Z a y e d U n i v e r s i t y C o l l e g e o f C o m m u n i c a t i o n a n d M e d i a S c i e n c e s

Volume 2Issue 2

Minute

Women

Student Council

Lead

ersh

i p?

Yes , b

u t w i

t h L

imi t sTo R

ead

Blast from the Past

Proximity Log

The Cit

y I

Now Ca

ll Hom

e

just for fun

Babe on a budget

Summer Read

sI W

ent t

o Dub

ai an

d All I

Got W

as S

ome

New

Frien

ds an

d Gre

at M

emori

es

Embarrassing Moments

Limited Campus Parkings IS Driving ZU Girls Crazy

The Wonders of why we do the things that we do?

AnorexiaVolunteering with Habitat for humanity

1Forgotten Co

ntributors

in the previou

s isssue:

Hend Obaid

Nada Ibrahim

2

Leadership. Behold, the one word that is tossed around in Zayed University from the get-go. The phrase, Zayed University is renowned for educating the

leaders of the future, is splashed across the universitys website for dramatic effect. Yes, it is one of the leading universities in the region. And yes, no matter what youve heard, it truly is a privilege to be a part of the Zayed University community. However, the ever-growing ZU student body cant help but feel the taste of irony (get it?) whenever leadership is brought up in class discussions. Leadership has no limits. At least, its not supposed to in essence. Dream it, then become it. Beat the odds. Do the impossible. Never say never. You are capable of anything. Be the change. Now, you have the choice to view these sentences as either words of encouragement to get you going through those tough semesters, or you can view them as cheesy clichs that eventually became stale from overuse. Believe what you will, but in order to raise the future leaders of tomorrow, leadership opportunities should

be willingly granted to every ZU student in every single aspect of her life, starting from the minute she swipes her card at the entrance as a wide-eyed and confused freshman to the minute shes decked out in her graduation cap and gown while waiting for her name to be called to accept her diploma. Allow me to elaborate even further. Leaders arent always born. They can be made. Thats where institutes such as ZU come in the picture. There are certain qualities that should be evident in someone in order for them to become a true leader. Confidence, honesty, creativity and integrity are some qualities. Yet to achieve those venerable traits, one must first achieve independence. Independence empowers you to harness all your qualities and focus them on whatever you set out to conquer with a big fat smile on your face. Needless to say, independence is key.This is where this piece will make an abrupt down-turn. You have been warned.

How do you expect to groom someone for the blown-up role of future leader when the subject of trust between the administration and the student is in question? In order for us, the students, to achieve independence, we need to have the trust of the university and all its denizens first, in order for us to actually go out and tackle the world fully supported. After all, the very building blocks, the core, the soul and the very purpose of any university, Zayed University included, all comes down to its students and their education, right? Its safe to say that we are faced with a contradiction here.

By Fatema Al Sayegh

5

Zayed University is renowned for educating the leaders of the

future

How do you expect to groom someone for the blown-up role of future leader

when the subject of trust between the

administration and the student is in

question?

Leadership?Yes, but wi th L imits

As mentioned in issue #7 of Echo, Escapades former self, in the article titled Stop the Punching penned by Alia Lootah and Fatma Al Falasi, the university is sending mixed signals to students by promoting women leadership and independence through WAGL and other activities while not allowing students to make their own decision regarding when to leave campus. What adds insult to injury is that throughout the university, hanging from the ceilings and posted on the walls are flyers and banners that ask questions such as What are the main leadership questions for the UAE? intended for the year long conversation

on the Visions of Leadership. The concept of leadership isnt all about conferences and discussions where the definition behind the word is dissected and examined from every angle. It should revolve around its actual implementation in higher educational institutions. From having the freedom to leave campus whenever we, the future leaders, see it to be necessary without the need to resort to high-school-level methods, to receiving the opportunity to partake in roles that bring out the dormant leader in every one of us; that is, in my opinion, what educating the leaders of the future really is all about. If leadership in all its shapes and forms isnt emphasized in the Zayed-University-stage of our lives, then when will it be emphasized? Sure, during our four years as Zayed University students, we are

