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CNA-Q Campus Communiqué | October 2021

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Message from the President

Campus News

Interview: Breast Cancer Survivor – Sandee Thompson

Keynote Speaker Series: Sheikh Khalifa Al-Thani

Under the Spotlight: The First Annual Phoenix Games

Helpful Tips: Early Detection Saves Lives

Fun Corner: Our Monthly Competition

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INDEX

CNA-Q Celebrates World Teachers’ Day with their faculty and more than 100 teachers from TVET and STEM schools across Qatar.

The Campus Communiqué gives a snapshot of CNA-Q by highlighting our latest news, events and activities. If you want your news item included, or for additional information, please contact us on: [email protected]

H E A D L I N E

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October, 2021

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Sandee ThompsonA Journey to Healing

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Dear students, faculty and staff,

Welcome to the eleventh issue of our campus communiqué.

October is an important month in College of the North Atlantic – Qatar. It’s a time for awareness, mindfulness, and self-reflection. October marks the breast cancer awareness month, a time where all community members join forces to recognize the importance of prevention, early detection and treatment of this condition. During this month, we celebrated World Teachers’ Day, World Mental Health Day and many other events in our College.

Furthermore, this month holds an important academic milestone: the midterm exams. This is where the performance of our students is evaluated in preparation for the finals, so I wish them all good luck! Nevertheless, and despite the fact that everyone is quite busy, this season still offers us a chance to reconnect with ourselves as we prepare to enjoy our outdoor havens in the midst of dropping temperatures.

This month’s communiqué covers many events and developments, the School of General Education has introduced Arts in the curriculum and welcomed many guest speakers in class. We have organized a successful Virtual Career Fair that saw the participation of 50 companies and 3,483 students and alumni. We participated in QDB Hackathon and launched our first round of CNA-Q Keynote Speaker Series.

I hope you will enjoy reading about our community and take advantage of the tips offered in this issue. Have a blissful month and make sure to stay safe!

Dr. Salem Al-NaemiPresidentCollege of the North Atlantic – Qatar

M E S S A G E

Message from the President


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Krista Jack College of the North Atlantic - Qatar

School of General Education is offering a new course “SSHA1006 Introduction to the Arts”. The objective of this course is to introduce students to the various elements and disciplines that the Art and Design industry has to offer. Students benefit from a variety of unique and inspiring practices from real-world examples of local and international artists within the creative industry in Qatar and abroad. Through its applied and experiential focus, the course engages students in the appreciation and reflection of public art in Doha, as well as developing an awareness of different career paths in the Arts and Design Industry. Students have the opportunity to create and build their own website and prepare for their business careers. They will be able to build bridges and make connections with the three main creative hubs in Qatar: Qatar Museums, Virginia Commonwealth University and The Fire Station Artist in Residency program and annual group exhibit.

School of General EducationIntroduces Arts in the CurriculumA series of guest speakers connects students to the industry

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Othman Khunji Michelle Dixon Mohammed Faraj Al-Suwaidi

This course is taught by Othman Khunji, an interdisciplinary conceptual artist and the portfolio

development counselor at Virginia Commonwealth

University. Othman has a BFA in Interior Architecture,

MFA in Design, and is a PhD candidate. His work has been

showcased in Paris, Milan, Chicago, London, Berlin, St.

Petersburg and all over the Middle East. Othman is a VCU

10 Under 10 award-winning artist, and a certified member of

Sapri Bridge Oriental Design Week, Fuorisalone co-founder

of Asia Design Pavilion at Milan Design Week and an official

member of the Milan Fuorisalone Commission.


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C A M P U S N E W S

To help better prepare the students for the marketplace, the College launched “CNA-Q Guest Speaker Series”. This initiative brings experts into classrooms to share and discuss current issues, challenges, and trends in their fields. Each speaker offers their perspectives and first-hand experience to the students connecting them to industry and inspiring all to meet the challenges of tomorrow. On 30 September 2021, students of “SSHA1006 Introduction to the Arts” met with two guest speakers, who presented their work and creative process, ending with a lively discussion. Exposure to a wide range of industry practitioners in the arts allows students to become aware of the creative market and its opportunities, and grasp basic knowledge on the creative process and production.

