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ـه1445 رفــــس� ددـــــ ـــــعلا Columns 15
م2023 س�طس�غأا

Columns Traveling Inspires

By: Dr. Ian Rennie Creativity and Learning
Dr. Alia Mitchell
First, let me congratulate the PRMC on this, its most recent and highly
significant contribution to PSU’s range of activities. A page dedicated to
discussion on issues ranging from society in general to theories on life Being passionate about learning has always piqued my curiosity
and art is sure to add to the quality of the PSU experience. It encourages about so many things. I have found that traveling to different places
exposure to matters well beyond the day-to-day focus of undergraduates has inspired my own learning experiences and afforded opportunities
who are pursuing professional qualifications; and thus it will stimulate for creativity. I have been blessed with experiences in Thailand,
students to develop, present and defend their own thoughts and ideas, Japan, Greece, France, Italy, England, Canada, United States, and
while criticizing those of others. In doing so, it will support two concepts other localities. Getting to know other cultures and their history is a
vital to successful and constructive learning. way to reflect on our own culture and grow to respect others even
The first is critical thinking. For success both at and beyond university, it more. It also opens your mind to other people and experiencing new
is essential that students be encouraged to think critically: i.e. to criticize situations. For example, I am fascinated with languages and how
constructively. When applied in the classroom, critical thinking challenges others communicate so I try to learn a few words like Konnichiwa
teachers and thus results in higher-quality instruction; and when practiced –こんにちは which is "hello" in Japanese or Ti Kanies -- τι κανεις
in post-university life, it guarantees professional development and personal which is "how are you?" in Greek. Another fun aspect of traveling is
satisfaction. However, … and there is usually a qualifying “however” … experiencing the traditional food. Those who know me know that
originality of thought Is not readily achieved when we are pursuing the after my trip to Japan, I have become a MATCHA fan! More often than
more mundane task of success in exams. And it is here that Columns holds not, I have at least one cup of hot Matcha tea a day. I recommend
great potential: it is a forum where students can express their own ideas it for all of you to try and it has so many benefits for your health.
on important issues, and criticize those of others … always respectfully, of In Greece, they have wonderful bakeries that make homemade
course, but free from pedagogical constraint. granola bars, but you can’t miss out on the famous Souvlaki (chicken
The second concept Columns promotes is life-long learning. Taking part skewers).
in extracurricular discussion and debate will encourage students to seek These experiences help our well-being which fosters our brains
knowledge for its own sake, rather than as a means of scoring high grades. creativity and learning. For me, I have learned new ways of saying
This can become a habit that will guarantee development at both the hello and how are you. I have learned new recipes for the kitchen and
professional and personal levels once an individual has moved beyond enjoy experimenting with them and making them my own versions.
formal education. It enables a person to contribute to his/her work, and at Lastly, I think it is important to share that traveling takes us outside
the same time be a better-informed and more interesting individual. our comfort zones which supports our interest in seeing, tasting, and
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 has a high profile. Great as that vision is, its trying new things. Like when I was in Thailand, I was actually able
success must depend on the quality of the graduates/trainees doing its to experience snorkeling for the first time in my life. I am thankful
work. PSU is already making a notable contribution to that quality; the for that opportunity because I saw such beauty under the water. I
activities promoted by Columns are a guarantee that this contribution will encourage everyone to travel and foster their creative side on their
develop even further. journey of lifelong learning!

Begin Again

By: Raid Alsubaei

New beginnings, according to the calendar, deeper – a current of uncertainty, a tremor embracing the potential of the present us to dream, to strive, and to transform.
they happen every year. It's a simple of apprehension. For a while we may yearn and the future. Each year, we're given the It's a permission slip signed by time itself,
concept, really. The turning of the page, for change, for growth, for those elusive chance to harness our experiences, both a contract that empowers us to shed self-
the flipping of the digits, and suddenly we second chances, we're also creatures of triumphs and tribulations, and channel doubt and step into our potential. So as
find ourselves standing at the precipice habit, of comfort zones that wrap around them into something extraordinary. We're the clock introduces the new day and the
of another chapter, a fresh canvas upon us like a security blanket. And so, we stand sculptors, chiseling away at the rough echoes of the past fade away, remember
which to paint the tapestry of our lives. It's there on the cusp of this new chapter, edges of our aspirations, architects drafting this: new beginnings are not just a date
a tantalizing notion, isn't it? The promise toeing the line between the known and blueprints for the life we envision. It's on the calendar; they're a state of mind.
of a clean slate, a chance to reinvent the unknown. The weight of past missteps not about discarding the chapters that They're the culmination of yesterdays and
ourselves, to shed the skin of the past and missed opportunities lingers, a gentle came before, but about carrying their the springboard into tomorrows. They're
and emerge anew. Yet, as the clock strikes reminder that the canvas may be fresh, lessons forward, integrating them into the a reminder that while the days may blur
midnight and the new day begins, we're but the palette carries traces of the narrative that unfolds with every sunrise. together, each one holds the promise of
often gripped by a strange dichotomy of colors we've mixed before. It's tempting In the realm of new beginnings, there's growth, of change, of becoming more
emotions. There's exhilaration, of course, to dwell on the what-ifs, on the roads not room for growth that knows no bounds. than we were before. And as the year
a bubbling effervescence that accompanies taken and the chances we allowed to slip Whether it's a commitment to health, begins, may you seize those moments of
the countdown and the wake of a new day through our fingers. But here's the beauty a pursuit of knowledge, a rekindling of opportunity, embrace the challenges that
different from any other. But beneath that of those annual new beginnings – they're relationships, or a leap into uncharted arise, and paint your masterpiece upon the
surface-level excitement lies something not just about erasing the past, but about professional waters, the calendar reminds canvas of time.