PRODIGY Issue #8

ISSUE #8 MAY 13, 2024 | TRIMESTER 2 2024

The

Lampof Wonders

THEATRE CLUB‘S DEBUT ACT MESMERISES EVERYONE

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Issue # 8

Editor's Note

May 13, 2024 | Trimester 2 2024

The Squad

Kudos theatre club!

The all-new PRODIGY is here! Two years on from the release of the inaugural edition in May 2022, PRODIGY is back with a bang!

Suleiman Altaf Editor-in-Chief

In this edition, we take a look back at the events from the last trimester where the debuting Theatre Club defied all odds to produce a breath-taking show in front of a live audience leaving all in attendance mesmerised and captivated in the story titled ‘The Lamp of Wonders’. It was more than wonderful, to say the least, with countless hours put in behind the scenes. From script-writing and production to budgeting and design, no stone was left unturned in what was a first in Curtin Dubai’s history.

Mahdiya Habeebur Rahman Content Writer

The Artistry Club was not to be left behind with the club bagging the inaugural ‘Best Club’ accolade. Prodigies @ Curtin features the ambitious Amna while our write-ups span across the themes of festivity and motivation to philosophy and debate. Pasta is the recipe of the month and some stunning photographs highlight the impact of perspectives.

Ananthjith Content Writer

So sit-back and enjoy this bumper PRODIGY 2.0 edition and don’t forget to share your feedback!

SULEIMAN ALTAF

Wajiha Khan Content Writer

Jasmina Ulugbekova Marketing & Creative Manager Sonja Schoeman Marketing Representative

Editor-in-Chief

Article Writing

Arts

Fiction Writing

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

At PRODIGY we believe that every student has an art.

Art is not just the skill of drawing or painting but actually is any skill such as poetry or photography or even comic strips! Which one do you prefer?

Storytelling is a prized art form whether done in writing or verbally and who doesn't love to read a story!

One catchy title and introduction can take your readers on a journey never travelled before. We love to hear your stories so send them in!

Submit your entries with your full name and degree enrolled in by emailing prodigy@curtindubai.ac.ae and get featured!

PRODIGY AWARDS

Raichel Gary Pereira Marketing Representative Aurangzeb Amir Marketing Representative Ayesha Mohamed Ansar Creative Designer Vishakha Sharma Creative Designer

Access PRODIGY's e-magazines by scanning the QR code or visiting the link below:

For editorial, contact Suleiman Altaf: suleiman.altaf@student.curtin.edu.au SEE PAGE 33

www.issuu.com/prodigymagazine

No part of PRODIGY Magazine can be reproduced or altered without prior permission.

PRODIGY | 03

CONTENTS

8

FEATURED

8

6

SOCIAL CLUB EVENTS

ART CLUB WINS INAUGURAL BEST CLUB AWARD

18

14

CURTINEWS

NEW SCHOLARSHIP ANNOUNCED POETRY

19

POETRY

BATTLING CRITICISM

TOUGH LOVE

24

26

FESTIVE FEVER

ARE YOU MISSING OUT ON THESE 4 THINGS?

MEET AMNA...

PONDERING OVER LIFE...

28

30

32

34

MAKING PASTA

DEBUGGING UNPAID INTERNSHIPS

TH E LA M P IS TR UL

20

PRODIGY SPECIALS

SELF-ESTEEM

DOES IT REALLY MATTER?

PRODIGY | 04

Y W ON DE RF UL !

22

MOTIVATION

PHOTOGRAPHY

CONNECT WITH NATURE

PRODIGIES @ CURTIN

RECIPE OF THE MONTH

PHILOSOPHICAL

JUST A THOUGHT

READERS' REVIEWS

Best Letter

Over to you

Greetings Curtin Family,

Follow our updates on at: @curtinlifedubai

YOUR NAME COULD BE HERE! NEXT PUBLICATION DATE:

SEPTEMBER 9 2024 Yours truly,

Congratulations, (your name could be here!)! You are the winner of this edition's Best Letter Contest! You will receive an email on how to collect your prize soon.

Best Letter Contest Send your letters and feedback on this edition of the magazine with your name and course to prodigy@curtindubai.ac.ae. The winning entry will be judged on clarity and relevance, and will receive a Curtin Dubai goodie bag!

The editor's decision will be final. All the best!

To be considered for the next issue, please send in your entries for the opinions, fiction, poems, artworks, and photography sections by August 15 2024.

PRODIGY | 05

SOCIAL CLUB EVENTS

By Mahdiya H. Rahman

ART CLUB Artistry Club Wins Best Club Award In the first trimester of 2024, the Artistry Club kicked off a series of dynamic and captivating events for students. They kicked off with an exciting initiative: the introduction of clay mirror art. This ignited a wave of creativity among participants as each crafted a design distinct from one another.

“The clay mirror art session was a cool event! We got creative, making shapes while seeing our reflections. It was unique and inspiring, leaving a memorable impression," said club member Swaroop Shinod Edaparuthi.

