my eyes and counted to ten. As the music began my vision of the audience changed and I pretended that they all had my mother’s faces on them. This simple tip really helped me get through the first fifteen minute of the performance, after that I became more comfortable and finished my act with a graceful bow. My teacher saw the potential that I had in me to get over stage fright, so she recommended that I participate in giving speeches in the morning assemblies. Thus, I became the announcer for my school’s assemblies.

There are many ways that a person can overcome stage fright, but not every way is suitable. Some people prefer not to look at the audience at all, while others try to locate familiar faces and keep eye contact with them only. I think everyone should practice to stand in front of audience and find there comforting strategy because you never know when the next spotlight will shine on you.

If you really want to get over the fear of public speaking you should think about joining Effat University’s Toastmasters Club.

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Where Rainbows End Reem Gashgari Where Rainbows End is a book written by an Irish author, Cecelia Ahern, who is also known for her book, PS: I love you. The story takes place in Ireland. The entire book is told through letters, emails and instant messages which I thought was really cool and different.

The book is about two childhood friends, Rosie Dunne and Alex Stewart who have been friends since the age of five. It will take you throughout the years from being kids playing together to their adulthood. Their friendship goes through troubles when Alex and his family have to move from Dublin to Boston after his last year of high school. It also talks about their careers, education, romance and parenthood. Alex and Rosie end up in very different situations after high school. Despite everything they continue to share a powerful friendship and the love they had for each other and their attempts to find time to stay close.

The book shows us a lot of wonderful life values. Rosie proves that no matter what you go through in life, you can still achieve your goals and you should never give up on the people you love. Alex is an example of

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a good friend who is kind, passionate and a lovable person. Although their friendship faces many obstacles, they support each other throughout the years.

In my opinion the writer Cecelia Ahern succeeded in attracting the readers’ attention all the way to the end. As I read that book, I wondered all the time if they would they be able to overcome all the things they had gone through and realize their true feelings to each other.

I recommend this book to everyone who enjoys stories about love and friendship.

“That's what life is about: People come and go.” – Where Rainbows End

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From the 2nd English and Translation Conference:

Culture and Translation Translation in The Arab World

Pragmatics in Translation (Exclusive Interview with Prof.

Basil Hatim) Poetry Translation as Catharsis The New Man in Arab Literature From Dictionary.com

What Character Was Removed From the Alphabet

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What Character Was Removed from the Alphabet?

Blog.Dictionary.com

Johnson & Johnson, Barnes & Noble, Dolce & Gabbana: the ampersand today is used primarily in business names, but that small character was once the 27th part of the alphabet. Where did it come from though? The origin of its name is almost as bizarre as the name itself.

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The shape of the character (&) predates the word ampersand by more than 1,500 years. In the first century, Roman scribes wrote in cursive, so when they wrote the Latin word et which means “and” they linked the e and t. Over time the combined letters came to signify the word “and” in English as well. Certain versions of the ampersand, like that in the font Caslon,

clearly reveal the origin of the shape.

The word “ampersand” came many years later when “&” was actually part of the English alphabet. In the early 1800s, school children reciting their ABCs concluded the alphabet with the &. It would have been confusing to say “X, Y, Z, and.” Rather, the students said, “and per se and.” “Per se” means “by itself,” so the students were essentially saying, “X, Y, Z, and by itself and.” Over time, “and per se and” was slurred together into the word we use today: ampersand. When a word comes about from a mistaken pronunciation, it’s called a mondegreen.

(The ampersand is also used in an unusual configuration where it appears as “&c” and means etc. The ampersand does double work as the e and t.)

[Visit www.dictionary.com for interesting articles about language and linguistics!]

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Photography

Hedayh Menkabo

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The 2nd E&T Conference, Language: The Beacon of Culture and Thought Sumaiyya Naseem The 2nd E&T Conference, Language: The Beacon of Culture and Thought took place on 5th and 6th November, organized by the English and Translation Department of Effat University. The faculty worked hard for months in order to make the event happen, aided by the volunteering efforts of the students on the two big days. Two sponsors at the event were Deluxe Pastel Sweets and Eash Bellaham, who contributed sweets, pastries and delicious savory products. The Conference promoted the efforts of HRH King Abdullah, the Custodian of the two Holy Mosques, whose influence has aided the fields of Translation and Culture invaluably in the Kingdom. At the event, the prominent figures in the field Translation and Linguistics - Prof Basil Hatim, Prof. Abdullah Shunnaq and Prof. Susan Hunstun - were the three keynote speakers along with several other speakers from different universities and organizations. I had the pleasure to report the event for the university, and the following are some discussions and presentations that took place at the event.

