From ETS to SIT

He believes that extracurricular activities are the place where students can discover the hidden creators inside them. He never knew himself to be better before he joined the English and translation Society (ETS). Hilal AL-Mamari, an ex-head of ETS and the Academic Director of school International Training (SIT) study abroad program in Oman, talks to Samiya AL-Mamari about the milestones of his life so far.

Study Journey

Hilal AL-Mamari was born in Saham, Albatinah north in 1982 and graduated from Yaroub bin Balarab Secondary School. In 2000, he joined SQU as a media student, but he transferred to English literature. In his fourth year, he became the vice president of ETS and its president in his fifth year. Hilal graduated from SQU in 2005 and got a scholarship to Australia to complete his master degree from the University of Western Sydney. In 2006-2007, he worked as an English teacher in Sohar College of Applied sciences. As he seems a man who doesn't like to stop at a particular stage, he went to the US, Vermont in fall 2008. There he taught Arabic through the Fulbright, which is a program provided by the American Department of States. After one year, he went back to the same place and obtained a second Master degree in the international education from SIT Institute. He finished in summer 2011 and returned to Oman where he works now as an academic director of SIT, a study program in Oman.

Good moments

One of my great moments was when I received the student's delegation to Germany in 2003. Another moment which I won't forget at SQU is when I got elected as the president of ETS in 2004-2005. It was that position which made me discover my skills as a leader. There were also moments when I felt really proud to be Omani as I've represented Oman in the Arab youth dialog on woman issues in 2005 and 2006 in Egypt, Syria and Tunisia. Moreover, I won't forget the day when SIT Institute raised the Omani flag announcing its first Omani graduate.

Leisure Time

I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. Besides, I love travelling a lot; I have been to many countries such as Australia, US, Germany, Egypt, Tunisia, Syria, Jordan, Qatar and UAE. I believe that reading is a must for everybody, so I like to spend my spare time reading both Arabic and English literature.

Philosophy

I believe that there are three bases for anyone to succeed in his or her life:

“Try to do what you love to love what you do. ˮ

“Often be open to change so you can change the world. ˮ

And “Always stay ambitious. ˮ

For your eyes

Student's activities are the place where I discovered my talents and abilities, so I recommend students at university not to miss out this chance.