“The clay mirror art session was a delight to say the least. It was an innovative and colorful way to express ourselves through art. We made mirrors customized to us. Overall, it was a great way to relax in between our classes,” described Saniya Dsouza.

In the second session, the focus was on creation, whether it was crafting mental health strategies or constructing ferris wheels. With wooden sticks and hot glue, a ferris wheel was built while highlighting positive affirmations.

“We were given instruction pages on how to build a ferris wheel, a pack of wood sticks and a hot glue machine to make the ferris wheel coupled with sticker sheets. I felt happy and overall I enjoyed the session with my friends as we built the ferris wheel together,” explained Jasmina Ulugbekova.

The last and final activity ‘acrylic pour painting’ was a major hit among the members as they got to paint in a different way. Rather than using traditional brushes, participants utilized pouring techniques to create intricate designs on their canvases, incorporating swirling motions or blow-drying methods for added effect.

“I attended an artistry club session, where we had to do pour painting on canvas, and it was really fun. My friends and I did a pretty good job, I believe. We all were so creative in whatever we did and whatever our outcome was. I'm definitely looking forward to more of these kinds of sessions in the future,” elaborated Abeerah Shahba.

PRODIGY | 06

SOCIAL CLUB EVENTS

“Reflecting on the journey of starting the Artistry Club, it's been a rollercoaster of emotions – from fear to excitement. But above all, it's been about the joy of bringing people together and having fun.

What started as a spontaneous decision has grown up into something very close to our hearts, thanks to the love and support from our peers. As we continue to grow, our ideas only get bigger, and we're committed to working hard to achieve them.

Hope to see you guys there for the summer trimester!

I would like to thank everyone who supported us in this journey and stood by us throughout,” said Warisha Khan, Artistry Club President.

“Throughout our "Artistry Club" sessions, we have dedicated ourselves to creating a welcoming environment where students can freely explore their creativity and improve their artistic skills. From nervous beginnings to winning the students' choice award, each session has been a treasure of emotions, reflecting the vibrant community we have created together. None of this would be possible without our dedicated team members' invaluable contributions and unwavering support.

Their passion, creativity, and commitment has driven our club's success, and I am immensely thankful for their hard work, dedication, and tireless efforts.

We are thankful for the bonds of friendship we forged along the way and the support and encouragement of countless students who joined us in our sessions. We deeply appreciate each one of you, as your presence has left a lasting mark on our sessions. As we continue our journey, we eagerly look forward to welcoming you all to future events to share many more inspiring moments and create more friendships and cherished memories,” described Afrah Firos, Artistry Club Vice President.

“Being a Digital Communications Officer for the club has been an incredibly enjoyable and fulfilling journey. Crafting social content for the club has not only allowed me to explore new avenues of creativity but has also enriched my university experience. The sense of fulfilment derived from seeing the impact of our content and witnessing the club thrive has been truly rewarding. I feel incredibly fortunate to have been given the chance to step into the role of Digital Communications Officer for the club," said Ayesha Mohamed Ansar, Digital Communications Officer of Artistry Club.

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SOCIAL CLUB EVENTS

THEATRE CLUB Act One: The Debut As we celebrate the first milestone for Curtin Dubai’s Theatre Club, we are instantly drawn down memory lane.

We, the founders of Theatre Club, started the club in September 2023 with hearts full of passion and documents full of ideas. As President and Vice-President, our vision for the society came to life when we started rehearsing for our play as our main cast had been assembled for our debut production. Fuelled by the efforts and dedication of the management, the cast, the backstage, and the props team, ‘The Lamp of Wonders’ was a testament to our creative aspirations.

Countless hours were spent into building the production, as we wished to put in our best performances forward. The seven months we spent on this play were nothing short of a rollercoaster ride as we faced new obstacles consistently, yet we persevered through it all, reaffirming the belief that ‘no dream is too big if you dream it every day’.

From the intricate sets by our props team, to the seamless work by our actors, the performance captivated hearts and minds alike, receiving a standing ovation from our lovely audience. We are immensely grateful to the University and our teams, who supported us in bringing this story to life.

As we close this chapter for our Club, moving on to new stories, we are taking forward with us a lifetime of memories and experiences that we will cherish for the years to come.

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SOCIAL CLUB EVENTS

The weeks leading up to the final day- 8th March 2024, were filled with anxiety and anticipation. Somehow, we still couldn’t fathom that our dream was coming to reality - who knew one little phone call filled with discussion of our aspirations would actually be showcased on-stage? We were troubled with the possibility of everything that could go wrong. However, everything fell into place when the lights shined bright and the melodies filled the air, as all our anxieties were dissolved by the magic collectively crafted by our beloved club. ~ Theatre Club

PRODIGY | 09

SOCIAL CLUB EVENTS

DANCE CLUB Uniting Through Movement “As someone who has been dancing from a very young age, I believe that dance is a creative way for individuals to express themselves and stay true to who they are through the depiction of different rhythmic movements. As president of Curtin’s Dance Club, I was more than honoured to be involved in the birth and success of this newly introduced club. Dance holds a special place in my heart and I am proud to say that the club did an outstanding job in Trimester 1 2024. A few club members and I started rehearsing for the “Lamp of Wonders” play organized by the Theatre Club. We offered to assist them with choreographies and it was a success! It was also the perfect opportunity to formally introduce the dance club to the university and invite more people to join it for future endeavours!

