JUNE 2019| ISSUE NO. 29
THE VOX
A YOUNG ADULT TOASTMASTERS CLUB NEWSLETTER
YOUNG, WILD, AND FREE
THE GREATEST HITS EDITION
DREAM BIG AND BEAUTIFUL by TM Maram Al Aradi
A STORY OF SUCCESS By TM Akbar Khan
DISABILITIES, GOD'S MESSAGE By Mahmood Al Haiki
GOODBYE SWEET JEO, SECRET CUPIDS, AND SO MUCH MORE!
THE PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS DTM KHALED ISMAEEL
Here we are again at what would be my last recorded written presidential address for some time. It has been a true pleasure to serve you and the club for another term. It may have not been easy, but it has been fun. While we may have lost a few friends here and there, we have gained new ones to forge new bonds. While we have lost our manuals, we have gained new pathways to learn things anew. While we may have lost our shine, we learned all that glitters is not gold. I am glad that the club has and continues to have strong beacons in the form of its members that will stand through the waves of adversity to help keep this club roaring through the seas. I thank you, the members and the readers, for giving us always what we wanted in the first place which is synonymous with why we joined toastmasters: a chance. This newsletter serves as a tribute to the old greatest hits albums of the past, because while we may not be always relevant, we can and continue to be the ones who you'll always bop and dance to whenever our good songs play. I hope you enjoy this edition, and I'll see you next term as your VPE. So next time you hear from me, have your speech ready...it may be the next hit that we have been so waiting for!
DREAM BIG AND BEAUTIFUL TM MARAM AL ARADI
"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams"  – Eleanor Roosevelt. Ten years ago, I have never thought I would be where I am today, waltzing between the various leadership roles and organising events. When in high school, my mother always talked about toastmasters and how important it was to join and benefit from such an organisation. However, at that age, what all teenagers want to do is have free time away from school, teachers and homework. It was only when I went to college, I realised that the shy, introvert and quiet shell I was encased in all these years, had to be broken. I joined toastmasters in 2012 and discovered that learning is a never-ending process. Every meeting, every speech, every evaluation and every event had and still has something new to offer. A new learning experience, a new opportunity to meet other toastmasters and benefit from their experience and wisdom, and a new chapter to unfold. I may not be the best speaker or the best leader, but my dream is to inspire people. With the knowledge and skills that I have gained throughout my journey so far, I believe that every day I am taking another step that brings me closer to my dream.
DREAM BIG AND BEAUTIFUL TM MARAM AL ARADI
Today, I can proudly say that I am following the steps of our founding father Dr. Ralph C. Smedley who said: “Ours is the only organisation I know dedicated to the individual, we work together to bring out the best in each of us and then we apply these skills to help others”. In my humble opinion, success does not mean being first but to change peoples’ lives. I have found my purpose in this organisation and there is only one way forward, which is ‘going up together’.
This article was featured in DTAC 2018-2019's newsletter and was awarded 2nd best article! Congrats Maram!
A STORY OF SUCCESS TM AKBAR KHAN
I came to Bahrain as a job seeker, and after a month and a half filled with rejection, I finally made it to Alyusuf Groups as a System and Network Engineer. But I really wanted to work in sales and marketing but since I was new to this beautiful country, I first needed to obtain experience with my surroundings and a driving license which is considered as another degree in Bahrain! After joining Alyusuf the first thing I did was to get my driving license and I got it after four months filled with hustle.
During work, a colleague of mine was discussing Toastmasters and I had no idea about it as I didn't hear about it ever when I was back in India. I googled Toastmasters and I was so happy to know that there were so many clubs in Bahrain! I ran to my colleague and I asked him to take me to his next meeting day and he took me to the "Young Adult Toastmasters Club"
You must be wondering why I burst out at the first attempt while many of us take time to decide on something... but I was acting like a five-year-old asking their Mom and Dad for a lollipop and yes, I was in the same state of mind as a five-year-old!
