Page 27 - ADU Voice Volume 4 Issue 1

FALL 2024 • • • 27
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Picture- Story 1st Place: The Winning

Competition: Results In! Stories

“Perfection”
WRITTEN BY: FATMA DURRANI (1092000)

WRITTEN BY: FAIZ ASHFAQ MAHMOOD (1080139) (AD Campus)

n October 15th, 2024, the Picture The poll was held from the 9th of October
and Story Unite winners of Abu to the 13th and was widely participated in.
ODhabi University’s competition Statistics show the total number of votes was
were announced and yet, what was most 2533. In comparison to last year, when this
shocking was the amount of participation event was held for the first time, the total
from Abu Dhabi University Students. combined votes of both campuses was 263.
To this rise in popularity, the Communication
The Picture and Story Unite Competition Support Centre team was astonished. Seeing
was an initiative taken by Ms. Kathyrn Swift the increase in participation of over 850%,
through the College of Arts and Sciences Ms. Kathryn Swift, Senior Instructor
(CAS) to showcase our ADU students› of English, had commented “It was so
creative writing and photography skills. As unbelievable that we said, ‘have we made
a result, students who participated were able a mistake’ ... We could hardly speak,” she erfection is like an itch you’ll never be able to scratch. Perfection is akin to a
to get a taste of recognition from their fellow said. “This proved that students do read... puzzle that’s made of glass shards. You’re never going to complete it. No matter
peers, as well as be awarded for their skillful [especially] smart, short stories,” she added. Phow hard or long you try, it’s wholly elusive. And yet you must try. Because
writing and thoughtful sentiments of life that’s the key, isn’t it? The fact that you’re trying. Waking up every day and striving to
expressed through their distinctive stories. The prize-giving ceremony was given by the be a better you. One of the best things about humanity is the ability to learn and improve
dean of CAS, Dr. Sreethi Nair, emphasizing and I think that’s what separates us from other species. That’s when we’re at our best.
First place in the Abu Dhabi campus was the importance of creativity and expression
awarded to Faiz Ashfaq Mahmood for his in education. There was a particular delight In a philosophical sense, Albert Camus utilized Sisyphus to represent the human
piece on “Perfection”, followed by Rayan in the fact that these young writers put predicament and make the argument that fulfillment and meaning can be found even in the
Al Sayed in second place, and Mariya themselves out there. When asked about face of monotonous or seemingly meaningless work. Though it takes time and is seldom
Tharannum in third. As for the Al Ain campus, how proud she was of entrants, Swift relays, if ever, achieved, aiming for excellence translates into attaining a degree of perfection and
the top spot went to Bushra Mohamed Ali “a good writer puts part of themselves on may therefore promote self-development. The uphill battle is essentially a metaphor for
for her story, “A Snapshot of chaos” closely the page…our participants demonstrated the process of always working to improve oneself and become a better version of oneself.
trailed by Asil Salah Hassan and Maram this fearlessness with style and finesse.”
Adham Kahel, who were were recognized There’s this innate drive we all have. You just have to dig deep to find it. Sure, you
in second and third place, respectively. can just be you, but why not be the best you? It’s fun to think about timelines and
multiverses nowadays but I always believe there’s always going to be only one
The winners were decided through a mass “you”. Therefore, it’s worth it to put in the time to be the best “you” possible. And
voting poll accessible to all ADU goers. that’s exactly why perfection represents a revolutionary step in your evolution. ▶ ▶