Unfortunately, dance club will not be up and running until Trimester 3 2024, however, I am looking forward to more members joining through auditions and the club possibly being involved in competitions. Dance Club is a platform to exercise and allow individuals to de-stress. We are more than happy to take in more members as the main aim is for the club to continue to grow and leave a lasting impression! Being able to dance does not always have to be a gift that comes naturally, but it can be taught as long as people are willing to learn and able to let loose! “Dance is the hidden language of the soul." – Martha Graham, President of Dance Club.

CULINARY CLUB The Culinary Creations The Culinary Club at Curtin University Dubai is committed to bringing together students, helping them learn, experiment, and share their passion for food! Whether they are master chefs or simply a beginner in the kitchen, our club aims to host fun and engaging foodie activities.

The event, “Make-Your-Own-Pasta” was an interactive workshop held on campus.

Students could customize and craft their own pasta plates, choosing from sauce options like marinara, alfredo and pesto, and an assortment of add-ins like chicken, veggies and cheeses. The attendees bonded over their choices while enjoying their personalized creations.

PRODIGY | 10

SOCIAL CLUB EVENTS The event was a great success, encouraging a sense of creativity and community amongst the students. One attendee remarked, “I thoroughly enjoyed the experience and I wish the club had more sessions! Thank you to the organizers for the most enjoyable experience.” Another said, “10/10 for both the experience and the taste. It was the best pasta I have had in a while!”

The club management truly enjoyed organizing this workshop and they continue to look forward to all that is in store for the next trimester. Keep your chef hats and aprons ready to join us for our events in the next trimester!

BOOK CLUB Book Club Chronicles: Solving Mysteries, One Page At A Time Last trimester, the Book Club embarked on a thrilling journey, starting with the gripping pages of "A Good Girl's Guide to Murder" by Holly Jackson. Recommended by eager members during their Club Festival, this murder mystery had them all on the edge of their seats! Imagine a high schooler's untimely demise, a boyfriend with a suspicious past, and enough twists and turns to keep Sherlock Holmes guessing.

As they delved into the story, their meetings became lively debates as they donned their detective hats, decoding clues and speculating wildly about the murderer. But the excitement didn't stop there! Their literary adventure took them beyond the confines of campus to the cozy nooks of Bookends, a charming second-hand bookstore in Silicon Oasis. There, surrounded by shelves stacked with captivating tales, they pieced together the puzzle, connecting dots and solving mysteries. The store's peaceful atmosphere provided the perfect backdrop for their sleuthing escapades. By the end of their trip, they felt like true crime-solving champions, ready to take on any challenge the next book throws their way!

PRODIGY | 11

SOCIAL CLUB EVENTS

Sheventures

Aiming to boost women empowerment, SheVentures - Curtin Dubai’s Women in Business Society is set to launch in the upcoming May trimester of 2024.

SheVentures is not just another business platform; it is a community created to foster growth for future female entrepreneurs and business leaders. Women at Curtin University Dubai will be provided a platform and a community to inspire one another whilst exchanging ideas and actively seeking guidance from professionals in the industry and fellow business students.

The leadership committee of SheVentures comprises of: - President: Mariah Martinez - ⁠Vice-President: Afna Changampally - ⁠Head of Public Relations: Kani Ahmadpour - ⁠Digital Communications Officer: Humaira Toufiq - ⁠Head of Membership: Razane Boudjeniba By conducting a diverse set of activities such as workshops, talks, networking events, and mentorship programs, SheVentures aims to equip our members with the knowledge and confidence to lead and navigate the workplace.

When women lead, success follows. Together, as members of SheVentures, the society aims to break down barriers and rewrite the narrative of women in business. Join them on a transformative journey to pursue women's empowerment, growth and explore endless possibilities.

Music Club O3: A Musical Journey Begins O3, also known as the Original 3, stands as Curtin University's first musical ensemble, marking a journey of growth and exploration.

From humble beginnings performing in the campus to collaborating with other clubs and events, the club has come a long way. O3 is a testament to passion and talent.

The band has transformed into a platform for self-expression and the showcasing of talents.

Being involved in events such as performing at the theatre club's premiere has provided invaluable learning experiences for our band.

Stay tuned as O3 sets the stage for an exciting chapter ahead. The journey has just begun!

PRODIGY | 12

le new wo who rl

d

A

SOCIAL CLUB EVENTS

Anime Club Anime Enthusiasts Unite: Explore & Connect!

Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of Japanese animation and culture with the university's Anime Club! Whether you're a seasoned otaku or just curious about the anime scene, Anime club offers a welcoming space to explore, discuss, and celebrate all things anime. From weekly screenings of popular series to engaging discussions on manga, cosplay events, and Japanese cultural workshops, this club is a haven for anime enthusiasts of all levels. Join them and connect with like-minded peers, dive into exciting stories, and experience the creativity and diversity of anime.

ATTENTION SOCIAL CLUB HEADS: WANT YOUR CLUB TO FEATURE IN ONE OF THESE PAGES? Send us your club’s events’ descriptions along with pictures and testimonials, if any, to prodigy@curtindubai.ac.ae and advertise your clubs so that more students on campus can learn about your club!

Visit studentlife.curtindubai.ac.ae/social-clubs-and-associations for more information.

PRODIGY | 13

CURTINEWS

By Wajiha Khan

NEW SCHOLARSHIP ANNOUNCED TO HONOUR TRANSNATIONAL ACADEMIC GROUP CO-FOUNDER The Zafar Siddiqi Innovation and Enterprise Scholarship was announced late in April 2024 for Curtin University Dubai students. The award was announced to honour the legacy of the late Zafar Siddiqi, Co-Founder and Chairman of Transnational Academic Group, the educational service provider for Curtin University in Dubai. The fully funded, merit-based scholarship founded in his name will support high-achieving students from economically disadvantaged families. It will be open to domestic and international students and will recognize academic excellence. Applications will open during the summer. Official announcements are expected to be received via university email.

Mr. Zafar Siddiqi (left) and Mr. Rakesh Wahi (right), Co-Founders of Transnational Academic Group.

CURTIN AT GETEX! Continuing the annual tradition, Curtin University Dubai marked its presence at GETEX 2024. The event was expected to welcome over 20,000 visitors. Curtin University Dubai’s presence included a mix of staff and students. With their infectious enthusiasm and tireless friendliness, the team made the event a raving success.

TRIP TO THE HOUSE OF WISDOM The Library team organised a trip to the House of Wisdom in Sharjah. Located near University City, the House of Wisdom functions as a cultural center with meeting rooms, cafes, indoor and outdoor study spaces, and thousands of books. Students witnessed the mesmerizing presence of immense knowledge and enjoyed its peace and quiet. The House of Wisdom is free to access and open to all. (Editorial input: please do not go there as I am gatekeeping it.)

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CURTINEWS

ASHRAE INTER-UNIVERSITY RESEARCH POSTER PRESENTATION COMPETITION The university held its 4th InterUniversity Poster Competition on the 22nd of April 2024. The event was sponsored by the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Airconditioning Engineers (ASHRAE). The first-place prize was AED 500 while the runner-up prize was AED 300.

More than 30 teams from over 11 universities participated. Team Gold from The University of Bolton emerged as the first-place winner.

First Place: Team Gold from The University of Bolton

Runners-up: Team S.A.S. Biodiesel of BITS Pilani Dubai

Team Green Future from Heriot-Watt University Dubai

Team DeCarb from BITS Pilani Dubai

Two categories were added this year. The award for Best Speaker went to Team Green Future from Heriot-Watt University. Team DeCarb from BITS Pilani Dubai won the Best Poster.

The engineering department looks forward to hosting the event again next year.

Students of all disciplines are welcome to apply.

PRODIGY | 15

CURTINEWS

CELEBRATING WOMEN’S VOICES AT WOMEN OF WISDOM Every year, the Women of Wisdom event aims to create more equal spaces for women raising awareness about inequalities in industry and creating a healthy space for networking.

The day started with an engaging panel discussion about "Leading Women in the UAE". The panelists shared insights on how to navigate different industries and the setbacks women face while doing so.

Women of Wisdom 2024 served as a rich opportunity for women across many walks of life to meet with and support one another and make meaningful connections along the way.

KICKING OFF THE EID HOLIDAY WITH THE AUTISM INCLUSIVE SPORTS FEST

Curtin Dubai scored an afternoon of inclusion and awareness, assisted by Eduscan and UAE Cricket this April. The university’s second-ever Autism-Inclusive Sports Fest inspired heaps of fun as students from around the country had gathered for the event. Also in attendance were staff and students, serving as passionate organizers and volunteers. A great win for the spirit of community!

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CURTINEWS

CURTIN LEADERS’ SUMMIT – ATTENDANCE BY CURTIN DUBAI STUDENT LEADERS The Curtin Youth Leaders’ Summit is an event where the student council Presidents and Vice-Presidents across all Curtin campuses get together and network in person. The Dubai campus hosted the first summit in 2022. The most recent summit, held in 2023, was hosted by the home campus in Perth. Curtin Dubai students Keerthana Reddy and Leandri Hayton were in attendance, brilliantly representing the Dubai campus. The event served as a bridge between campuses and helped create a unified connection under the Curtin name.

OXFORD LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

NEW CHANCELLOR – DR. VANESSA GUTHRIE

The Oxford Centre for Leadership organized its annual conference in Dubai this year. A select few students from Curtin University Dubai were given the opportunity to attend the prestigious event. The conference featured leaders such as notable politicians, scientists, and activists.