A STORY OF SUCCESS TMÂ AKBAR KHAN
First of all, I wanted to improve my public speaking skills and communication skills. These two are like assets to me: Public Speaking will help me to present myself anywhere and since my goal was to be the good marketer, my public speaking must be utmost the top level and communication skills will be extremely useful in order to convince customer or clients in the near future. I had these two crazy things in my mind before even joining the club. I joined the Young Adult Toastmaster club and I can say my journey from there till now is a complete change. I thought toastmasters is the only platform for giving a speech but it has more than I expected: Grammarian - To check your Grammar when you are speaking Ah-Counter - To check your speaking quality in terms of crutches which are used as pause fillers like "umm" Timer - To check the time of your given slot of speaking Evaluator - To evaluate your speech and recommend to you how you are going to improve your speech next time
A STORY OF SUCCESS TM AKBAR KHAN
I just love the whole concept of Toastmasters! My Journey or anyone’s journey in Toastmaster starts with the Ice Breaker speech where you talk about yourself.
With the help of my mentor, I wrote the content and I practised and practised at home but when you are on the stage you are a completely different person. While giving my first speech I cannot tell how nervous I was! I was moving front and back and holding by hand tight. That day I realized I needed to learn and practice harder and keep that consistency in a flow.
Till now I haven't missed a single meeting in my ninemonth journey with YAT (Young Adult Toastmasters). In each meeting and in each speech I have improved. Now my mentor says I am so flexible on the speaking area that means I am not nervous in front of people.
The only thing is to keep that momentum. Keep pushing myself and taking up the challenges I am facing in my daily life. Joining Toastmaster helps me gain more confidence and now while working as sales and marketing in my company, it actually shows great results because I am able to speak with confidence with the clients.
A STORY OF SUCCESS TM AKBAR KHAN
Toastmasters is also a great platform for networking. You will get to meet people who are from different industries and also people who are part of Toastmaster for more than 10 to 15 years. I am also one of the executive committee members as a "Sergeant of Arms" where my role is manage all the club inventory and start the meeting on time. You will get to know more about these officers roles once you join any Toastmaster club. Recently, I finished my Level 2, Yay! Pathways is nicely articulated and you need to complete each project to go to the next project. So, the journey is long but fulfilling! During these nine months of tenure, I find myself in a different zone with amazing people around. They teach, preach and guide others to grow. I still make mistakes and I am still learning. With Young Adult Toastmasters, I am having an amazing journey. They are just awesome, cool and great speakers. Join Toastmasters to become a servant leader!
DISABILITIES, GOD'S MESSAGE TM MAHMOOD AL HAIKI I am a disabled person. I’m one of the 90 in Bahrain and according to Wikipedia one of the billions around the world. I used to suffer from my disability since childhood. My disability is in my limbs, as I grew older the pain grew with me, I used to cry so much even during my medical treatment. I used to scream to God asking Him “Why did you make me like this? What did I do to deserve such a punishment of disability?” I asked Him these questions especially when I see other kids run and play and do so many things that I cannot. Every time I complained, I used to hear my dad always repeat a verse from the Quran “Allah does not command a soul unless it is within its capacity”. I did not understand. When I reached High School, I finally began to understand the meaning of this verse. God had given me this disability because I can handle it, live with it, and deliver a message and be an example to everyone who feels helpless of achieving what they want or dream of. I remember when I was in the 4th grade and the Math teacher (Mr. Yahya) asked everyone to start drawing geometrical shapes, except for me, because he saw my hands and said I don’t have to do it but I’ll still get a full mark for it. This didn’t make me feel good, in fact, it made me feel less than the other students, and that hurt me.
DISABILITIES, GOD'S MESSAGE TM MAHMOOD AL HAIKI
I decided to challenge myself and the teacher, so I began drawing, and when I was done I went to the teacher and when he saw my drawing he slammed his fist on the table and asked the whole class to stand up and applaud my work and he showed them in appreciation of my work that it was better than every single one of theirs. This gave me a huge boost of confidence, and it was a message from God to the teacher and the students that a person with a disability is not helpless, and instead, is capable. I also remember many situations in which there were many lessons to the people around me, and I was so proud of myself throughout middle school, for I had won the trust of my teacher (Mr. Mohsen Hassan) who chose me to participate in competitions not because of my disability but because of my competence, merit, and capabilities and I deserved it. Afterward, in high school, I was asked by the science teacher (Mr. Ali Aman) to let him use my PowerPoint presentations as teaching material for the students. When I reached university, I started the first educational competition, and after one year I ran for student council, and there was a debate within the university’s board of directors to grant me a seat without going through the voting process, but the head principal of the university decided that I go through the full process and the competition so that my message becomes clear, that I can do it, and that there is no excuse for anyone who doesn’t, and I did win the elections twice.