bombarded daily by e-mails and announcements that seek out those who are willing to develop their leadership skills and put them to the test in order to succeed in future endeavors. Weve heard all that before, so its nothing new. However, leadership opportunities arent meant to be allocated after university hours or outside campus grounds. Our leadership skills should be put to the test the minute we swipe our cards at the entrance, as soon as we hear that aggravating beeping sound that pierces the air and announces to anyone within a one-mile-radius that Yes, she has arrived onto these sacred grounds, lets see what she can do.Yes, she has arrived onto these sacred

grounds, lets see what she can do.

If leadership in all its shapes and forms isnt

emphasized in the Zayed-University-stage of our lives,

then when will it be emphasized?

6

Leadership?Yes, but wi th L imits

7Student Council

walked the streets of Dubai thinking that I have seen it all, but I stand corrected. Zayed University has officially gone high tech and installed a new feature in the Parents Access Program called the Proximity Log. This feature will allow concerned and over-protective parents to know exactly what time their daughters have entered the campus and what time they leave the campus. The rows are date stamped and are also color coded; green is for in and blue is for out and red is for leaving when red lit by the gate. Has Zayed University

officially turned into the prison everyone is dreading? Or is the administration trying so hard to impress the parents? Its hard to tell since the pitiable administrators have been through countless embarrassing situations concerning frustrated parents. Once upon a time, Zayed Universitys gates wtere open to all, students and guests; they would walk in and out as they please. But as the years progressed, the circle of allowed company is run through an accept-o-meter created by the administration. But who is there to blame for all of this? Are the girls really driving

the administration crazy or is it precautions for a safer educational environment? The feelings of maturity and independence will never hit home until we are placed in the workforce, and as tacky as that sounds, it is true. Though, in my opinion, in such a controlled environment, there is no chance of making mistakes and learning from them. We are timed from the time we punch in up until the time we punch out. Does any one else feel the bullseye on their forehead or is it just I? As students, we blame the administration, but the administration, blame us students. Lets hope its for the best and satisfies the most important public in this establishment: the parents. The question that comes to mind at this moment is, are we logging into prison or are we logging into a university? That too

triggers another question as well: how involved should the parents be?

I will be on standby waiting for the reaction and for the outcome of this new feature: who will this please and who will this displease? Only time will tell.

Proximity log? By Meera Alsiri

How involved

should the parents be?