The speaker’s list included Sir Robert Buckland, former Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice of the U.K.; Former Prime Minister of Montenegro, Dritan Abazovic; Prime Minister of Kosovo, Albin Kurti, among many others.

The home campus in Perth elected a highly accomplished new Chancellor whose term began on April 1st, 2024. The new Chancellor, Dr. Vanessa Guthrie, has extensive leadership experience. She serves as a Non-Executive Director for Cricket Australia and Infrastructure Australia, among others. Her academic background ranges from geology and environmental studies to law and business management. She possesses a doctorate in geology and an honorary Doctor of Science from Curtin University. Dr. Guthrie remarks that it is a privilege to have the opportunity to make a difference.

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POETRY

BATTLES WITHIN Mahdiya H. Rahman B.Com Finance & Accountancy Society's standards, they're so harsh, Expecting bodies to be perfect, without a mark or a blemish.

But how can we fit into this mould, When we're all unique, with our stories to be told.

Should have been building confidence, Rather built insecurities, owing to your negligence.

They shattered me, succumbing to pain, Leaving me to survive on broken shards in vain.

Hid from the mirror, Refused to look at pictures since they agonizingly trigger.

Your words cut me deep, Soundlessly making me weep.

The ghosts whisper your name With your unwarranted opinions that bring me shame.

Popping out of nowhere and everywhere Exactly when I feel flattered and nothing to spare.

Maybe you all were remnants of satanic ink, Making me feel eternal emptiness within a hollow heart, in a simple blink.

Till I realized I was a divine feminine, A star heroine.

Took me too long to understand.

Our bodies are not the enemy, They're a vessel for our soul, our sanctuary.

They carry us through every day, And we should love and cherish them in every way.

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LOVE

UNFITTED LOVE Maureene Jesse Lavarias B.Sc Psychology

She's a bright star in the night sky. She sparkles, and you'll admire her even more when the nights draw in. From afar, you can see how beautiful and relaxing she is, since she emits a soft blanket-like light that can make you feel warm.

The beauty you see from afar piques your interest in getting closer to her. You travel such a great distance simply to reach the sky, where she belongs. However, as you drive closer, the soft light becomes brighter, and the warm glow begins to burn your flesh. It is not as relaxing and attractive as what you are used to; instead, it is inflicting pain on you.

You decide to quit driving in order to save yourself. You returned to your safe haven, where adoring her from distance is far more convenient and secure. You know she isn't the star for you, that she isn't the star you require.

PRODIGY | 19

PRODIGY SPECIALS

By Ananthjith

FESTIVE FEVER A LOOK INTO THE TOP 5 MUST-ATTEND UNIFESTS University festivals are vibrant tapestries, weaving together awe-inspiring displays of talent, camaraderie, cultural heritage, and community spirit. It is the premier peer-socializing experience, offering something for everyone. Entertainment and action ceaselessly unfold a kaleidoscope of experiences, leaving participants exhilarated and eagerly anticipating whatever's next.

If you want to experience a taste of it for yourselves, take a peek into the top 5 must-attend university festivals in the UAE as we unveil the essence of each one of them.

1.JASHN

2. WATT-FEST

Months: March - April Hosted by: Bits Pilani Dubai

Months: February - March Hosted by: Herriot Watt University Dubai

Dubbed the largest open-ground InterUniversity Cultural Festival in the country, every iteration of this festival has seen it raising the bar time and time again, a guaranteed crowd puller, with footfall of almost 3000 people attending the 4-day long fest back in 2022. Performances by renowned and popular DJs and comics, flagship competitive events, food stalls and larger-than-life décor make up this exhilarating spectacle.

An Inter-University Competition and Festival that encompasses both arts and sports into one behemoth of an event, headed by a trifecta of 3 major events: - Battle of the Bands (Music) - Step It Up (Dance) - Watt Sports Cup (Sports) An epic after-party sews up the entire event closing out in sterling fashion, giving the Jamboree lovers a reason to attend, if not just for the after-party.

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UNILIFE

3. CITY WALK UNPLUGGED Months: October - November Hosted by: City Walk City Walk Unplugged is as 'Hollywood' as it gets. Wholly focused on music, City Walk Unplugged hosts the paramount “Battle of the Bands” contest, with contestants from universities across the UAE going for broke at a chance at winning a whopping AED20,000 cash prize. This musical extravaganza has it all: celebrity judges, an electrifying atmosphere, and adrenalineinducing performances, making it a “can’tmiss” for all music lovers.

4. CARNIVAL Months: April - May Hosted by: MAHE Dubai Carnivals’ ethos is all about underscoring universities' eccentric spirit and cultural identities while paying homage to our homes and traditions. This Annual InterUniversity Festival, established almost a decade ago, is endless entertainment that lasts over two days and features nearly 20 creative and cultural events, food stalls, gaming kiosks and much more. It has had a colossal attendance history, drawing close to 5000 people in its 2018 iteration.