DISABILITIES, GOD'S MESSAGE TM MAHMOOD AL HAIKI
And I will never forget what one of the university’s staff members told me when they saw my name that morning and they felt ashamed of themselves when they came with negative attitudes and complaints but me and my friends are positive and happy without complaints.. The last challenge I faced was getting a job and to work and be able to prove to myself and everyone that I am worthy of fully supporting myself. This happened when I started working at the German Orthopedic Hospital where I became once again an example and message from God especially to the employees and the patients who used to say that we feel ashamed to ask for a sick leave when you stand here in front of us without any complaints, while we complain from such petty and pathetic problems, you are truly an inspiration to us all. So my question to you oh dear reader, Is a person with a disability a burden to society? Or is that person a message and an example from God to you and to me that there is no excuse not to achieve, to be able and to be capable of anything and everything?
GOODBYE SWEET JEO TO JEO, A COMIC, A POET AND MR COOL
TM Mohammed Tarradah Buddy, i wish I was able to change the timeline and make sure you stay in the club one way or another, I wish you have a wonderful future wherever life takes you and I wish you one hell of an experience! I will certainly miss you and I'll miss how we had the good talks and everything! Wish you all the best bro! TM Sara Taher Dear Jeo. It was great to know you even though the time was limited. You speak so nice and your voice attracts the listeners. Wherever you will be and whatever you will do, please always take parts in speaking, because people deserve listening to you <3 !. Best wishes :) TM Najla Hameed Great person...with a cheering personality and humorous attitude, may he succeed in everything that you wish to do and be happy! Good luck dude! TM Fajer Al Mahooz You brought humor to the group. Good luck ! Wish you all the best! TM Suzan Karaja All the best and good luck in your journey! Was hoping to hear more of your speeches but didn't think you would leave us so early when you just joined lol!. Believe in yourself, you have a great energy and is a fun person to be around. Don't forget us and visit us whenever you are in the country! TM Maram Al Aradi A man of style and swag. A man of high potential and knowledge in literature. I just become mesmerised listening to him and I'm sure gonna miss that. I really hope you find what you are looking for buddy love you so so much and gooooood luuuuuuckkk <3
GOODBYE SWEET JEO TO JEO, A COMIC, A POET AND MR COOL
TM Duaa I cant possibly imagine what YAT will be without you. You are a wonderful person and being around you is such a joy. You will be so greatly missed. I know that you will do amazing wherever you are and that great things are ahead of you. Good luck. TM Nada Qamber Jeo, you’ve been one of the blessings of YAT and rather than feel sad that you left, we’re more excited for that your future holds. You’ve blessed us with your presence, we’ve given you as much as we could, and now it’s time to go forth and use it. I’m happy that you’re moving forward and constantly finding growth. You’re amazing for having that mindset. Don’t ever lose that and keep growing! Even when you’re 90! Lol! We’ll miss you so much! ❤ TM Naj Qamber Brother Jeo! You’re a cool one. I’m so glad to have been in Toastmasters when you joined because I wouldn’t have met just a cool dude like yourself. Hope you find what you’re looking for soon! Wishing you only the best and know that whenever you’re back in Bahrain you’ve got a family to go to. ALWAYS! P.S. No, I’m not just being nice. I’m legit from the heart writing this stuff. So don’t doubt it like you usually do!!! Tehee !!
GOODBYE SWEET JEO TO JEO, A COMIC, A POET AND MR COOL
TM Jithin Shaji Jeo, wish you could be with us but knowing you and your plans I am happy for you. Wherever you are and whatever you heads on I will be always there up for you. I do admit that we opened up lately when you were about to leave still we got that connection and I value that a lot. The world is small and we got lot of things yet to do so looking forward to it. Best wishes! DTM Khaled Ismaeel Remember why words on the last night at my place. Either you take to heart, or you disregard it completely. I don't care. All I care and know, is that you'll be fine and you'll achieve whatever you have set out there in that new land. Be a writer, or a comedian, or a musician, or an engineer. You can be all that and then some. Stay strong, and learn to take praise to your heart. Whether you think it's true or harmful, like fire, it lights the darkness. Keep smiling, and remember, you have a seat always at my table.
