Opening my mind to all kinds of journalism

Throughout my life, I have always been keen about what goes on around me in the world. Even though I eventually want to specialise in sports journalism, especially football, I am still keen to keep an open mind.
With this in mind, I decided to attend a talk by Jim Schaefer an investigative editor for the Detroit Free Press, who was giving a lecture to The National journalists.
He has worked for about 10 years to investigate crimes and felonies, including a perjury case involving the Detroit mayor, Kwame Kilpatrick.
Jim stressed to us that the most important thing for reporters to do is to get the facts right, instead of focusing on gossip and rumours.
I was glad I attended as I want to learn about every type of journalism. It was an eye opening experience.
Back to the newsroom, I have been working ona story about the first Emirati students to train for a local archaeology course. This report has been my favourite so far. I am really interested in Emirati archaeology. I keen to find out more about our heritage and culture in the UAE.
I have also been in contact with Peter Hellyer, an expert in the archaeology of the country as I wanted to include his opinions about the course.
I also interviewed Dr Timothy Power, who is responsible for archaeology training course. Dr Power is an archaeologist specialising in Arabia and the Islamic world, especially focusing on the Gulf region.
I am beginning to realise that journalism is all about contacts. The more contacts you have, the easier it is to finish stories.
I have also been learning a lot from Asma Al Hameli and Ayesha Al Khoori about their experience during the time they were trainees. We talked about how to find stories and what are the topics I am interested in writing about.
I feel comfortable opening up with them and getting to learn the steps of journalism. I really appreciate the fact that they are giving their time to teach me.
Also this week, I decided to join reporters Jennifer Bell and Anam Rizvi in Dubai to cover the Arab Health conference.
I was impressed with the way they reported on the event, especially in Jennifer's case where she had to immediately exit the hall room after a speech by Princess Haya to type up the article.
Princess Haya's speech really moved me when she posed two questions to the audience: "If you lost a respected elder early on in life, what would you be most proud of if they came back today?
And: "As you progress in life what is the truest lesson, one that maybe stemmed from regret, that you have learnt?"
I couldn't help myself to think about those two questions and reminisce about my grandmother who passed away a few years ago.
To her, I would say I am proud of all the support my mother has given me.
To the second question, I would say that learning will always be an ongoing process in my life. I try to regret nothing and I always try to look on the bright side. There is always a light at the end of the tunnel.
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