Broadening my horizons in the newsroom

This week, I forced myself to be more outgoing in the newsroom, engaging more with my colleagues and asking more questions.

So, I decided to do something new, which was to try an album review –The Pale Emperor, by Marilyn Manson. Although it had been reviewed before in the paper, our music editor, Saeed Saeed told me it was OK to review it again.

I am trying to challenge myself with different styles of writing.

I am a fan of rock music, so I tried to write my personal opinion about the album. I don’t expect it to be the best review, but I had to challenge myself.

I have also been working on a story about archaeology. At present, I am a bit hesitant to interview people. As a rookie, I am not as advanced as others in the newsroom.

However, I have to thank Hareth Al Bustani, a former trainee who went through the same process as me.

One thing he told me is to present myself, make the people who are being interviewed feel comfortable. Also, when interviewing someone who is an important person, dress more formally.

It is important to present yourself well. People usually judge your outer look before getting to know you. It all makes sense.

So, I took his advice during an interview I did with Bakheeta Al Mansoori about an archaeology course she is studying. She is very smart, a woman who clings to tradition and culture.

She struck me as a really inspiring and interesting person.

One interest we both share is our culture and tribes. Since she is from the Al Mansoori family and my mother is also an Al Mansoori, this made us click and the conversation was much more easier.

We also talked about the country’s rich history. Ms Al Mansoori talked about how Arab tribes used to fight for water in order to survive in the desert.

Also, knowing that the oasis in Al Ain had water, the inhabitants would take the water for their tribes and hide it away just for their inner circle.

I thought it was ironic that now, in our contemporary world, the only thing we have to fight over are materialistic objects, rather than absolute necessities like water.

The world is changing in a drastic way, we are living in a society where we are very fortunate and I am proud of what this country has achieved.

I learned that interviewing people is like having a conversation, getting to see what the people are interested in and engaging with them.

It is also easier coming up with story ideas. I had almost no hope a few weeks ago. However getting contacts from people is a way to bring up stories.

I managed to contact the founder of Gmash campaign, which is about promoting youth culture by empowering Emiratis and helping to boost their creativity. This topic is one of the most interesting to me.

As the founder of Gmash, Aisha Mejren, said: “The sky is the limit”, and “Do not hesitate to make your decisions”.

Going back to Marilyn Manson, he said: “A lot of people don’t want to make their own decisions. They’re too scared. It’s much easier to be told what to do.”

The fear factor embedded in your head ought to be eliminated. Whatever fears you have must be overcome. Do not hesitate, challenge yourself and eliminate the fear.