SECRET CUPID SHOUTOUTS! WHAT WE SAID ABOUT EACH OTHER ANONYMOUSLY
DTM Khaled Ismaeel You are an inspiration to us all. You’re the voice we turn to for reason, and we thank you for that. Seriously. Thank you! <3 TM Maram Al Aradi My chinguuuu *heart* *heart*. A strong, humble and confident person who is beautiful in every way! You were always there to support whenever I needed help for my speeches, and can remember your feedback till now! Hope to see you an international speech champion one day, keep going and never give up! TM Suzan Karaja Suzieeee, you gorgeous adorable human being ❤ with that heart melting smile of yours ❤ and that heart stealing giggle of yours ❤ you always manage to light up the room when you walk in, well at least to me thats what your presence does ❤ Also, I love how you recently started copying my "look". You should know who I am by now... ❤ TM Ahmed Al Basry You got all heart feelings but never express; its beautiful to see you expressive at times and you have never changed with time, you are as always, the “Basry”! Stay blessed... TM Farah Khalil Faroooo7aaaaaaa! You tiny little person! You are so tiny, i could put you in my pocket and walk around bahrain with you! Im glad to be your best friend all these years! You have helped me in so many ways, i will have to find ways to repay you for everything you've done for me TM Jithin Shaji My big bro! He knows who I am I'm sure. Thank you for being an amazing support to us. A shining light of reason and a great shoulder to lean on when needed. I'm super grateful to have you in our lives and that we found you through Toastmasters. Big hugs!
SECRET CUPID SHOUTOUTS! WHAT WE SAID ABOUT EACH OTHER ANONYMOUSLY
TM Akbar Khan A breath of fresh air and eternal flame of energy and positivity even when he's sick. A man who is full of spirit and a true inspiration. Keep going!
DTM Ahmed Rizvi The man who never fails to show us how quality and service in toastmasters should be. Thank you very much ♥ may Allah SWT bless you with health and happiness.
TM James Mumbi James, you are the star of all times and I m lucky to have you as a brave friend – who doesn’t care much on life… the best thing I had from you was the day in city centre, the day when you made it finally! Waiting to see your wedding…
TM Sara Taher A bubbly person who is fun to be around with, even though it was a short time since I met you! Hope to get to know you better and happy to have you in our club! TM Fajer Al Mahroos I admire the way you commit to bettering yourself every day and think you're a genuinely nice person. Cant wait till you get that house by the beach. Happy Valentine's day!
TM Najla Hameed You are hilarious to be around. There’s no doubt your home is always filled with laughter and so much love! <3
SECRET CUPID SHOUTOUTS! WHAT WE SAID ABOUT EACH OTHER ANONYMOUSLY
TM Duaa Al Aali Your presence is like a warm bowl of soup on a cold winter day! (Not the Fudds soup) TM Nada Qamber A beautiful person with a positive energy and loves to support others. Your confidence is what I admire about you, and your creativity to do something new is always refreshing! Whenever I see you, I think you are a transparent, honest and sincere person. Happy to know you and be in the same club as you! TM Najla Qamber Owns a business, check. Manages baby husband, check. A great speaker and an evaluation guru, check. A silent fighter, check. She's a superhero hands down. God bless you and gives all the blessings and power especially for number 2.
TM Jeo John Thomas A master of words. A slayer of the stage. A torturer of ladies hearts. Never fails to capture the audience with his charms, wit and humor. Never give up and never stop trying, you are amazing and you can do much much more. TM Mahmood Al Haiki Thank you, Mahmood! For being an inspiration to us all. You're one strong man who can achieve everything and anything he sets his eye on. But remember to stay grounded and humble even when you're famous and a celebrity ;) TM Mohammed Tarradah Boy, you are writing this message to yourself because you are in charge of your life and have been in charge since the day you were born. You have full control over everything you do and how you deal with people. Just stay calm and everything will come down and be safer for you. You can do this, now run Mohammed, run! You need to fix the timeline!
THANK YOU TO OUR MEMBERS WHO MADE US PROUD AT THE AREA CONTESTS
YAT @ THE ONE HUMAN, ONE RACE MARATHON/WALK-A-THON
YAT @Â DTAC 2018-2019
YATÂ BRINGS HOMES GOLD FOR THE BEST NEWSLETTER IN DISTRICT 20!
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MEMBER HIGHLIGHT
TMÂ FAJER AL MAHROOS
Why did you join Toastmasters? I joined toastmasters so i can build my speaking skills.. be more confident when speaking in front of people and eliminating fear.
 How is the journey so far? My journey is splendid as i met different people from different backgrounds.