Whats next?I8

9

10

11

12

I Went to Dubai and All I Got Was Some New Friends and Great Memories

By Andrew Meyer

Andrew & Rachel

Emirati Andrew

Ski DubaiFarewell Dinner, DelawareAndrew & Cows

My barber in Delaware had no idea where Dubai was. He guessed that it was somewhere in India. Once I explained it is in the U.A.E, he became very concerned. You know thats in the Middle East, he told me. All of the stereotypes about the Arab world were brought up during that conversation: do they still ride camels? Do they live in tents? Its probably full of terrorists; dont they all hate America? Having participated in a teleconference with students from ZU, I considered myself to be a little more informed about Dubai. However, getting off the plane, I was very nervous and apprehensive: will I be able to get by without knowing any Arabic? Will they treat me as a welcomed guest or as an annoying intruder? I really hoped I wouldnt offend anyone. Driving to ZU with Professor McCarthy, I caught my first glimpse of Dubai in daylight. To me it looked like something from a Star Wars film: a futuristic city on a far away planet. Huge glass and steel edifices rose out of the sands. Visiting shopping malls, I was blown away by the myriad of stores, the enormous fish tank, theme parks, and indoor ski slopes (who would have thought I would go skiing in the middle of the desert?). These malls could eat mine at home for breakfast. Shopping is definitely the national pastime in the Emirates. America likes to think of itself as the land of plenty and prosperity. Then Dubai must be the land of plenty-and-then-some and of prosperity on steroids. Unlike the average western tourist who comes to Dubai, I had the unique opportunity to actually interact with and befriend locals. I particularly enjoyed visiting ZU students homes to share a meal. I live in a small, modest split-level home in suburban Delaware. The decadent homes in Jumeirah seemed like palaces to me. Despite the imposing nature of the houses, I was pleasantly surprised to find that my hosts were incredibly polite, humble, and welcoming. Arabs are probably the most warm, hospitable people I have ever encountered. Although I was thousands of miles from home, I never felt like a stranger in a strange land. During my short five-day stay trip in Dubai I did a lot: going to class, shopping, skiing, and dune bashing (twice). However I am particularly thankful for having the opportunity to do all of these things alongside my new friends from ZU. By spending so much time with U.A.E locals, I feel I gained a new perspective on the world. After returning home to the US, I found it hard to express to my friends and family all of the amazing experiences I had while I was in Dubai. I think it is one of those places you have to see to understand. When the girls from ZU arrived in Delaware, I was a little worried: they had set the bar for hospitality incredibly high and I felt there was no way I could match it. However, we had a great week together enjoying an American experience. The key word during the tour of America was Yallah. We squeezed a lot into a short period of time: we visited the CNN studios, the UN, the nations capitol, stood out for hours in the heat waiting to get into the White House, and visited the chickens and cows at my Universitys farm. The girls hardly had any time to shop. Unfortunately, I think many of the girls from ZU walked away with the impression that waiting in queues is the national pastime in America. Spending two weeks together, I feel like UD and ZU students had a great opportunity to appreciate each others cultures. By the end of the trip in New York, I was sad to be leaving the ZU girls. I felt we had truly formed a strong bond with each other and like I had 18 new sisters. I was truly impressed with the ambition and intelligence of many of the girls from Dubai. I was also surprised that we shared many of the same dreams and aspirations. Hopefully, this program continues in the future allowing UD and ZU students to find common connections with each other half-way across the world. I believe that these kinds of bridges are the only way to resolve the tension between America and the Middle East. Inshallah I will stay in contact with my new friends from Dubai and we will work together in the future to solve the worlds problems.

Andrew & the Ladies

13

14

15

16

17

18

Babe on a BudgetBy Nada Ibrahim and Hend Tamim

We are taking you to places where you only need no more than 100DHS in your wallet! These places are exotic, different, RANDOM and really hard to miss.Happy Cafeteria As you head down the Al Ain Road heading to university and happen to be cruising pass Nad Al Sheba, take a 5 minute detour to Nad Al Sheba 2, to Happy Cafeteria, which is located at Sheikh Ahmed Bin Saeed Al Maktoum mosque down the Al Ain Road. There you can enjoy a hot sizzling cup of milk with tea, also known as Karak, and enjoy an old fashioned tasty sandwich that has a mixture of cheese, crushed Oman chips and a dash of hot sauce. You can have it for take away or sit under the umbrella thats provided outside the cafeteria and enjoy the Islamic designs of the mosque. Accessible, cheap and worth the detour! PRICE= 3DHS

Jumeirah Beach Bring you beach chair, towel and tanning lotion. You can get your Hollywood tan for FREE! Weve got the place for you! You do not even need to spend a dirham. Head down to Jumeirah beach for a free tanning session and a spot of watching the waves hit the shore, and watching the sun set for another sunrise. If youre not a tanning person, then you can enjoy building sandcastles on the beach and have a cool swim before you head out to dinner with friends or heading home for an early night. Dont forget the camera because you never know when you will see another picture thats worth a thousand words. PRICE = Free