5. MDX YOUTH FEST Months: April - May Hosted by: Middlesex University Dubai This is not your average talent show. MDX Youth Fest boasts a rich and glittering history; it started back in 2009 and has been organised for the past 15 years. Apart from the usual elements, it is also peppered with a plethora of diverse events including but not limited to a FIFA competition, film screenings, four-part comic strip competition and a pebble painting contest in the past years. The finale of the MDX Youth Fest has always proven to be a night to remember as an amalgamation of talents bash heads to emerge victorious in stunning settings, with the 2019 finale being held aboard the Queen Elizabeth 2 docked in Port Rashid being a direct testament to the latter.

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CAREERS

4 THINGS SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE WISH THEY COULD TELL THEIR COLLEGE SELVES Wajiha S. Khan Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)

If you are reading this, there’s a huge chance you’re a college student (college = university). If you’re like me, you probably wonder if you’re doing enough with your time here. For me, one way to figure that out was to ask inspiring people what they did at college. I’d also ask if there was anything they could tell their younger selves.

Here are four things they had to say.

NETWORK MORE

WATCH YOUR HEALTH

Networking can be one of the most

You know how breathing is just whatever

annoying terms in the world. All it means is

until your nose gets blocked? That applies

talking to someone new, finding things in

to health in general. Seriously, don’t take

common, and seeing how you can help

your body for granted. It may not seem like

them. It can be as easy as telling a student

much, but just trying to care about your

from

a

sleep, hydration, and eating more colorful

competition happening at Curtin. If you are

stuff, will go a long way. Maybe get some

networking with them, they are also

steps in. Maybe start caring about your

networking with you, which means they

steps if you don’t already.

will also link you up with something that

health is like cramming for an exam the

might be good for you.

night before. It’s not that hard if only you’d

another

university

about

You never know

which voice will be the one to get your foot at the door in your dream workplace.

PRODIGY | 22

started sooner.

Having good

ADVICE

TRY EVERYTHING The number of people whose careers have nothing to do with their degrees is baffling.

Many people even find their calling through the non-study stuff they do at college. I had a friend who had 13 A*s at IGCSE and a full scholarship at Tufts. He ended up getting

into

professional

fencing

and

became a part-time mime. He loved it. He was a computer science major! Which begs the question, how do you know you’re not the next Michael Phelps if you’ve never

HAVE FUN

even tried pro swimming? Keep an open

Regardless of how old you are right now;

mind. Try everything!

this is the youngest you will be ever again.

It’s still easy to be carefree, or at least meet people who are. And no matter how overwhelming it feels right now, remember that you have a lot more years ahead of you than you think. Try to relax. Do things that make you happy. And if you get nothing else out of college, try to keep a bundle of memories that will always keep you warm.

EMBRACE EVERY OPPORTUNITY, FOR IN TRYING,

WE DISCOVER

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INTERVIEW

Prodigies @ Curtin 'I envision myself taking on more leadership responsibilities and striving for excellence in what I do’ PRODIGY's Marketing and Creative Manager Jasmina Ulugbekova caught up with B.Com Accounting and Finance student Amna Muhammad Khalid who is an aspiring professor and played a key role in theatre club’s debut production. Find out more about her in this edition's Prodigies @ Curtin.

Q: What is your name and how old are you?

A: My name is Amna Muhammad Khalid, and I'm 19 years old.

Q: What do you study at Curtin Dubai, and which year are you in?

A: I’m currently studying B.Com Accounting and Finance, and I'm in my first year.

Q: What brought you to Curtin Dubai?

A: Curtin University Dubai is recognized globally for its quality education and scholarships. It offers a range of courses in the business and accounting field, which gives me many options to choose from.

Moreover, the best thing was the welcoming smiles and helpful community of faculty and students.

Q: What motivated you to join the Theatre Club?

A: I joined the Theatre club backstage to work on the props, costumes, and set design for the play.

Having the opportunity to use my artistic talent and love of craftsmanship to bring the vision to life was the main motivator. Apart from that, I enjoy trying new things, working in team settings, and making new friends, and the Theatre club allowed me to do that.

PRODIGY | 24

PRODIGIES @ CURTIN Q: How did you become the Backstage Manager of Theatre Club?

A: As a passionate member of the Theatre Club, I took on many responsibilities and tasks to help with the play. I thoroughly enjoyed making the props and even took on the initiative to design and sew the costumes for all the cast members. This caught the attention of the club President and VicePresidents and I was given the opportunity to become the Backstage Manager.

Q: As the Backstage Manager, what was the hardest task that you did?

A: As the Backstage Manager, I believe the hardest task was managing the unexpected emergencies and challenges that arose at the last minute. These included props getting damaged during transportation, props not functioning as planned, and even some costume malfunctions. All these situations demanded clear communication with the crew, staying on my toes, and making backup plans to ensure efficiency and have the play running without disruptions.

