While going through my old emails in an attempt to declutter my inbox, I found an email I had sent to my students in The Craft course in November 2006. I have decided to print it out and keep it where I can always see it. It reminds me of the fire I had in my belly- the passion I have for writing in specific and for teaching the meaning of writing to my students. Back then I was new and at the beginning of my career and I was young and still struggling with matching my words with who I am to be. This is a reminder to me of what made me who I am today.
Shaikh Farhan
Your sincerity and passion inspires me! =)April 5th, 2012 @ 12:59 pm
Sirine Abdelmajid
Dear Professor: I have been accidentally directed by the Qatar Foundation website to the qfachievers link. And what a wonderful accidental finding!!! I'm so positively impressed by those achievers and specially by you. The reason why is that I have been asked recently to write a paper about my education and my professors which I had in the past in different countries and this paper is going to be part of the research of my Financial Management Professor. He is going to write a book about Finance in Western countries versus the upcoming trend of Islamic financing. Let me tell you few words about myself. I'm Chemical Engineer graduated from France. I worked for about 6 years for a French Oil&Gas Engineering Company, and since a year now I followed my husband to the USA to study an MBA. I have been traveling so often the last 10 years. I'm have been in Qatar during 2 years (2008-2009) but never had the chance to meet amazing people like you. I must say that I had an extremely busy schedule as I was working in Ras Laffan 6 days a week - 10 h/day. But it was the best work experience I ever had. I consider it to be part of the history of your country (I'm from Saudi Arabia). Anyway, I wish to contribute in this website by some reflections, positive and constructive reflections of course. I'm proud that I share with you your the favorite book "Orientalism" by Edward Saeed. I look forward hearing from you about what could I be contributing in. Very Respectfully, Sirine AtallahApril 8th, 2012 @ 10:01 am
Jennifer
Dear Professor: I stumbled upon a video interview you did last year and found you to be amazingly inspiring. I wish more can hear your voice in the West! I have tried so many times to explain to others pretty much everything you mentioned in your interview. I do hope you can make more appearances in the Western media--we need people like you. I grew up in the MENA region as well as in New England. I have quite a mixed background with Middle Eastern culture that is and always will be, very close to my heart! I look forward to see more on this website. --JenniferJune 2nd, 2012 @ 4:39 am
Amal Almalki
Jennifer, thank you for your kind words. We need people like you as well, who can negotiate between east and west. Let's do our best, we might not convince all, but one could be enough.June 15th, 2012 @ 11:08 pm