19

Free AED 20

AED

60

Iconic It is a retail concept created by UAEs expanding economy and is a recently released brand, named iconic. Not only does it offer clothing and accessories, but also spas, restaurants and solutions to lifestyles. Visit the Deira City Center branch where it is now open for customers. Price ranges from 20DHS and above. What makes this shop worthwhile shopping is that the items and products that they have are different and suited for the young generation. Grab yourself an iconic statement shirt that costs only 20DHS. Its a brand, its new and for sure worth the money!! For more information visit their website: www.theiconicstore.com, PRICE = 20DHS

Chill out With still cash to spare, head down Sheikh Zayed Road to Times Square where you will locate a chilling surprise. Other than having Ski Dubai, Dubai has an ice caf named Chill Out. Almost everything in the caf is sculptured out of ice including a gallery that showcases famous landmarks located in Dubai like Burj Al Arab and Burj Khalifa. A spokesman from Sharaf Group stated that; We want Chill Out to be part of peoples lifestyle and not just a unique experience that will fade away with time. Therefore dont make this a one-time experience, but a routine every once in a while. As you enter, thermal gear is provided including a coat, boots and gloves. As you exit a hot towel is handed to you to bring your temperature back down to 37 degrees. PRICE = 60DHS

Friday market Still have change tospare? During the weekend, goto theoldbut famous shoppingareaknownastheFridayMarketthatislocatedatthecourtyardofHamriya Central Market in AbuHailarea.Theideawaslaunchedby Dubai Municipality and isan ideal place for selling andtrading items. Many items aresoldinthemarketlikefood,toys,accessories,abayasandclothing.However,thereisagreensection,which sell fruits and vegetablesto fill in the gap where the oldHamriyah vegetable marketused to be. Yes, such a randomplace,butyoucangetwhatyouneedwithwhatyouhaveinyourwallet. Give the place a try ifyouhaventbeenyetand ifyouhavebeenthere,whydontyoutryopeningupaboothand sellyour product. Its a great wayto generate publicity especiallyduring the Dubai ShoppingFestivaltime.

20

AED 3

AED 5

A n o re x i aBy Zubaida Al Hamadi Anorexia is a disease that most of you are familiar with, but the question is, are you aware of its reality, symptoms, causes, and consequences? To answer these questions for you, I surveyed people and have answered the questions above and more. The most important mistake that people make is that they confuse the real

definition of anorexia. 53.3% of people surveyed believe that this disease is an eating disorder that afflicts mostly young women who go on eating binges and then feel guilt and depression and self-condemnation. This isnt the right definition of anorexia. In fact, this is the definition of bulimia. Instead, anorexia is an eating disorder characterized by the refusal to maintain a healthy body weight, and an obsessive fear of gaining weight due to a warped self-image. 64.3% do agree that females are more likely to be afflicted with this disease more than males, yet there have been increasing cases of male anorexia, or Manorexia, as it has been dubbed. Of those surveyed, 93.3% believe that anorexia is caused by psychological issues 40.0% believe it is the family environment, 26.7% believe it is over-eating, and 33.3% believe that the main cause is being fat.

Researchers discovered that the 2 main causes of anorexia are environmental and biological, meaning it could run in the family, as genetics do play a role in this disorder sometimes. Things such as family or sociatal pressures to look skinny, such as being the eldest and being the role-model for the younger girls in the family, and occupations such as modeling play a role. Even the image portrayed through the media to the girls that skinny is the way to go and that its the perfect image of a woman, leads to the girls trying to obtain that perfect image 71.4% of people believe that teenagers are the one who are mostly afflicted with anorexia. Many people have different opinions and thoughts about the symptoms of anorexia.