Guest Speaker Michelle Dixon, Art TherapistCurrently works at Sidra Medicine as a member of the Child

Life service. Michelle has over 12 years’ experience as an Art

Therapist in hospital settings, facilitating bedside sessions

for children and family members, specializing in Oncology

and Hematology. During this time, Michelle has presented

at international mental health conferences and panel

discussions in the region. Michelle holds a Masters of Art

Therapy at La Trobe University, Australia. Registered with the

Australian, New Zealand and Asian Art Therapies Association

(ANZACATA) and American Art Therapy Association (AATA).

Guest Speaker Mohammed Faraj Daham Al Suwaidi University LecturerMohammed has a BA and MA in Architecture and is a

PhD candidate in Digital Architecture at the University of

Liverpool. He completed a Doha-Fire Station and ISCP-New

York artist residency in 2018-2019. Mohammed is currently

a University Lecturer at Qatar University at the Department

of Architecture - College of Engineering.

To know more about the General Education Curriculum or requirements, please feel free to reach out to:

Dr. Rosie Bateson

Dean - School of General Education

[email protected]

Krista Jack College of the North Atlantic - Qatar


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In collaboration with UNESCO Regional Office in Doha and Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture & Science and Ministry of Education and Higher Education, College of the North Atlantic – Qatar celebrates World Teachers’ Day with their faculty and more than 100 teachers from TVET and STEM schools across Qatar.

College of the North Atlantic - Qatar Celebrates World Teachers’ Day

College of the North Atlantic – Qatar (CNA-Q) in

collaboration with the Qatar National Commission for

Education, Culture & Science has celebrated World

Teachers’ Day during a hybrid conference focusing on

Science, Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)

education as well as Technical and Vocational Education

and Training (TVET) in Qatar. The ceremony held at CNA-Q

was attended by Dr. Anna Paolini, Director of UNESCO

Regional Office in Doha and UNESCO Representative in the

Arab States of the Gulf and Yemen; Dr. Hamda Al-Sulaiti,

Secretary General of the Qatar National Commission for

Education, Culture & Science, Ministry of Education and

Higher Education (MOEHE); Dr. Salem Al-Naemi, CNA-Q’s

President; Mr. Ahmed Jusaimani, Director of Teachers

Affairs at MOEHE representing Ms. Fawzia Al-Khater

Assistant Undersecretary for Educational Affairs MOEHE,

alongside the College faculty members and more than

100 teachers from TVET and STEM schools across Qatar.

The conference aimed at providing teachers with valuable information on applied teaching and learning, in addition to highlighting the vital role of STEM and TVET in skills development and nation-building. Commenting on the event Dr. Hamda Al-Sulaiti Secretary General of the Qatar National Commission for Education, Culture & Science said that World Teachers’ Day held annually on 5 October commemorates the anniversary of the adoption of the ILO/UNESCO recommendation concerning the status of teachers. It is an occasion to recognize teachers and the efforts they put into preparing generations who lead the country’s development. She mentioned that: “A teacher is a role model that we value and respect; today we thank them for their passion and unconditional giving that shaped our students year after year”. She praised the strategy that the State of Qatar adopted during COVID-19, especially that the technological and communication infrastructure has been put in place years before the start of the pandemic, in addition to the efforts that have been deployed by the Government and MOEHE to train the teachers on the latest information technology and the

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right way to use it in pedagogical practices. Dr. Sulaiti

added: “The Education Strategy 2018 – 2022 and the

current MOEHE Strategy 2021-2022 include many

programs that invest in teachers and provide them

with the knowledge and the technical know-how of

using digital platforms for teaching and learning in

addition to measuring performance and evaluating

the process.” Dr. Hamda Al-Sulaiti Secretary General

of the Qatar National Commission for Education,

Culture & Science concluded by saluting all teachers

for their great role in shaping rooted modern citizens

with a global mindset. She also thanked Dr. Salem Al-

Naemi, President of CNA-Q and all those who worked

on organizing this special event including teachers

and UNESCO associated schools. Dr. Salem Al-Naemi

discussed the efforts that the College is deploying to

raise awareness about TVET as a driving force in an

ever-evolving economy, he said: “Investing in TVET is

very important for the socio-economic development

of our country. TVET is a necessity and will generate

a strong workforce that can easily accompany any

technological progress and the rapid industrialisation.