A few participants along with some members of the E&T Department

Prof. Susan Hunstun, keynote speaker, giving her research presentation.

43 Figure 1 Prof. Susan Hunstun

Culture and Translation We are the language we speak, the thoughts we entertain and the words we write or read. You embody your language. Language is what connects us.

Dr. Hasan Ghazala, who has published 23 books and 47 papers in the fields of Stylistics and Translation, spoke about his study on Translatability of Culture: Facts and Fallacies. His study deals with whether culture is part of language or vice versa and how culture is dealt with in translation. Dr. Ghazala talked about how only 20% of our language has to do with our culture and the rest is universal. The universal aspects of language are demonstrated in life processes, emotions, medical problems, and other facets of life and human experience.

In his presentation, Dr. Rafat Y. AlWazna, an associate Professor in the Department of European Languages and Literature at King Abdulaziz University, said that the significant distinction between language and culture is that the former changes in many ways whereas the latter takes a long time to change.

The translated work is often fit into the cultural norms of the translated language. However, literal translation may lead to foreignizing – insertion of textual elements in target texts which imitate the culture of source texts. The use of literal translation does not always work and may look alien to the reader. In some cases, the elements which are peculiar to the source culture are replaced by elements which are peculiar in the target culture. Three aspects are important; the nature of the text, the purpose of the translation, and the type of audience to whom the translation is directed.

Despite all efforts, there is no such thing as a perfect translation. It is impossible to translate every detail and aspect of a work, and hence, the translator should make sure that what he loses is the insignificant parts of the text. Dr. AlWazna also spoke about the translation of Arabic literature into English, and pointed out the surprisingly, despite the attention the Arab World receives, the Arabic and Islamic literature has not been focused upon.

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Translation in the Arab World Prof. Abdullah Shunnaq, a keynote speaker at the LBCT Conference, presented his research Public & Private Sectors in Translation: Jordan as a Case Study.

Prof. Shunnaq talked about how the field of translation has been developed in many parts of the world, but is sadly neglected in the Arab realm. He gave several examples from around the world. Singapore spends around 3.4 billion dollars in technology for research and translation. Korea spends 2% of their national product for research and development. Japan and USA each produce more than 30 million pages of translation every year.

In the USA, firms which specialise in Translation are abundant, however this is not the case in the Arab domain, which lacks the firms, and institutes, and output as well. In fact, translation in the modern Arabic history is viewed as means of development and enlightenment, but also as a useless activity. Towards the end of the 20th century, the Arab countries achieved major success, yet a big gap exists when compared to western countries. In Lebanon, translation began as an effort to maintain the Arabic language and to oppose the efforts of the Ottomans who wanted to establish their language.

Through his presentation, Prof. Abdullah Shunnaq aimed to urge everyone who can help establish institutions aid in the translation movement in the Arab World. He said that the uncomfortable situation of translation in the Arab world is a serious issue.

Referring to the educational environment, he added that courses should focus on the theoretical part of translation, but the practicalities of translation are just as important. In the discussion that ensued the presentation, Prof. Basil Hatim added that the trends of theory and practicality are not mutually exclusive. ‘Let us theorize the practice and practice the theory.’ Prof. Abdullah Shunnaq concluded the discussions on his research by pointing out that translators should have good command of the two languages, and translators and students of Translation should also understand the cultures of the languages they work with. A manner in which the condition can be improved is by having exams in both SL and TL for students who want to join the Translation Department. He wished that the efforts in the Arab world should be combined together and should be beneficial for the generations to come.

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Pragmatics in Translation According to Prof. Basil Hatim, we should read for intention. Words are not there to be enshrined in dictionaries, rather, words are means to an end and they have the power to change people’s cognitive environment. What, in turn, affects words is the genre of the text.

A lot of translators worry about the word count. But the way we express things change from language to language and hence, the intention of the text should be counted and thus the communi-

cative intent will not be lost.

‘You don't have to be literal. Look for efficiency, effectiveness, appropriateness. Don't be strained by word count.’- Prof Basil Hatim.

