A new shift in my life

I always wanted to be different than other girls I knew.

Back In university, I would often sit alone and ponder ways to make a difference in my community. And during my studies at Zayed University, I was looking for a suitable field of study that could help me reach that goal. When I realised that I am good at expressing my thoughts through writing, rather than speaking, I decided to study journalism.

Being a journalism graduate has helped me see worldly issues from a different perspective. Today I am skeptical about the news I hear. I make sure I verify the information before disseminating it to make sure both sides are told.

Today, my second week as a trainee at The National has begun. I have so far had the opportunity to learn and explore new things, for example going to court with another reporter.

It was an amazing experience. In movies, I have seen judges bang their gavel and make proclamations, but I never thought I would be part of this experience. Before I was given the permission to enter the criminal court room, I was stopped a few times by the security guards. They wondered if I was truly a journalist or some kid trying to entertain herself.

The first case was an unforgettable drama. Four Emiratis were accused of killing two Omanis in retaliation for killing one of their relatives. This case confused me because each of the brothers said he was suffering from a different ailment: brain tumor, hepatitis, mental condition and ophthalmic problems. I still can not figure out the connection between their problems and the crime.

I got emotional and heartbroken upon seeing the reaction of the father of the men in the court. I wondered how much pain he was going through because of his sons' transgressions.

Asmaa Al Hameli joined Ayesha Al Khoori in The National’s one-year training programme. She graduated from Zayed University in June in Converged Media.