CNA-Q offers more than 50 programs and has more

than 150 state-of-the-art workshops and labs to

help develop such a workforce. We also build many

partnerships with industrial companies and we work

through our Applied Research and Innovation Office

to strengthen technical and vocational learning, policy

and practice. The Office embodies as well UNESCO-

UNEVOC center, dedicated to advancing technical

and vocational education and training in Qatar. We

would like to thank MOEHE and UNESCO for their

trust in our educational institution. Furthermore, we

wish all participants a Happy World Teachers’ Day

and we promise them to keep our efforts going and

work towards developing their skills and promoting

TVET as an educational solution for the modern world

challenges.” The event saw the participation of many

researchers and scholars from CNA-Q including Prof.

Rachid Benlamri, Vice President Academic Affairs;

Prof. Michael Phillips, Academic Manager - Applied

Research & Innovation; Dr. Ziad Said, Professor at Applied

Research and Innovation, Dr. Bradley Johnson Academic

Manager- Applied and Experiential Learning and Dr.

Awni Al-Otoom, Dean, School of Engineering Technology

and Industrial Trades, who discussed many STEM/TVET

education related topics such as: entrepreneurship and

innovation, 21st century skills, experiential learning and

the role of higher education institutions in supporting TVET

Schools. During the conference, an intervention from Dr.

Rani Mohammed Altoum, Vice Principal for Academic

Affairs, Qatar School of Science and Technology for

Boys, shed light on challenges of STEM/TVET education

in the MENA region, and a testimonial from Mrs. Samira

Noaman Al-Emadi from Al-Bayan Second Primary

School, raised awareness about STEM/TVET teachers’

pedagogical practices. The celebration concluded with

an appreciation and certificate distribution to teachers

from all participating entities.

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A special celebrationon campus Student Life and Services, a department of Student

Affairs, along with very dedicated student volunteers,

hand delivered a flower to every instructor as a token of

appreciation for their hard work and dedication. There

were smiles of gratitude amongst both instructors and

students alike, with student volunteers saying it was

one of the most moving activities they have been a part

of. Instructors could be heard saying things like “You

made my day!” and “What a wonderful surprise!”.

A talented student artist, Andrea Domingo of IT

Software, created a beautiful message board which

was placed outside of Tim Horton’s. Students could

leave a message of appreciation and thanks for their

instructors. The board was full by the end of the

day, with warm and encouraging messages for our

instructors who have been working extra hard during

this particular time, as we carry out our transition from

a college to a university.

C A M P U S N E W S


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College of the North Atlantic – Qatar (CNA-Q) organized

a virtual career fair that saw the participation of 50

companies and 3483 students and alumni. The two-

day fair aims at providing employment or sponsorship

opportunities, and gives visitors the chance to delve

into the professional world, inquire about the key skills

employers look for and discover the vacancies available in

the marketplace. This yearly event was held virtually for the

first time, providing the same amount of opportunities for

networking and engagement as previous years. Leading

up to the event, students were given the opportunity to

work closely with career advisors at CNA-Q to practice

their job pitch skills, receive interview tips and help

sharpen their resumes. The event offered insights as

well, into what candidates look for in an organization and

the way they envision their careers. Dr. Salem Al-Naemi,

CNA-Q’s President said: “We believe that this career

fair is more than just a platform to bring together job-

seekers and employers. It is a hub for interaction, advice

and capacity building. At CNA-Q, students are placed

at the center of our learning process. We aim to give

them as many real-life learning experiences as we can,

so they can extend what they acquired in the classroom

to their broader communities. This yearly event is part

of many activities we host to provide our talented

individuals with career guidance. CNA-Q also boasts

a career counseling and resource center (CCRC), to

assist students with career plans, job search techniques

and help them sharpen their employability skills. We

appreciate the contribution of all our partners to this

successful event. We hope they continue to support the

College and help us nurture young ambitious minds”.