Further, the pragmatics of a text is more important than the word count. In an exclusive interview for the magazine, Prof. Basil Hatim talked about pragmatics, which he said is the study of intentionality and a very important factor, not only in speaking and writing English but also in translation.

A very interesting example he gave, is of when he decided to deliberately not listen to the English version of a speech by Obama, but instead listened to the interpreter in Arabic. The interpret-

er was telling that Obama said ‘we reject’, and the two concepts that Obama supposedly rejected are AlQadariyah and AtTashkiyah. Prof. Basil Hatim was surprised and wondered why Obama was talking about Islamic thought and questioning the very important concept of AlQadariyah (which is anti-fatalism). At Tashkiyayh refers to doubting in general or being in a doubtful state.

Prof Hatim recalls that he felt it was very unlike Obama to be using these terms so he rushed to listen to the English version and found that Obama is rejecting fatalism and scepticism.

Fatalism is not relying on yourself, and having no sense of initiative. Being a fatalist means you are passive. Therefore, Obama was really anti-passivity. His rejection of it makes sense in the world of opportunity which requires that you go out there to get what you want.

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Pragmatics in Translation Cont...

Prof. Hatim continued that the other concept is also really interesting, and something many people misunderstand. Scepticism has nothing to do with doubt. It is the element of defeatism. It is when you keep on asking endless questions because you deliberately don’t want to

‘The purpose is constant.

It is sacrosanct. It is unchangeable.’

reach a conclusion.

He added that it would have been appreciated if the translator was pragmatically aware, or had paraphrased and delivered the correct message.

There are cross-cultural extortions and we begin to stereotype about what Muslims are and so on.

Similarly, there are also stereotypes about westerners because of things we hear or wrong interpretations or translations that we read. The translator and interpreter have big responsibilities.

This is where pragmatics comes in.

Another example given by Prof. Basil Hatim is the use of ‘he said’ in summaries by students. It is used in English only when the writer is going to parody the statement or make fun of something, and there is always a ‘however’ that follows. The reader is misled due to the absence of

‘however’.

This is pragmatics. It is the purpose for which utterances are used. Prof. Hatim added that the word may baffle us but we should look at the purpose. We should paraphrase if needed but we shouldn’t lose the purpose.

‘The purpose is constant. It is sacrosanct. It is unchangeable.’

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Translation of Literature Dr. Musa AlHalool presented his paper Literary Translation as Catharsis? Which looks at why griefstricken poetry, though accomplished artists themselves, resort to translating other poets instead of writing their own poetry. He talked about how translation can be seen as an act of catharsis because the grief stricken translator is channeling his psyche and is trying to make sense of how he feels. Catharsis refers to the purification and purgation of emotions, often through art.

William Carlos Williams and Edith Grossman did not make any distinctions between translation and literary creation. For them, these are two of the same since the act of translation requires the translator to be creative with language. In this case, if the translator fails to create literature in his translation, then he is not good enough. Prof. Musa added that there are varying concepts of what creativity is.

An example he discussed is the translation of Hemingway’s works in Arabic and how they don’t read very well and seem flat. A translator should not impose on the text his own feelings and emotions, however, in cases when works are un-

A translator should not impose on the text his own feelings and emotions.

translatable, an approximation should be sought. Approximation refers to creating the same effect with different means.

Prof. Musa AlHalool at the E&T Conference

William Carlos Williams 48

The New Man in Arab Literature Dr. Sanna Dhahir, the Dean of the College of Humanities and Social Sciences, presented about her research on Saudi literature written by female authors.

Her study discussed the shift in representation of male characters as more re-

alistic and human.

In the Arab world, literature by women emerged only after the 1950's, and women began to be seriously discussed by critics almost half a century later.

Formal education and introduction of technology contributed to women’s writing movement.

Freedom of expression also led to better quality of writing. This is when they revised their ideas of men and also enriched their subject matter. Men were now appearing as multi-dimensional characters as opposed to the stereotypical restraints. In literature, the New Man bonds with the

heroine through an exchange of thoughts, intellectual discussions and common interests. The outcome of this development in women's Arabic literature is the humanization of men. The New Woman is the female writer herself who has revolutionised the way men are perceived in Arabic Literature.

