Writers’ Spring

Shaima Al.Abri

College of Education, English

The great Greek philosopher Epictetus said that ‘‘if you wish to be a writer; write!’’ It seems that most of the famous writers have applied this principle, maybe unconsciously, to begin their writing journeys. They start writing down whatever comes to their minds even before realizing that they are writers. However, these random pieces of writing don’t emerge from the blowing wind. Indeed, it's said that ‘‘writing reflects the writer’s personality.’’

A number of classical writers such as Mark Twain, Alexandre Dumas and Charles Dickens based their novels and plays on their personal life. Those writers have faced a lot of hardships during their life which shaped the themes that they wrote about. For example, Great Expectation and Oliver Twist show the poverty and betrayal that Charles Dickens himself had.

Some writers may not have this kind of wretched and dramatic life, but that doesn’t prevent them from producing a piece that worth reading. The others’ life and the situation in the society become the sources of inspiration for those writers. Their novels, poems or plays are the mirror that carries for the readers their simple experiences which they may have never noticed.

The Arab spring becomes the Arab writers’ inspirer these days in all kinds of writing. They tend to write about patriotism, loyalty and freedom. In the annual TV competition "Poet of the Million" that has started a few months ago, most of the poems talk about the previous topics. The life itself is the spring that satisfies the writers’ thirst.  

A Trip of a Lifetime

Alya Al-Shbibi

College of Education, English

      

 Once I dreamt of being on a plane travelling to nowhere with a confused feeling of joy and worry. The plane left me in a place where I haven't seen before. The place was seething with people and my eyes were moving here and there to glance everything I might encounter.  Everything seemed different to me: new faces, different language and a strange weather.  As I walked, I become more and more cold till I was about to scream and suddenly, I heard a sound from a long distance saying: "Alya wake up! You are in London."

Yes my dream has finally come true, I am in England, Great Britain or the 'dreamland' as they call it.  The funny thing that I've faced from the first step in England is that their summer is as cold as our Omani winter.  I am not joking. I was about to cry because of the extreme cold.  From that moment, I knew that I was opening different chapters of experiences as it was a movement from the extreme east to the extreme west. From hot weather, conservative people and a great heritage to cold weather, free people and a glorious country - as they say "the empire on which the sun never sets.'

I was comparing everything to Oman but unfortunately, Oman and Britain can't be compared.  I was impressed and overwhelmed by the range of services and the imposing buildings. I was enjoying the weather and the English's hospitality.  In contrary, a thing that made me said is that nobody knew my lovely Oman. Whenever anybody asked me about my country, I said with great enthusiasm 'Oman!' But that enthusiasm did not last very long as their facial expression tells that they have never heard of it. Then I had to tell them about Dubai and that it is one of the Gulf countries. At the end, they knew exactly which part of the world Oman lies in.

One new thing I was forced to learn was reading maps. Wherever we went we had to get a map, otherwise we would get lost. Gradually, I started to change my mind about the importance of maps. And I said, since people don’t know Oman, I can show English my country and avoid embarrassment. However, after such a trip I have figured that we need to quit using maps help. Indeed, we have to create our own maps to design our right path to the future.  That was a trip which I enjoyed and benefited from and now I can say proudly that such a trip was a trip of a lifetime. 

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.

Puzzling Busing Procedure

Red and Green Routes! The unique transportation system applied at SQU to get over the previous transportation drawbacks. It was created so these students would get into their destinations in an effortless and neat way. How does this system work? What is the overall view of it? Team H!SQU interviews some students and a bus driver to broaden the readers' horizon about it.

The Red, Green Route…

Zainab Al Ghammari, an English student says that the new bussing system divides buses into two routes, the red route is dedicated for girls in complexes 1, 2 and 3 and the green route for girls from complexes 4 and 5. On the other hand, male students have certain buses that move through the red and green route.  These routes have been decided by the admin of SQU. Majid Al Amri who is from College of Engineering, says this system allows students to move through SQU interior. He further clarifies that the red and green routes cover all the possible areas of the university crossing the areas of G block and the main library.

