The women’s majlis: From a writing sceptic to a believer

When I was a sophomore at Zayed University, a friend asked me about the type of career that I would pursue after graduation. I didn’t have a definitive answer to that question. But I had already made up my mind that I would never accept an offer from any newspaper, as writing was not my cup of tea. I wasn’t learning enough, though, in my public-relations major, so I decided to branch out. A few months before graduation, I switched my major from public relations to journalism, studying it for six months but still sceptical about my academic progression. I graduated with a degree in converged media. Don’t ask me to explain it – if I knew, I would have elaborated.

Unexpected things happened, well, unexpectedly. I received a call from Abu Dhabi Media for a job interview. I impressed the big boss with my answers and, shortly after, I was part of The National’s team. Was I happy with my first job? Truthfully, not very much at the beginning. It was a struggle to adapt to the new environment and people – and meeting deadlines was the scariest part. Everything seemed pressuring to me and I was disappointed with my performance.

What lifted my spirit were heart-touching words from my first interview with the sociologist Suaad Al Oraimi at UAE University. She said: “Because you are a young Emirati journalist trying to serve her country with her reporting, please tell me how can I be of any help?” I was dumbfounded at her beautiful manners and she actually defined my role as a journalist.

Before that, I had never thought of the seriousness of my job. Even though our conversation lasted only a few minutes, she left me with a lifelong vision. I began to work harder and reached out to as many friends as I could for story ideas. I discovered a new trait in myself: passion. Meeting new people and retelling their stories through writing was my passion, rather than writing or journalism in itself.

What gives me inspiration in my career is the people I interview. Many of their stories have added meaning to my life. Every time my articles are published, I think how blessed I am to be able to tell both successful and tragic stories of others. When I contemplate the power of journalism, my field seems unique compared to my friends’.

My friends and family think my work must be boring. They think that all I do at my desk is write and write. What they don’t know is that I have made new families and friends out of my interviewees. My writing may not have changed lives or perspectives, but my view of the world has certainly changed because of the people that I’ve met in these months. The truth is, I still find writing a struggle, but telling others’ stories through writing is something I can enjoy.

Asmaa Al Hameli is a features writer for The National.

If you are an Emirati woman who has a good story to tell or an important issue to debate, please contact Shireena Al Nowais at salnuwais@thenational.ae.

aalhameli@thenational.ae