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FOLK TALES

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Blackfoot Lodge Tales George Bird Grinnell THE WONDERFUL BIRD One day, as Old Man was walking about in the woods, he saw something very queer. A bird was sitting on the limb of a tree making a strange noise, and every time it made this noise, its eyes would go out of its head and fasten on the tree; then it would make another kind of a noise, and its eyes would come back to their places.

"Little Brother," cried Old Man, "teach me how to do that."

"If I show you how to do that," replied the bird, "you must not let your eyes go out of your head more than three times a day. If you do, you will be sorry."

"Just as you say, Little Brother. The trick is yours, and I will listen to you."

When the bird had taught Old Man how to do it, he was very glad, and did it three times right away. Then he stopped. "That bird has no sense," he said. "Why did he tell me to do it only three times? I will do it again, anyhow." So he made his eyes go out a fourth time; but now he could not call them back. Then he called to the bird, "Oh Little Brother, come help me get back my eyes." The little bird did not answer him. It had flown away. Then Old Man felt all over the trees with his hands, but he could not find his eyes; and he wandered about for a long time, crying and calling the animals to help him.

A wolf had much fun with him. The wolf had found a dead buffalo, and taking a piece of the meat which smelled bad, he would hold it close to Old Man. "I smell something dead," Old Man would say. "I wish I could find it; I am nearly starved to death." And he would feel all around for it. Once, when the wolf was doing this, Old Man caught him, and, plucking out one of his eyes, he put it in his own head.

Then he could see, and was able to find his own eyes; but he could never again do the trick the little bird had taught him.

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THE ELK Old Man was very hungry. He had been a long time without food, and was thinking how he could get something to eat, when he saw a band of elk on a ridge. So he went up to them and said, "Oh, my brothers, I am lonesome because I have no one to follow me."

"Go on, Old Man," said the elk, "we will follow you." Old Man led them about a long time, and when it was dark, he came near a high-cut bank. He ran around to one side where there was a This picture is not owned by the magazine. Retrieved from: http://c-zavala.deviantart.com slope, and he went down and then stood right under the steep bluff, and called out, "Come on, that is a nice jump, you will laugh."

So the elk jumped off, all but one cow, and were killed.

"Come on," said Old Man, "they have all jumped but you, it is nice."

"Take pity on me," replied the cow. "My child is about to be born, and I am very heavy. I am afraid to jump."

"Go on, then," answered Old Man; "go and live; then there will be plenty of elk again some day."

Now Old Man built a fire and cooked some ribs, and then he skinned all the elk, cut up the meat to dry, and hung the tongues up on a pole.

Next day he went off, and did not come back until night, when he was very hungry again. "I'll roast some ribs," he said, "and a tongue, and I'll stuff a marrow gut and cook that. I guess that will be enough for to-night." But when he got to the place, the meat was all gone. The wolves had eaten it. "I was smart to hang up those tongues," he said, "or I would not have had anything to eat." But the tongues were all hollow. The mice had eaten the meat out, leaving only the skin. So Old Man starved again.

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Celtic Fairy Tales Joseph Jacobs

BETH GELLERT Print Llewelyn had a favourite greyhound named Gellert that had been given to him by his father-in-law, King John. He was as gentle as a lamb at home but a lion in the chase. One day Llewelyn went to the chase and blew his horn in front of his castle. All his other dogs came to the call but Gellert never answered it. So he blew a louder blast on his horn and called Gellert by name, but still the greyhound did not come. At last Prince Llewelyn could wait no longer and went off to the hunt without Gellert. He had little sport that day because Gellert was not there, the swiftest and boldest of his hounds.

He turned back in a rage to his castle, and as he came to the gate, who should he see but Gellert come bounding out to meet him. But when the hound came near him, the Prince was startled to see that his lips and fangs were dripping with blood. Llewelyn started back and the greyhound crouched down at his feet as if surprised or afraid at the way his master greeted him.

This picture is not owned by the magazine. Retrieved from: http://www.mainlesson.com/ Now Prince Llewelyn had a little son a year old with whom Gellert used to play, and a terrible thought crossed the Prince's mind that made him rush towards the child's nursery. And the nearer he came the more blood and disorder he found about the rooms. He rushed into it and found the child's cradle overturned and daubed with blood.

