The finalé of my days at AUD is approaching and approaching fast! When I think back of my first day, it seems like history yet still feels like yesterday! These days, time is not strolling nor jogging anymore; it is running. It's primarily racing with us; competing with how well we make use of it.so, who's going to win, you ask? Personally, I won't let it win me.

There is more to life at AUD than classroom lectures, presentations, projects, and EXAMS. There is a whole community, a whole experience, a whole life. Ask me about it, I know! Unfortunately, it seems to me that only those who really understand that their days at AUD are countable and that their university experience is a once-in-a-lifetime shot, are those that really appreciate this stage in their life and try to make the best of it both academically and interactively.

As for me, it was during my second year that I started discovering the beauty of being involved. Leadership programs such as AUD Ambassadorship and Orientation Leadership as well as cultural, departmental, and special interest clubs such as the Lebanese, Business Student Association, and the Drama Club have all helped in molding my character and helped me grow.

A balance between study time and fun time is required and it is far from impossible! However, the scale may tilt to one side more than the other at many times. And here's the beauty of it. Or else, how boring will it be without a challenge and something to learn!

The best gift that university involvement gives you is the widening of your circle of acquaintances and the recognition you get. You get to make new friends and to get acquainted with administrative figures and professors that you will not necessarily meet in classrooms. You also learn so much from your experience. You learn to adapt, learn to be flexible, learn to plan and manage; and mostly, you learn to be not an ordinary student! At AUD, involvement does not go without appreciation and reward. Thankfully, I have experienced that.

As for the study part at AUD, it's nice to have the diversity we have in terms of lecturers' nationalities, lecture styles, grading schemes, and instructor-student dealings. It's more or less like a basic yet important example of how life will be. We think we are suffering; well, let's wait till we get into the real world. Maybe then we'll appreciate our university days. So why regret..get involved now and get a taste of fun and learning.That's my advice!

Why settle for 'the less' when 'the more' is available ;)

I'm thankful for the good and bad times at AUD; they altogether helped in building "me". and I believe there is more to come.


Samar A. Naim
BBA - Advertising /  Marketing
American University in Dubai