Page 17 - ASC Highlights Spring 24-25

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Faculty Mini

Interview Series

As a mass communication lecturer, it would be remiss of me not to reference a quote from my own early
media studies. From studying the poignant, true tale of Chris McCandless in Into the Wild (2007), I recall a
quote that still resonates to this day: “Happiness is only real when shared”.

Happiness, as with hard work, as with success, is going to be multiplied and have more meaning when it is
the product of collaboration, not isolation.

And this is why, in this little article of mine, I’d like to appeal to all of our ADU community — the students,
but also faculty, too — to embrace Abu Dhabi University not as a means to an end, nor as an institution
whose halls we must navigate isolated and alone.

Indeed, this place at its best is a life-changing, empowering community of like minded people, here for the
common purpose of learning and sharing, whether we are sitting on the student or teaching side of the
desk.

Whether you arrive to ADU as a strong student or still need help developing, embrace engagement with
the Academic Success Centre, full of faculty and student leaders who every day make us proud by investing
in the care and support of every student, no matter their background or starting level.

And if your “imposter syndrome” is rising to the level of significant anxiety, please don’t be afraid to speak
privately to your professors and, if need be, our wonderful on-site councillors.

All of us at ADU understand what you are going through and take pride in investing our time and energy
to help you overcome any doubts, and transform into a strong professional: one who has the confidence
to launch into the world and make their dreams come true.

The anxiety, the imposter syndrome— it all can feel so “abnormal”, right?

But let me reframe it for you.

What if these feelings are all the right attributes, just channeled in the wrong direction?

Overthinking? Perfectionism? Caring too much?

These are going to be assets to the world, and to the community around you, once you give yourself
permission to believe in yourself and channel that energy into career-defining action, instead of endless
cycles of self-criticism.

Ms. Bianca Roberts
Lecturer of Mass Communication

Abu Dhabi University | ASC Highlights 24-25 Spring 24-25