Prince Llewelyn grew more and more terrified, and sought for his little son everywhere. He could find him nowhere but only signs of some terrible conflict in which much blood had been shed. At last he felt sure the dog had destroyed his child, and shouting to Gellert, "Monster, thou hast devoured my child," he drew out his sword and plunged it in the greyhound's side, who fell with a deep yell and still gazing in his master's eyes.

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As Gellert raised his dying yell, a little child's cry answered it from beneath the cradle, and there Llewelyn found his child unharmed and just awakened from sleep.

But just beside him lay the body of a great gaunt wolf all torn to pieces and covered with blood. Too late, Llewelyn learned what had happened while he was away.

Gellert had stayed behind to guard the child and had fought and slain the wolf that had tried to destroy Llewelyn's heir.

In vain was all Llewelyn's grief; he could not bring his faithful dog to life again. So he buried him outside the castle walls within sight of the great mountain of Snowdon, where every passer-by might see his grave, and raised over it a great cairn of stones. And to this day the place is called Beth Gellert, or the Grave of Gellert.

A Choice Collection of Muscovite Folk-lore W. R. S. Ralston

The Dead Mother In a certain village there lived a husband and wife—lived happily, lovingly, peaceably. All their neighbours envied them; the sight of them gave pleasure to honest folks. Well, the mistress bore a son, but directly after it was born she died. The poor moujik moaned and wept. Above all he was in despair about the babe. How was he to nourish it now? How to bring it up without its mother? He did what was best, and hired an old woman to look after it. Only here was a wonder! all day long the babe would take no food, and did nothing but cry; there was no soothing it anyhow. But during (a great part of) the night one could fancy it wasn’t there at all, so silently and peacefully did it sleep.

“What’s the meaning of this?” thinks the old woman; “suppose I keep awake to-night; maybe I shall find out.”

Well, just at midnight she heard someone quietly open the door and go up to the cradle.

The babe became still, just as if it was being suckled.

The next night the same thing took place, and the third night, too. Then she told the moujik about it. He called his kinsfolk together, and held counsel with them. They determined on this; to keep awake on a certain night, and to spy out who it was that came to suckle the babe. So at eventide they all lay down on the floor, and beside them they set a lighted taper hidden in an earthen pot.

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At midnight the cottage door opened. Someone stepped up to the cradle.

The babe became still. At that moment one of the kinsfolk suddenly brought out the light. They looked, and saw the dead mother, in the very same clothes in which she had been buried, on her knees besides the cradle, over which she bent as she suckled the babe at her dead breast.

The moment the light shone in the cottage she stood up, gazed sadly on her little one, and then went out of the room without a sound, not saying a word to anyone. All those who saw her stood for a time terror-struck; and then they found the babe was dead.

This picture is not owned by the magazine. Retrieved from: http://www.topart168.com/

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Viking Tales Jennie Hall

The Baby KING HALFDAN lived in Norway long ago. One morning his queen said to him: "I had a strange dream last night. I thought that I stood in the grass before my bower. I pulled a thorn from my dress. As I held it in my fingers, it grew into a tall tree. The trunk was thick and red as blood, but the lower limbs were fair and green, and the highest ones were white. I thought that the branches of this great tree spread so far that they covered all Norway and even more."

"A strange dream," said King Halfdan. "Dreams are the messengers of the gods. I wonder what they would tell us," and he stroked his beard in thought.

Some time after that a serving-woman came into the feast hall where King Halfdan was. She carried a little white bundle in her arms.

"My lord," she said, "a little son is just born to you."

"Ha!" cried the king, and he jumped up from the high seat and hastened forward until he stood before the woman.

"Show him to me!" he shouted, and there was joy in his voice.

The serving-woman put down her bundle on the ground and turned back the cloth. There was a little naked baby. The king looked at it carefully.

"It is a goodly youngster," he said, and smiled. "Bring Ivar and Thorstein."

They were captains of the king's soldiers. Soon they came.

"Stand as witnesses," Halfdan said.

Then he lifted the baby in his arms, while the old serving-woman brought a silver bowl of water.

The king dipped his hand into it and sprinkled the baby, saying: "I own this baby for my son. He shall be called Harald. My naming gift to him is ten pounds of gold."

Then the woman carried the baby back to the queen's room.

"My lord owns him for his son," she said. "And no wonder! He is perfect in every limb."

The queen looked at him and smiled and remembered her dream and thought: "That great tree! Can it be this little baby of mine?"

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