Last Monday, I took my students for a visit to the AOU Library in an attempt to get them to start reading and try to spread the Hermioneish attitude towards libraries (the 'when in doubt, go to the library' attitude). On that day, my eyes were opened to a very important truth. During her graceful visit to my class as a guest speaker, Nada Faris, the amazing writer and performance poet said something that made me think. "We are what we attack" she said and I started to think that when a person condemns an idea or a belief, it does not necessarily mean they are not guilty of it. So before you attack an idea, look within yourself and check if you are 100% free of what you are attacking, and then maybe you can call yourself a feminist, human rights activist... etc.
That was not all. Nada's attendance of my class and her speech to my students about 'Why We Should Read' was beyond remarkable. It was truly an inspiration. She raised valid points, which she excellently supported with vivid examples. She talked about how the lives of prominent leaders like Jamal Abdul-Naser and Joseph Stalin were affected by books they encountered at a certain age and how one work of literature had enough power to start the civil war. Nada also ended with a captivating performance of one of her poems.
I was extremely happy to see my students engage in such an enriching discussion. I was even happier when I was told by some of them that they had never felt more inspired to read. I had a feeling of immense pride and satisfaction seeing my students browse through the bookshelves, looking for a point to start.
Finally, I would like to thank everyone who supported me and was kind enough to attend my class: my supervisor, Mr. Khaldoon Mohamed Nur Said, my teacher and colleague Ms. Fatima Fayez, our librarian Mr. Atef, AOU Public Relations (thank you for the photos), my friends Reham, Raniya, and Sundos, and the girls from the writing session. I would like to say a huge THANK YOU to Nada Faris for her amazing participation and her generosity. And mostly, thank you guys, my wonderful students, for making this a memorable day.
P.S. I know I should have posted this earlier but I was waiting for the good photos :D Here are some, enjoy! :p
And remember to keep your friends close and your books closer;)