All sectors of the economy were represented at the

career fair including banking and commerce, technology,

telecommunications, engineering, healthcare, and the oil

and gas industry. The fair hosted many career-focused

webinars, panel discussions and influential keynote

speakers. CNA-Q has graduated more than 7000

students who are contributing to the needs of Qatar’s

growing and changing economy. The College offers

Bachelor and Master’s degree programs in different fields

such as Business, Information Technology, Engineering

and Health Sciences. All programs are developed with

input from local industry and business stakeholders,

and are taught by top-notch instructors with extensive

industry experience.

College of the North Atlantic – QatarHosts a Successful Career Fair with 50 Participating Companies

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On September 30 and October 1, QDB held a Hackathon for dreamers to explore their business ideas in Fintech, Sustainable Mobility using 5G, Digital Transformation, Healthtech, Fashiontech, and Manufacturing. CNA-Q was there to assist in coaching and mentoring. Representing the School of Health Sciences, Noor Hassan volunteered for her second year to assist those exploring entrepreneurial ventures in Healthtech.

While volunteering over the past two years, she helped teams develop their problem statements, reviewed presentations, and connected team members with industry stakeholders to help them navigate through issues they faced for concept development. From School of Business Management and Information Technology, Dr. Florin Vladica, Ms. Gail Adams and Ms. Tahira Makda volunteered to assist Digital Transformation teams. Commenting on the event Ms. Madka said: “It is a great experience to take part in the Hackathon and act as a guide and supporter to the participants. Such events help you learn something new

about trends in the market and you get to know how business initiatives are planned with all the content in hand. Congratulations again to all participants. A great achievement!”

Ms. Adams said: “To assist those that have entrepreneurial desires and innovative design ideas is a very positive experience. Transferring subject matter and expertise helps guide teams, opens our minds to

their innovative thinking, and creates an energizing

experience for everyone. I encourage everyone to

volunteer for these events because helping others

create gives us pause to remember where our subject

matter passion comes from. It’s all about curiosity and

knowledge transfer.”

For more information on the QDB Hackathon, and to

see the winning teams from the event, visit the website

at www.qdbhackathon.qa

CNA-Q at QDB Hackathon An idea can change your life.

Dr Florin Vladica Gail Adams Noor Hassan Tahira Makda


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College of the North Atlantic - Qatar recognized World Mental Health Day on 10th Oct 2021 with a week-long program of activities designed to increase awareness and remove the stigma surrounding mental health. This year’s theme was “Mental Health Care for All – Let’s Make it a Reality”.

The Student Affairs department which consists of Student Success and Counselling, Student Life, Sport and Wellness and Library Services, worked in partnership to provide a variety of workshops and programs that supported all aspects of students’ holistic emotional well-being. Activities included, “Coping with the Unknown” workshop, understanding the benefits of mental health and exercise along with relaxation spaces around the campus for students. Turnout for this event was exceptionally high due to the ongoing impact of the Coronavirus pandemic on mental health. Students sought practical advice and resources on how to manage stress and anxiety. This highlighted the increase of student awareness that mental health matters.

C A M P U S N E W S

CNA-Q CelebratesWorld Mental Health Day


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The Student Life and Services department of Student

Affairs, along with engaged student volunteers, held

a “Think Pink” Breast Cancer Awareness event on

October 19 and 20 to raise awareness about breast

cancer. Information was provided on how to identify

symptoms of breast cancer and what students and

their families can do if they notice symptoms.

Participants were encouraged to wear pink, make their

own ribbons, take the “pinkest photo” and purchase

an array of pink-themed items, with a percentage of

proceeds going to Qatar Cancer Society. The College

was able to raise over QR 22,000 for Qatar Cancer

Society.

Breast cancer is by far the most common cancer in

Qatar, accounting for 31% of cancer cases in women.

The risk of women in the population developing breast

cancer is 56 per 100,000*. It is important to note

that many breast cancers are treatable, and patients

can survive if diagnosed and treated early. Therefore,

educational awareness campaigns like these are an

integral component of the fight against breast cancer.

*Source: Qatar Cancer Registry.

The Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change

established by the United Nations in July 2020, selected

our student Nada Abunoura, from Environmental

Health program to be fully funded by the European

Climate Foundation to take part in COP26.

Nada was selected among 10 out of 750 candidates.