Strengths of the system…

Maryam Al Kalbani, a Medical student assures that the system has some good aspects or otherwise we won't have it here. Using the new bussing system students no longer have to walk long distances at the university; for instance, walking to the Language center. She adds "I would proudly say that moving from-to various places inside SQU has become easier and enjoyable". Majid Al Amri believes this system has benefited students as it reduces the use of cars inside SQU; therefore, solving the parking issue to some extent.

Drawbacks of the system…

The new bussing system created some issues among SQU students. Majid Al Amri says: "As a male student; we are not provided with many buses." He goes back with his memory by narrating a story: "I remember that in my first semester, I used to walk daily to my classes due to the bus lateness." Zainab Al Ghammari agrees with Majid that buses come late. She explains that their lateness is due to reasons such as the limited numbers of buses especially in the red route because complexes 1, 2 and 3 are overcrowded and due to the drivers changing their shifts at 12 and 4pm. Maryam Al Kalbani supports the point of lateness saying, "the buses show up frequently in the morning period, but in the afternoon they rarely do so. There were many times when I stand for more than quarter of an hour below the sun waiting for the bus!"

To improve the system…

Zainab Al Ghammari believes that improvements can be feasible. She suggests offering more buses for both the routes in and off campus. In addition, SQU can create new routes instead of the current ones which will eventually save time. In contrary, Majid Al Abri says that small enhancement can make a huge improvement in the system. He further clarifies, providing suitable stations for the buses to protect students from the sun is a best solution. 

Drivers! What do they say?

As a driver at SQU, Marhoon Al Badri believes that it's his duty to take male students around the university.  He says: "Although a huge number of students use my bus for transportation, many students prefer to walk to their targeted places. They feel it's quicker due to the fact that most times roads are crowded." Moreover he explains that the system is working well despite the fact that students don't like it. Being late to lectures is students' fault because if they early near the bus stop, they will arrive early, as he explains. Marhoon thinks that first year students still didn't adapt to the new bussing system since they are unfamiliar with the places that each route crosses. "Administration could provide some buses for specific stations but not many buses to avoid traffic jam", as he suggested.

Use it or prepare to lose it.

Use it or prepare to lose it

By Ali Al Yaaqubi

College of Education, English

      Time can be our true friend but in a night it can turn to an aggressive enemy. It all depends on how we use it. We either make the best out of it or endure wasting the small bits of it. You better take control of your daily time or accept suffering under control. In both conditions, it's your choice. Many have never made the correct one. “I didn't have time to do…”. We always hear this phrase but it never did us any good. Why do we have to be negative putting the blame on a thing. Think for a minute. We all have 24 hours per a day but what matters is the way we spend them. Have you ever seen Bill Gates  complaining about the lack of time. He never did. He had the keys to success and complaining will never be one of them not in a thousand years. 

PT: towards eliminating struggles with English!

PT: towards eliminating struggles with English!

Dhufra Al-Kharousi

College of Education, English

For passionate learners' sake, the Tutorial Centre (TC) applies its very innovative and unique Peer Tutoring Program. The TC is a part of Student Support Unit (SSU) whihc is located in the language centre (LC) in Sultan Qaboos University (SQU). It is run by a team of active faculty members with a goal of easing the difficulties for English learners.

Tutorials' system

The TC is aimed particularly at helping foundation program students to pass their courses and improve their English by offering them individualized tutoring sessions. The significance of the program is that all tutoring is done by undergraduates, junior and senior, English Specialist Students (ESS). Each session lasts for 30 minutes. Tutees in a tutorial follow a reading and vocabulary course and are offered the opportunity to ask general questions and seek assistance. A student who is interested in being tutored just needs to pay a visit to the TC and book a weekly appointment to meet one of the peer tutors. Sessions are booked according to the student's timetable to ensure that tutorial sessions do not clash with the students lecture time. A maximum of 1 hour, 2 sessions, is available for each student per week.