Q: Where did you get the inspiration for the costumes and was it easy for you to make them?

A: The costumes were inspired by the 2019 Aladdin movie and elements of our play. As for the ease of making costumes, that depended on the type of material used and the complexity of the design.

Costumes like Prince Ali’s and Abu’s were comparatively easier to make compared to Genie’s and Jasmine’s. I also made many things for the first time, like Jafar’s cloak, and Sultan’s and Genie’s turban. It was a new experience for me and seeing the costumes bring the characters to life was truly rewarding. I enjoyed every bit of it.

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Q: What are your future plans for the club? Do you plan to continue on as the Backstage Manager?

A: Part of my job as Backstage Manager was also preparing budgets, excel sheets, and managing logs. Since we are now part of a society rather than a standalone club, I was given the opportunity to also be the Treasurer of the Performing Arts Society alongside being the Backstage Manager of the Theatre club.

Q: Where do you see yourself in five years?

A: In five years, I see myself in a position where I have grown both professionally and personally. I envision myself taking on more leadership responsibilities and striving for excellence in what I do. I would like to go towards a teaching profession and convey knowledge of my field.

Q: What was your favourite part from the play?

A: My favourite part from the play was Jasmine’s speech, where she stood up for herself and proved that she was capable of becoming the next Sultan.

It was very powerful and truly captivating.

PRODIGY | 25

ARTICLE WRITING

Coin Toss...

...Life Edition

Mahdiya Habeebur Rahman B. Com, Accounting And Finance

*This background is AI generated.

PRODIGY | 26

MOTIVATION

You have borne witness to the raging floods. You have outlived a global pandemic. You have observed the impact at large and persevered through it all. What if I tell you that such events are one of the many that life entails? Abrupt, unhinged occurrences that dice your meticulously deliberated goals without an ounce of sympathy of the future path you are walking. What will be the golden stamp of your continued survival? From natural disasters to economic downfalls, life haunts you of its inherent unpredictability.

Eventualities and personal struggles that viciously churn every future opportunity.

At times like these, we are often tempted to succumb to self-pity and giving up. When the whole world breaks apart, we are forced to adapt to rules and regulations. However, when you are isolated and your troubles are only your own, will you break down and cry?

Unpredictability of life forces you to adapt and change. It leads you leashed to its whims and compels you to make difficult decisions hastily, requiring presence of mind amidst confusion and danger. This is especially true in the cases of natural calamities, where quick adaptability of a few saves the lives of many. But can this always be the case? Good decisions cannot always be made, and people cannot always

be saved. A bitter pill to swallow, but for success, life deems it to be ingested.

However, this does not mean that one must lose all hope and good sense in an unpredictable situation.

So, then the question arises, how do you survive?

Let me introduce you to the ACA values, which elongates to Adaptation, Compensation and Adjustment. Often, you are asked to remain motivated and determined when there are challenges hurled upon you. The ACA skills are the ones you must recall and inculcate to survive this harsh world. This concept is a key factor to easily mould, decide and prioritize the best route in a particular situation and to give up what you see unfit in order to reach taller heights, to endure and to persevere in this unforgivable environment.

Once you start using these principles in your everyday life, things tend to get a bit easier. For example, you'll be able to adapt to lesser preparation hours for your exams, adjust to unfamiliar questions in the exam paper, and compensate for the mental strain with lots of self-care activities.

Ingrain ACA values in your stride, and next time you find yourself breaking down and crying, pick yourself right back up and know how to deal with it confidently!

PRODIGY | 27

ARTICLE WRITING

“Nothing Matters.”

“Nothing Matters...”

“Nothing Matters!”

Ananthjith B.Com, Finance & Accountancy

"Human consciousness is a tragic misstep in evolution. We became too self-aware.

Nature created an aspect of nature separate from itself; we are things that should not exist by natural law. We labour under the illusion of having a self, an accretion of sensory experience and feeling, programmed with the total assurance that we are each somebody when, in fact, everybody’s nobody. Maybe the Honourable thing for our species to do is deny our programming, walk hand in hand into extinction, one last midnight, brothers and sisters opting out of a raw deal."

Grim, dark, maybe even a little macabre. The rumination given above is uttered by a character who not only believes that the glass is half empty but rather that the glass has shattered, the water has spilled, and the shards have cut into his skin.

This view resembles the perspectives of a great many pessimistic nihilists. Nihilism is a school of thought that, at its core, talks about how life is meaningless, existence is senseless, denies/rejects all moral beliefs and postulates that 'Nothing Matters'. It is also an ideology shared by renowned philosophers and authors such as Nietzsche, Ligotti and Dostoevsky, as well as 14-year-old edge lords on Reddit.

PRODIGY | 28

MOTIVATION

Most might scoff at the sheer ludicrousness of its concept. But, just for once, let's accept the dogma of nihilism; let's say the tenets hold true, and for a fleeting moment, shirk all other doctrines and accept the former as the solitary stance.