She was interviewed by Nisreen Elsaim Chair of the UN

Secretary General’s Youth Advisory Group on Climate

Change and received the official email on October 10

stating that her past experience, excellent academic

background and strong volunteering profile are the

main criteria for her selection.

The 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference,

also known as COP26, is the 26th United Nations

Climate Change conference. It is scheduled to be held

in the City of Glasgow, Scotland, between 31 October

and 12 November 2021, under the co-presidency of

the United Kingdom and Italy. Stay tuned on our social

media platforms to know more about Nada’s journey.

CNA-Q Thinks Pink Nada AbunouraCNA-Q’s delegate to the COP26


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I N T E R V I E W

Can you tell us more about your role at CNA-Q and how long have you been at the College?I am currently the “Chair - English Language” of the Foundation Program and the IELTS Examiner Trainer for the Testing Center. I have been at the College of the North Atlantic – Qatar for 9 years and before that I was the Director of Studies and CELTA tutor at a language school in Halifax, Nova Scotia. I came to Qatar because I wanted to understand more about the desert and its people. I had worked with many Saudi and Emirati students in Canada and I loved their sense of community. I wanted to experience that and I knew a couple of people here at the College so I applied. I am also a heat seeker so Qatar seemed ideal for me.

What does “being a cancer survivor” mean to you?Being a cancer survivor is big part of my identity now

just as being a teacher, a sister, and a dragon boat

coach are. It means that I am intimately aware of how

precious life is and so I try to live every moment with

joy. I also feel that it is important for me to reach out to

newly diagnosed people to help guide them through the

journey as I was helped.

How would you describe your feeling when you first heard that “you have cancer” and then when you were told “you are cancer free”?

Resigned but still a bit shocked. I’d already suspected

because of the look on the radiology technician’s

face, both times, and had been to the book store

numerous times. I knew what to expect. I was extremely

determined that this was not going to slow me down in

any way, but I was also very scared as I was stepping

into the unknown. The second time, I admit I was a

bit angry. This time it was definitely going to slow me

down because the surgery would be extensive and the

recovery time would be longer. I was also going to be

physically very different. I was afraid my hugs would feel

different. A strange thought, but it was my biggest fear. I

wasn’t afraid I might die because I knew my cancer was

Sandee ThompsonA Journey to Healing


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I N T E R V I E W

tiny and having a bilateral mastectomy meant I didn’t need chemotherapy. In 2010, I was told they had “got it all” when I was being wheeled into the recovery room. I cried for the second time since being diagnosed. In 2014, I felt grateful. And very relieved.

Tell us about the first thing you did after recovery…

The first thing I did after my first surgery in 2010 was to move apartments. Thankfully, my friends showed up and wouldn’t let me lift anything because I’m stubborn and I probably would have. Then I took my vacation and walked around my city. My first time out after the second surgery, which was much more extensive, was to come to CNA-Q to MC and speak on the survivors’ panel I had organized for our breast cancer event. I was absolutely exhausted after 3 hours out in public and it made me realize how much my body had been put through. I laid low for a couple of days after that. Then two weeks later, I was back at the gym and on November 14, I launched the Doha Wireless Warriors breast cancer dragon boat team.

What were the key elements that helped youwin this battle?

Good question! I’m stubborn and this is what got me through my cancer diagnosis and treatment. I have a hard time sitting around doing nothing and I love my job so I wanted to get back at it. I also wanted to be back in the boat paddling. But seriously, what got me through were the friends that rallied around me. They slept by my side in the hospital, showed up with food for a month to feed me, answered my panicked phone calls at 2am during radiation, and showed up unexpectedly to help me with bandages or to drive me to the hospital etc. The women in my office hallway here at CNA-Q shared the strange journey of having implants put in and taken out and laughed and cried along with me. It is actually important to maintain a healthy sense of humor, which is essential in the cancer journey. I also lived one block from the hospital during all of my treatment so I could walk to appointments. That was very empowering! Dodging cars as I ran across the road isn’t easy at the best of times so this was a real challenge!

Doha Wireless Warriors in action

Sandee and her dragon boat team.


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I N T E R V I E W

What motivates you to share your experience?

