FRANKENSTEIN IN BAGHDAD
Ahmed Saadawi
Set after the 2003 US invasion of Iraq, Frankenstein in Baghdad captures the ordinary yet not so ordinary life in rapidly-changing Baghdad. The novel illustrates the complexity of life for a citizen in Iraq, highlights the atrocities of war and sectarianism, and questions our sense of bias and morality. Frankenstein in Baghdad is a novel relevant for everyone irrespective of their nationality.
Zahraa Al-Dawood
THE INKBLOT JOURNAL
Published by the AUS Writing Center
Our 2023 Tutor Graduates
At the end of the Spring 2023 semester, the Writing Center bid a bittersweet farewell to a group of hardworking and dedicated tutors. As their academic year drew to a close, the tutors had some words to share, reflecting on their time in the Writing Center, and sharing their memorable and learning experiences as tutors. The Writing Center wishes its graduated tutors the best of luck and extends its gratitude for their commitment and efforts.
Konstantina Spyropoulou
MA in TESOL
-
Enriching
-
Life-Changing
-
Rewarding
I got so much out of my experience at the WC! I totally feel that butterfly effect, that the decision of me joining the WC has led to so many amazing opportunities! I have made some of the best memories here at the WC. I don’t know where I would be without it. Looking back, I feel like I will never forget the beautiful moments of tutoring, of bonding with tutors, of marking no-shows. It was such a rewarding journey.
Supraja Regunathan
BSc in Chemistry
-
Support
-
Collaboration
-
Growth
These words— support, collaboration, and growth— describe my experience in the writing center in the past year. I would never have imagined interacting with new people every other day, but I was able to step out of my comfort zone solely because of the writing center. One of my favorite parts of working in the writing center would be witnessing the growth and progress in the writing skills of recurring tutees and a boost in their confidence. Apart from the tutees' development, I always learned something new due to the various topics, assignments, and courses the tutees come in with. I would like to thank Dr. Maria and my fellow tutors for their guidance, collaboration, and friendship and for fostering an environment where students can feel comfortable and confident in their writing. To the students I have tutored, albeit briefly, thank you for allowing me to be a part of your writing journey! Keep writing, keep growing, and never stop exploring the power of words :)
Mohammed Al Dawood
BSc in Civil Engineering
-
Intriguing Experience
At first it was scary: we essentially had to facilitate discussions, keep the tutees' emotions into consideration, make sure we use the right language, and most importantly make sure our suggestions and comments are correct. We are human, after all. It was however a very useful experience and something that really helped me evolve into a better person when it comes to facilitating discussions. It will definitely benefit me in the future.
Ines Zitouni
BSc in Mechanical Engineering
-
Fulfilling
-
Blessing
-
Nurturing
It is fulfilling because it gave meaning to my days. I felt that the help I was providing was something that was needed and important, so it made me feel like I was serving a good purpose. There is no denying that it was also a blessing. When I started working at the writing center, I felt so lucky to be chosen for such an impactful job. The experience has been nurturing for me because while I help others grow and improve in writing, I am learning with them as well. It is a shared learning experience.
Alaa Itani
BA in Psychology
-
Transformative
-
Rewarding
-
Vivacious
-
Transformative: My experience at the WC significantly changed the trajectory of my university experience.
-
Rewarding: Working at the WC involves rewarding interactions.
-
Vivacious: There is so much liveliness at the WC, and being able to be part of that circle positively reflects in my character and work ethic.
Gowri Prasad
BSc in Chemical Engineering
-
Chaotic
-
Inspiring
-
Fulfilling
-
Chaotic- you never knew who you would meet and what topic you would discuss.
-
Inspiring- It was always amazing to see budding writers trying their best to show off their work.
-
Fulfilling - Knowing that I made a tutee’s life easier brought me so much joy.
Poojaraj Maniyer
BA in Mass Communication | Journalism Concentration
-
New
-
Relaxing
-
Organization
For me, I chose these 3 words as it was definitely a new experience, being in a formal peer tutoring setting where I got to meet new people, get to know diverse opinions, help different people with writing but also chat with them, try to ease their worries about writing. It was relaxing since talking to people and seeing their happiness when they understood a concept lessened my stress. Organization since I loveddd organizing the events and staff meetings, coming up with games and bringing the food for the WC community. Gonna miss this.
Dinisha Dinesh
BArch in Architecture
-
Humanitarian
-
Life-Changing
-
Happiness
I chose these three words because of a few events that happened in the past 1.5 years:
-
A student who failed WRI102, later ended up getting an A in the course after the session we had. She didn’t visit the WC afterwards because she became so confident in writing that she came this semester for another A in ENG204 which she did get.
-
A number of students who would regularly book sessions with me
The fact that I was able to at least help these students out and make them love writing and achieve higher grades is what I will cherish for the rest of my life.
Danyah Khan
BSc in Chemistry | Minoring in Biology
-
Rewarding
-
Interactive
-
Fulfilling
At first it was scary: we essentially had to facilitate discussions, keep the tutees' emotions into consideration, make sure we use the right language, and most importantly make sure our suggestions and comments are correct. We are human, after all. It was however a very useful experience and something that really helped me evolve into a better person when it comes to facilitating discussions. It will definitely benefit me in the future.
Noor Fayyad
BSc in Biology
-
Challenging
-
Enriching
-
Gratifying
Being able to correctly communicate and address the tutees’ concerns can be quite challenging to achieve. However, once you get exposed to diverse perspectives and writing styles, such interaction enriches my own understanding of writing and expands my knowledge further. Ultimately, as a tutor, being able to assist students in achieving their writing goals is a gratifying experience that sort of reinforces my passion in writing and helping others.
Fathima Moyikkal
BA in International Studies and Psychology
-
Transformative
-
Growth
-
Positive
I chose these words because I learned so much working in the Writing Center. I grew so much as a person from tutoring my peers.