Words...

I was just watching an episode of the World Debate on the BBC while cleaning the floor tiles of my room—not a bad combination is it? And now I am waiting for Ms. Amanpour 's "This Week" to begin (and while doing that I am going to blog as well). What can I say, I missed writing to you, my dear loyal, sweet* blog follower!

My morning didn't begin too well with a visit to the Ministry of Higher Education, I was planning to return with a big smile and enjoy the rest of my day, as I finally got my unconditional offer and the dreaded CAS number has finally arrived. But I entered and left the Ministry within 5 minutes—apparently my paperwork isn't complete. (Which reminds me: employers in government offices need to smile to their fellow citizens.)

Having said this, the rest of the day went well—supas bo xwa!

I found this on our white board at the organization today (I still can't figure out how to rotate picture on blogger-- me and technology aren't good friends!)

Dear reader, aside from you—the loyal blog readers who only know me from behind your computer screen—I am lucky to have individuals* in my life who genuine, kind hearted, owners of warm hears and above all individuals who have aims, dreams and goals for their life. These are people who own their dreams, who have planned their paths and above all they have a purpose in life.

My brother calls me a nerd. But with these individuals I can pose those philosophical questions at the back of my mind, I can discuss the recent book I have read and I can visit the orphanage or the retirement house with. These are the people who don't mind to give in their Thursday afternoon or Friday morning for some volunteer work. Simply said, I am thankful to have such friends (sisters!) in my life.

Kurdish youth, who have ambitions, who believe in something, and those who are determined are making their dreams come true. They are working hard, they sacrificing but they are achieving. There is opportunity out there if they are taken advantage of. I am not saying this from the top of my head; I say this from the experience of my personal life and from those of my colleagues, friends and people who I know.

My life has been very dynamic, full of energy and experiences. This Thursday marks my final day in both my jobs. I have decided to take a little time off before starting my postgraduate studies (I have already starting receiving emails from colleagues, my boss and notice boards putting dates for "Good-Bye parties". As a Kurdish girl, like any girl in any country across the world I feel I am sacrificing in something I love for a bigger dream, for something that will be a contirbuting factor for me to take one step up in the ladder leading to where I see myself in the future years ahead. It feels awkward to leave something that you have built for a few years.  

Many of my friends are graduating this week. I am automatically starting to think of the future of this nation. When I think of the list of names of the individuals who are graduating only from UKH, I can't help but be optimistic of the future of Kurdistan. I just wish they strive hard and take every small opportunity to prove their capabilities. When set friends these birds are definitely the individuals that Kurdistan needs to prosper.

While on this note, it is not only friends who are inspiring but also professors and lectures—who I will forever be grateful for—every now and then I drop an email just to say "hello!" recently one of my previous lecturers replied back with a little poem he had written, so I thought I would share it with you on the occasion of the graduating class of 2011 from the University of Kurdistan- Hawler.  

Being University professor - what a job!

 

I love my job, professorship

teaching, researching, teaching

It does not pay much

But t lets me build young leaders

and achievers

I see them grow from naive and inexperienced lot

to critical thinkers, and leaders, and activists, and journalists

name them

I see them grow as I was seen grow

 

But I also hate with my job 

I run the risk of loosing the fruits of my labour

Just when you have struggled to provoke their talents

Just when they begin to shine

Just when they turn into prolific writers, and thinkers 

the game is suddenly over

The curtain is drawing to a close:

convocation, graduation, dance and feast

Then they are gone

The walls of the university turn deadly silent

The lecture theatres crave for them

Is this professional hazard?

But life has to go one

The job has to be done

I have to look back and begin building the next set of talents

What a job, being university proefssor!

 

Usman Tar

Erbil, 8th June 2011 

*How do I know you're sweet? Because you're reading this blog!

**B.A; A.S; N.S; S.A; J.H; J.A; M.A; M.R – as I write this you are the first that come to my mind.