Because I can! Because I feel I have an obligation to other women to share my journey if it will take away a little bit of their fear. Because it is nothing to be ashamed of. Because I believe the best way to get through something is to dance your way through it with joy, laughter and information. It doesn’t mean I don’t occasionally look in the mirror and think “hmmmm…. What happened here?” but in all honesty, people are extremely resilient and I have a hard time remembering what I looked or felt like before. This is what it is. It is who I am. I’m proud of my journey. While I hope there won’t be any other cancer journeys in my future, life is about change and I have learned to accept what is out of my personal control.

My dragon boat team, the “Doha Wireless Warriors”, also motivates me. We are a community now - not just for breast cancer survivors but for all cancer survivors and those people who love them. The team is mostly supporters but I often think cancer is harder on those who watch us. We are too busy going through it. The first time, I reached out to people online going through a similar thing. I didn’t want to talk about it. I wanted action. I lifted weights, paddled, danced, laughed, cried and worked through all of my treatments. I was determined that breast cancer and treatment was not going to stop me from living my life any differently and while some days it did, most days it did not.

Any message you would like to provide women in our community?

Catch breast cancer in its early stages when it is easily treated. Do regular breast exams and get mammograms done when you are of an age. If you think something is wrong, it probably is. You do know your body. Get checked. It could save your life. And finally, do NOT blame yourself. YOU did NOT cause your breast cancer. It’s random in many ways. Asking “Why me? What did I do wrong?” is a useless, defeating question. Instead ask- How can I beat this and out it to rest while living my best life?

A tough fighter

Being a cancer survivor is big part of my identity now just as being a teacher, a sister, and a dragon boat coach are.

You do know your body. Get checked.It could save your life.


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I N T E R V I E W

I was diagnosed with stage one breast cancer the first time in 2010 during a routine mammogram. Four years after my initial surgery, in 2014, I was diagnosed with a recurrence in the exact same spot. They initially thought it was just scar tissue but it ended up being a 7mm tumor. Tiny but potentially deadly.

The first time, in 2010, I had a lumpectomy, 16 rounds of radiation and was out on adjunct therapy for what was to be five years. Adjunct therapy is “chemo” in pill form. The medication is meant to stop estrogen, which feeds estrogen positive breast cancer. Unfortunately, the medication caused a blood clot three months after I started it and I ended up having heart surgery to deal with the blood clot. That also meant I couldn’t take the medication any more. This is generally believed to be the reason why my cancer returned in the same place 4 years later.

The second time, in 2014, I had a bilateral mastectomy. I also decided to have immediate reconstruction. Unfortunately, my body didn’t adapt well to the latex implants so they had to be removed and replaced numerous times until I finally decided 4 years ago that I would rather live my life without any more hospital visits. So, I completely removed implants. Best decision I have ever made! In total, I believe I had 10 surgeries this time around and 2 initially.

Diary of a survivor2010-2014


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K E Y N O T E S P E A K E R S E R I E S

College of the North Atlantic - Qatar Keynote Speaker Series

CNA-Q has recently launched the “Keynote Speaker

Series” across its 4 schools. This initiative brings experts

into the College to share their experience, and give

students the opportunity to delve into the professional

world and explore different aspects of their future

career. The College hosted the first round of “CNA-Q’s

Keynote Speaker Series” on October 14, delivered by

Sheikh Khalifa Al-Thani. The speaker discussed the

importance of a well-designed curriculum for job market

in Qatar’s government sector, and what to expect in a

daily work environment. We conducted this interview to

know more about our speaker’s background and views.

Biography Sheikh Khalifa Al-ThaniA former diplomat (Qatar Embassy in Switzerland) and

Senior System Administrator at Ministry of Foreign Affairs

(MOFA). He founded the Red Team Department at MOFA

where he currently operates. He graduated in Computer

Science from Southeastern University and is a certified

professional in Offensive Security (OSCP). Sheikh Khalifa

holds many certificates in Information Technology and is

a Microsoft®️ Certified IT Professional, a Microsoft®️ Certified Solutions Associate and a Microsoft®️ Certified

Technology Specialist.

