My first week at The National has been challenging to me. It started with a big step: moving to a new city just a day before I started. I come from Al Ain, were the city life is much simpler, and roads are much quieter. Getting to know the streets in Abu Dhabi was a big concern, but thanks to Google maps my life is easier. I have completely depended on it to find my office.

On the other hand, finding a parking space at The National has been time-consuming and almost a mission impossible. Driving my genius car has helped me squeeze into small parking spaces. I always knew owning a Fiat might come in handy one day.

The atmosphere at The National is pretty much what I expected – similar to television newsrooms but with no cameras around recording. Ms. Laura, our managing editor who constantly reminds me of Cameron Diaz, explained to me from day one what was expected from me.

I hope I will live up to their expectations, and even more (fingers crossed).

When I first applied to join The National, I was not pregnant. Six months later, I am here accompanied with my bundle of joy inside of me. We all have those negative people around us who always jump and say “You cannot do it” or simply doubt your capabilities simply because they cannot do it. I think it works both ways.

I know what I am capable of doing, and I know that I am a pregnant woman, but that won’t stop me from fulfilling my career ambitions. I believe my baby is actually motivating me through this and I am a blessed working pregnant woman at the end.

ealdhaheri@thenational.ae