Life is a bleak existence, a cosmic joke played on us; we are but a bunch of selfaware meat bags filled with blood. Nothing Matters . . . The universe is indifferent to us and our struggles. Our existence, insignificant. Our achievements, futile.

Yet, although very trite, we could flip the same on its head and seek to embrace this ghastly notion. The fact that 'nothing matters'! The lucid absence of inherent meaning, no predetermined rules or restrictions. We are no longer beholden to the expectations of society, dictates of community or the whims of fate. It becomes a mere construct, and the most absurd part is that it is the inexorable essence of nihilism that takes the cuffs off of us. It becomes a catalyst for a radical declaration of individual agency. It coaxes out a cry from within to pursue autonomy and self-expression like never before, one that is truly not shackled in any way. Zero hesitation or fear in the full sense of the word. Mistakes and failure cease to exist as a construct. Unparalleled liberation of self. To find solace in the pure beauty of inconsequence because 'nothing matters'!

At its core, nihilism still whispers the solemn truth: 'nothing matters'. But to pace through life disillusioned and haunted because 'nothing matters'. . . or cherish it because Nothing Matters! That is up to you to decide.

PRODIGY | 29

Photography

PHOTOGRAPHY

By: Muhammed Mishal PRODIGY | 30

PERSPECTIVES

PRODIGY | 31

RECIPE OF THE MONTH

PASTA CULINARY CLUB

Ingredients

Method:

200g long pasta straps

Boil hot water in a pot until bubbles start forming, then

2 TBSP extra virgin olive oil

boil your long pasta straps for 11 minutes or so until

2 garlic cloves, finely chopped

fully cooked and softened.

1 TBSP dried red chili flakes

For the sauce, heat a large frying pan over medium-high

1 TBSP tomato puree (store

heat and add extra virgin olive oil once hot. Then add

bought or homemade)

garlic cloves and cook the garlic until it turns golden.

400g smashed tomato (can be

Add the dried chili flakes and cook for another minute,

store-bought or homemade by

then add your tomato puree and cook until it's nicely

food processor)

mixed. Once it is set, add 400g of smashed tomatoes

Seasonings - salt and pepper

and bring it to a slipping boil mix. Then simmer the

Parmesan cheese

sauce for 10 minutes on low heat while your pasta boils.

Once the pasta is done, transfer the pasta on to a frying pan and mix everything nicely together, season the pasta with some salt and pepper, again pour some extra virgin olive oil and transfer it to a plate of your choice.

Now just add some parmesan cheese on top and you are done! Enjoy!

TOP TIP!

PRODIGY | 32

If you want your pasta even more seasoned, then add some sea salt before adding the cheese and voilà!

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JUST A THOUGHT from a world of thoughts

Why Unpaid Internships Need To Go...

Suleiman Altaf Editor-in-Chief

“Just another unpaid internship.” Heard your friend ever say this to you in disdain and hopelessness? Well, you are not alone as the plague of unpaid internships has spread across the globe.

Before we dive deep into why unpaid internships are so wrong and on so many levels, we need to understand why they exist in the first place. While there is no rocket science behind this, it, perhaps, might be worth mentioning that the oversupply of labour allows employers to exploit this phenomenon even further.

But one reason trumps all the others, and that is ‘free labour’. When you have so many students and graduates available and ready to work for a piece of paper erm...recommendation letter, employers find it rather convenient to get the job done at zero cost - the heart of this evil. Get work done and for free - easy and cheap, right? In some cases, I have personally seen job adverts - unpaid, of course - for a period of six months with no guarantee of permanency thereafter, all in exchange for a ‘recommendation letter’. This is crazy!

One does not need to be a philosopher to realise the inherently unethical nature of this type of a contract but it also has an adverse impact on the psychological and economic side of things. Firstly, unpaid internships can be demoralizing, as individuals may feel undervalued and incapable of achieving financial independence. Secondly, it hurts financially. In UAE terms, even a modest AED500 stipend for an internship can go a long way. Economically speaking, the multiplier effect can convert that AED500 exponentially,

PRODIGY | 34

*This image is AI generated. as good as five or six times the same at the macroeconomic level. On an individual level, the intern can utilise those funds - no matter how small - in exploring and experimenting different investment opportunities.

They will probably not make a lot out of the fivehundred, but the confidence and independence gained is invaluable.

How can this plague be eliminated? I vehemently propose that governments should impose new regulations or amend existing ones pertaining to internships. There is a lot of governance surrounding part-time work and full-time contracts, of course, but internships are barely under introspection allowing employers to exploit it. Governments should set a minimum stipend, which need not be too high but must be reasonable and at-par with the country’s prevailing rates.

Furthermore, there should be a maximum duration for these internships after which it must be converted into a permanent contract if the intern continues to work at the same workplace. This will ensure a smooth transition towards full-time employment for interns while also improving the quality of interns as a whole.

By advocating for the eradication of unpaid internships and for regulatory reforms, we can strive towards a more just and inclusive workforce.

Unpaid internships need to go and for good.

PRODIGY

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