Peer Tutor (PT): characters and roles

Peer tutors are strictly selected by testing their competence in language and communication skills. Those who are admitted to be tutors go through training workshops and continued supervision by SQU teachers. PTs generally have to be characterized with punctuality, knowledge, patience, responsibility and all the other virtues that apply to good teachers. Their main role is to assist students and facilitate learning by running relaxed and comfortable sessions. Upon accomplishment of their duties, PTs receive a certificate of experience and a proper wage for their acknowledgeable effort.

Tutees duties

Tutees, on the opposite bank, need to be punctual as well; be on time and attend all their booked sessions. They need to be hard-workers, too, in order to gain a maximum level of benefit from the TC. They should do work assigned to them by PTs and come prepared with questions and inquiries.

Accessibility to materials

The TC tutoring rooms are well-organized and prepared with sufficient materials that can be helpful to both students and PTs. A variety of resources like books, exercises, exams, computers and web accessibility are available. Printing and copying services are offered in the TC for peer tutors to make the teaching and learning process easy and dynamic.

Towards independent learners

Students seeking help from the TC are more likely to be independent learners as they are usually sent to the LC library and computer labs to do extra work. PTs guide and encourage students to do activities of their own; and they are more than welcome to bring their work to the TC to be reviewed and discussed.

PT program, harvests admiration!

The Tutorial Centre has proved its success through the huge number of students seeking help recently. Students find it more comfortable and desirable to be tutored by other students. Mrs. Alexandra Craig, who is in charge of the TC, pointed out that students get a lot of benefits from being peer tutored, because the tutors were once in the same situation. As a result they give practical help based on their experience, knowledge and training. The tutor also uses both Arabic and English to help reinforce the language as well as study skills. Ahmed Al-Bahlooli, a tutee, admits, “I like the TC because it prepares me for my exams.” Also, peer tutors can gain experience which prepares them for a prosperous career future! Iman Al Husaini explained that being a PT taught her to be responsive and cooperative with others. Umaima Al Kiyomi, another PT, says, “It is a gift from God as it gave me the opportunity to help others who are struggling with their academic issues.”  

Drifting: the game of death

Drifting: the game of death

Have we lost the passion to live a normal life? You ask yourself, what are those guys doing on the street? That is for sure not a sport. Reckless young men are performing fatal actions; pointing their cars into a crowded mass which has accumulated on both sides of the street near a public square. Drifting! How can it be changed from being a hobby to addiction is what Samira Al Kindi and Hamoud Al Amri will discuss in their article. 

Drifters are looking to have fame as a result they give themselves strange nicknames as “ghost” and “scorpion.” These names also keep them unknown from their families or police. Some might say why do we make such a big deal of it? It is just a way through which young can improve their talents. However, dear readers doesn't drift cause a lot of consequences? It certainly does. The first is that there is a great chance that drifters will get killed. And those who survived are not in a better condition as they are suffering from lifelong injuries which have changed their entire life. Another issue is that drifting can be the cause of other crimes such as stealing, and drinking. This is because drifters are easily influenced by their peers. In fact, many drifters confessed that they drift after taking drugs or drinking alcohol. And some even steal the cars that they use during drifting.

Nevertheless, if the reasons are clear, then the wonder will vanish. Why do people drift although they know its harmful? There are several reasons behind it; for instance, people have a lot of free time as they are unemployed. There is also no place or instrument which people can use to reveal their energy and talents. Not to mention that there is a lack of parental supervision.

Can it be solved? You'll have to see it as an issue before doing so. By looking at the reasons, the solutions should be clear. Not necessarily drifting is the problem, but the condition surrounding it is. Not having the opportunities to use your free time to being the best of your talents is the issue to be solved. Therefore, from my point of view, the solution is not to prevent drifting because obviously young cannot be controlled. It's to provide a secure place for drifting, that is governed by the the police, is the solution. In fact, we can look at it as if it is car racing and consider it a sport. Well, readers show us your creativity and let us see your thoughts.