My Personal Statement, Qatar Academy

The maxim “what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” has always held a special meaning in my life. It is a life that I can describe as a journey whose many challenging encounters have at times made me lose sight of the goals I am aiming for. Thankfully, my parents have always been there for me whenever I need them. I truly appreciate their support and guidance but it is now time to stand on my own feet and live up to their expectations.

I began my education at Qatar Academy which was an international school that I attended for nine years. I became accustomed to the Qatar Academy atmosphere so much that I had a difficult time when I advanced to Resala, an independent girl’s school. Life in the new school seemed unbearable but I eventually got used to it. Adjusting to this new life in a new school taught me a valuable lesson in perseverance that I now believe I can now overcome every hurdle I come across. The experience also strengthened my inner drive to succeed so much that I now believe I can achieve anything I put my mind to.

After graduating from high school I made a decision to apply for the Academic Bridge Program. I truly believed the program would be an important step towards my goal in life. Enrolling in the ABP program would significantly assist in developing my academic skills as well as help me build on my self confidence, a characteristic trait that I would need when applying to any University. At this point in life I had a mission to accomplish regardless of which University I enrolled in or what courses I would major in. I had a clear vision of what I wanted to do in life and was truly dedicated to accomplish my mission. I was going to make a difference in the world no matter how small I would have to start. That was my vision.

Life has a way of putting obstacles in one’s way no matter how well prepared you are. My first semester of ABP did not reflect the best of my abilities and dedication to succeed due to certain unfortunate circumstances. My determination to work hard and get good grades was hampered by two untimely deaths in our family, my cousin’s and then my grandfather’s. This happened during the December break before the start of the second semester. My grandfather’s death was one of the most morally devastating periods in my life. I had been very close to him and in fact he was my role model. Dealing with the death of my grandfather and trying to put more efforts in my studies left me weak and sad. However, it was imperative that I move on and I willed myself to be stronger. By the time I got back to my feet, I was already striving to do my best to get even better grades. I went through a hard time at this phase in my life but I harbor no blame for anyone or anything. I have come to learn that bad things or misfortunes occur in our lives for a reason which is mostly to make us stronger and better prepared for the uncertain future. My experience has also taught me that perfection is unattainable in this world. In time I have begun to see a more responsible, determined, and responsible side of myself. The only way I can convince anyone of this is by being put through a test.

I now believe that “What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger” in every aspect of life whether in academics or in your personal life. I have discovered that making mistakes and finding your way out of difficult situations provides an opportunity to become a better person. I strongly believe that the University that will transform me into a more confident, strong, and focused person that I have always longed to be is Georgetown. It is why I have chosen you.

Global Issue

The year 2011 is emerging as a year of democratic revolutions. The beginning of the year saw a series of revolutions which started with in Tunisia. The suppressive government of Tunisia had denied its citizens their rights and freedoms for a long time especially in employment and provision of essential services. In agitating for their democratic rights and freedom, Tunisians rose up in protests in order for their voices to be heard leading to the resignation of their leader, President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali who had been in power for 23 years. What followed can only be described as a domino effect in the Arab world.

The success of the Tunisian revolution became a beacon of hope for the people of Egypt. President Hosni Mubarak had held the helm of Egyptian leadership for thirty years which were chiefly characterized by poverty and unemployment. Egyptians suffered in silence under the Mubarak rule which curtailed freedom of speech through sanctioned police brutality and was riddled with corruption and unfair elections. Egyptians had for a long time suffered many economic problems like high food prices and low minimum wages. Since the rise of the former Egyptian president Hosni Mubarak to power in 1981, Egyptians had witnessed a period of massive exploitation of the country’s resources by the president, his family, and those close to him. As his power increased, his followers decreased. He was however able to maintain his position in power by implementing fear in the society. This fear had a significant effect in the choices Egyptians made especially during elections. Mubarak also exploited his people’s weaknesses and was able to manipulate them by seeming to be dedicated to solving their financial problems. Additionally, no Egyptian had the courage to stand up against Mubarak for fear of retribution by being thrown into prison or getting killed. When the people of Egypt could no longer take his authoritarian leadership, they came together in massive protests to overthrow his dictatorship.

The revolution was organized by the youthful generation in Egypt with the aid of technology. The protests for freedom and democratic rights began on January 25th with marches, rallies, violent clashes with police, and cats of civil disobedience in Egypt’s major cities like Cairo and Alexandria among others. In their desperation for freedom and a guarantee of a better future, many Egyptians sacrificed their lives. They not only sought to remove the president from power but also see an end to corruption and police brutality as well as ensure that democratic reforms were implemented in their political system.

Hosni Mubarak announced his resignation on February 11th and passed authority to the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces. They had waited for this change for many years and the subsequent celebrations of their victory took place across the country for many days. However, the end of Mubarak does not mark the end of their problems. They still have to confront the challenge of electing the right leader who will steer their country in a democratic manner towards the realization of a better future.

The domino effect of these revolutions which began in Tunisia has spread over to Bahrain and other countries across the Arab world. The revolutions symbolize the beginning of democratic reforms in the world and as other countries follow suit, the protests have become a global issue. The situation calls for solutions which, in my opinion, would involve initiating constitutional reforms, having fair elections, and ensuring security of the people. Leaders should consider the needs of their citizens and have an open policy of governance devoid of any government secrecy.