Are you ready to take on more speehes and projects? Yes im willing to do my third speech soon but still i havent thought of a topic
Are there any speakers who inspire you in this journey? My favorite speaker is Najla Qambar.
MEMBER HIGHLIGHT
TMÂ SARA TAHER
Why did you join Toastmasters? i joined TM because i belong to it, it is where i want to be. I like listening to people and learning from them. I believe in continuous development. And in TM development never ends!
How is the journey so far? The journey is sooo exciting, i look forward for each meeting
Are you ready to take on more speeches and projects? Yes i am!!!
Who is your favorite speaker? Well, i cant decide for one! But Ahmad Al Basri is incredible, followed by James and Maram. And Khalid is naturally a speaker!
NEXT GEN ARTISTS
2018 - 2019
OLD EXCOM TO NEW
2019 - 2020
TM Ahmed Al Basry VP Public Relations
TM Duaa Alaali VP Public Relations
TM Maram Al Aradi VP Education
DTM Khaled Ismaeel VP Education
TM Jithin Shaji Treasurer
TM Maram Al Aradi Treasurer DTM Khaled Ismaeel President
TM Jithin Shaji President
TM Farah Khalil Secretary
TM Sara Taher Secretary TM Suzan Karaja VP Membership
TM Akbar Khan Sergeant at Arms
TM Akbar Khan VP Membership
THUG LIFE
OR MORE LIKE, EXCOM LIFE!
TM Najla Qamber Sergeant at Arms
CLUB OFFICERS REPORTS
President - DTM Khaled Ismaeel Our focus was to build the club and ensure it continues to run the next term and the next. While we haven't been wholly successful, we have made great strides. We are 20 members net and stand as a select distinguished club. maintained a consistent PR and did our best to keep our quality consistent. Where we are today, is all thanks to the members and the wonderful team that stood by us. May we continue to be the same for many terms to come!
VP of Education - TM Maram Al Aradi “We don’t grow when things are easy; we grow when we face challenges” a beautiful quote by Joyce Meyer. You never truly understand every word and every emotion in this quote until you experience it first-hand. It has been almost four months since the term started and so my responsibility to take care of all of our members began with it. My mission is to keep all the members highly satisfied with their experience in toastmasters at the YAT and my vision is to be the pioneers of the new education program: Pathways. So far, 100% of members enrolled in Pathways and 85% have completed their first project which is the Ice Breaker. In terms of DCP goals, currently we are 6 out of 10 points, we are waiting for our final point in order to get the "Select Distinguished Status". My only concern is members’ retention and commitment as a lot of members have work and college constrains, though, my strategy is friendliness, mentoring and encouragement and so far it is working ☺ Looking forward for an exciting term and new challenges to overcome.
VP of Membership - TM Suzan Karaja Here we are at the end! We had a goal of adding eight members to our wonderful family and to date, we have inducted seven! Despite not meeting our goal, just by one, I am proud to have kept club healthy and to have opened eyes to the benefits of Toastmasters! Thank you to all the members who made this happen, by being wonderful and creating such a supportive family environment!
VP of Public Relations - TM Ahmed Al Basry The main focus this year was to keep our PR consistent and qualitative. We did our best to broaden our reach and while it didn't break down walls, we did plant seeds... and in time we will reap those benefits! We did win best newsletter, which was a hard game filled with tough contenders! I wish the best to the incoming officer and may we blossom and take pride in our PR, as we always have!
Secretary - TM Farah Khalil It has been a joy to be in charge of maintaining our club records, especially when there is more than meets the eye! As much as I travelled this term, the journey of our members have been apparent! While the minutes were kept accurate and orderly, we also prepared a new TOY format for the coming terms to ensure they do their recording duties to the fullest!
Treasurer - TM Jithin Shaji To the lovely YATs, it’s your treasurer here. Thanks so much for cooperating with me throughout most of the term. It looks like we won’t have much of a surplus this coming term, but if we play our cards right and inspire people to join the club we should be able to give the incoming excom a healthier run next term. Let’s aim to inspire the public to join in the fun of self-development, leadership and public speaking.
Sergeant at Arms - TM Akbar Khan Our inventory is well kept and organised, with not much need of improvement! We are currently in search of a new venue to help keep our costs low and to provide a breath of fresh air! Hopefully by the next term, we see ourselves in new horizons!
The Public Relations Team TM Ahmed Al Basry Editor DTM Khaled Ismaeel Designer
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