92.9% believe that the main symptom of anorexia is refusing to eat, and 64.3% think that loss of weight is the main symptom. One of the questions that were included in the survey was whether or not the people questioned knew a person diagnosed with anorexia, and the responses showed that 60% of people answered yes. This shows that this disorder has spread throughout the UAE, and 53% believe that this phenomenon is widely spread. This means that the UAE is facing a big issue and has to deal with it before it gets out of hand. The majority of people dont really believe that anorexics realize their

The real symptoms of anorexia are: Dietingdespitebeing thin Obsessingwithcalories, fat grams, and nutrition Pretendingtoeator lying about eating, Beingpreoccupation with food. Feelingfat,despite being underweight, or in denial of being thin. Becomingintolerableto the cold Beingdepressed Havingdramaticweight loss

The physical effects of anorexia may include: Lossofmenstrual periods Dizziness Faintingand headaches Lackofenergyand weakness Intolerancetothe cold Dry,paleskin Cardiacarrest Diarrhea Osteoporosis

21

problem before its too late; only 26.7% think that they realize their problem before it gets out of hand, and 23.1% agree that they cant overcome it at all. There are many views about anorexic people, and all are negative. 50% of people believe they are sick, 7.1% believe they are crazy, 14.3% think they have serious mental problems, while 71.4% say that they need help and support. Yet, when prompted, the majority of the people believe that anorexic people suffer from mental illness above everything else. Anorexia affects the person diagnosed on some kind of psychological level. A question was raised about how anorexic people preceive food. 60% of people believe that they see the food as their enemy. Biologically, it may not be the issue that leads to anorexia, but that point is somehow there, even if it is only in the back of their minds. Is it necessary to interfere in the anorexics life, to help or give them the freedom of choice? Yes, of course it is! The people who believe in providing help to the anorexic people are on the right track, because it is believed that those

diagnosed with anorexia are not aware of how serious this problem is; they are in denial. In cases where it doesnt affect their health or well being, we should allow them the freedom of choice, but since when does anorexia not affect their health negatively? The main issue of anorexic people is their drastic weight loss, and their self-esteem is basically based on how much weight they lost and how thin they are. All they will care about is getting thinner, even if they are already thin. Psychologically, they forever seem to believe that they are fat, and do not have the perfect body shape that is the it thing today. Those afflicted with extreme cases of anorexia believe that obtaining the perfect body is worth the extreme measures, and some believe that dying for it is okay, just as long as they have the body. Treatments for anorexia try to address three main areas: restoring the person to a healthy weight, treating the psychological disorders related to the illness, and reducing

or eliminating behaviors or thoughts that originally led to the disorderly eating. Anorexia can be treated with medications, various kinds of therapies, such as family therapy and nutrition counseling. But the most important thing would be to be get the person diagnosed back on a healthy eating regime, and lending out a hand to help them get through this phase, because if we cant help them, then who will?

22

23

24

The Wondersof why we do the things that we do?

B y K h a d i j a A l A b b a s

Why do we find ourselves in the midst of a whisper back when whispered to dilemma? Unconsciously, we try to level up to everything, dont we?Why do we find ourselves smiling when we spot a cute guy and turn automatically to our friends? beyond Clich, I know; yet we do it.

We stand in front of the mirror and our hand grabs the mascara and then, wait a second, our mouth drops open as if its connected to our eyes. Why in the world?Why do we synchronize our feet when walking side by side with someone and create a mirror effect?Why do we all of sudden feel a rush of adrenaline to exercise hard as soon as we see someone working out?

Why do we immediately shift our gaze to our clothing when someone throws a compliment our way? Are we unsure of what we put on in the morning?Why do we lick our lips as soon as we spot food coming our way? Its as though its our first meal in a long time, yet in reality, the meal we had before this one was only 20 minutes ago!

Some things are contagious, we established that; yet how do you turn something like yawning into a contagious habit? Its funny how you yawn by just staring at a picture of a yawning person! Why do we start nibbling on food just because someone by our side is eating? Most cases were not even near being hungry!Why do we read something that we agree reflects on our habits, just like what you

read right now, and find it funny yet dont bother to wonder why or try to change it?

25

26

Aysha Saif Al Hamrani