A Bridge between the College and the Marketplace


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InterviewHow has your education prepared you for your career? The education curriculum was different in 2002. It relied more on theories that provide the student with a foundation to build on. It didn’t really prepare me for the challenges I might face in my professional life. How important is applied education to the work readiness?It is very important, and this is what makes CNA-Q different. The curriculum here focuses more on hands- on experience which makes the student ready to integrate the workplace as soon as he or she graduates. Most universities just recently started adapting their curriculum to the market changes. I believe they should take into consideration 3 main aspects: The first one is preparing the student academically, the second one is to develop the student’s readiness for the challenges he might face or what we call predicted challenges. Finally, enhance the student’s readiness to deal with unpredicted challenges.

Today we launched CNA-Q Keynote Speaker series and you are our first guest. How does it feel?There’s quite a bit of pressure today. As a diplomat, part of my job was to deliver speeches and do public speaking, but today it feels different. I wanted to provide students with as much helpful and accurate information as possible. I hope I was able to answer their questions satisfactorily and they enjoyed the talk.

You have provided students with many messages today. If you were to give them one advice what would it be?Make use of your time at CNA-Q to learn as much as you can. The knowledge you acquire here is very important. You never know where life might take you. For instance, you might join a company where you will be among few competent people. Make sure to focus on your objective and work to achieve it. You mentioned the important role of teachers in leading their students to achieve excellence. Can you tell us more about that?Despite the challenges that teachers might face, they should always look into details. If it wasn’t for my teacher who discovered that I have dyslexia, I wouldn’t be here. I was able to adapt and learn how to gain knowledge thanks to his observation. I wasted one year studying a different major because I thought I didn’t have the key skills for Computer Science. Even in a fast-paced environment, teachers should never miss details. A final message to CNA-Q Community?To all students I say enjoy your time while you’re still here. The work environment is different than campus life. It’s not all happy times but you will be really happy, and you will feel pride and satisfaction when you achieve something you thought was impossible.


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A Challenge Well MetCNA-Q Team at Phoenix Games

UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT

On September 26th, CNAQ’s own Eman Al-Sharshani, Alumni Affairs Senior Specialist and Kristen Rendall, Wellness Specialist competed in the first edition of the Phoenix Games (CrossFit) hosted by Erada Fitness and Diverse Sports, sponsored by Aspire Zone.This competition was open to male and female competitors and consisted of 6 training events with over 200 competitors representing 35 nationalities participating. The competition saw participants visiting from neighboring countries including Bahrain’s Fittest Man, Majed Kamel Sharah, a member of Kuwait’s Royal Family, Ali Al Sabah, as well as Egypt’s Fittest Man, Mohamed El Omda. Representing Qatar, Lolwa Al-Marri, the first Qatari woman to finish the Ironman race also competed. The event also attracted many spectators including Qatar’s Olympic Weightlifting Champion, Fares El-Bakh, Her Excellency Sheikha Hind bint Hamad Al Thani and His Excellency Sheikh Joaan bin Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani.

Eman and Kristen entered the competition as a team and placed 26th out of a total of 40 teams; an impressive feat for their competition debut against high-caliber athletes! We interviewed the girls to get insight on how they prepared, got in the competitive mindset and their advice for female athletes looking to participate in their own competition.

How did you prepare for the Phoenix Games?

Eman: I focused on preparing myself both physically and mentally. Honing in on my sleep, nutrition and training, while also studying our competitors and mastering the movements was essential. This also helped in my motivation and energy levels to embrace the competitors’ spirit. I was also not alone in my journey; joining the competition with a friend provided the support and encouragement to keep me going and not give up!

Kristen: I could not be more proud of our Team! We put in a lot of hard work to get to a stage of competition and perform the way we did. For me personally, I needed to completely change my training style. I had to shift from building strength to incorporating higher intensity endurance training to increase my power and speed. This put me out of my comfort zone but training alongside someone as positive and supportive as Eman really helped to push and build my confidence through a training routine that was not always comfortable.


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UNDER THE SPOTLIGHT

How did you get into the mindset for the competition?

Eman: I am a firm believer in not giving up on a challenge or a goal. Every time I felt discouraged or that I was losing focus, I reminded myself why I was competing in the first place. I gave the competition all that I had, had fun doing it and enjoyed myself both participating in the event and meeting new people. At the end of the day, this is what matters; embracing new challenges and not quitting.

Kristen: Getting into the mindset for the competition was actually a lot easier than I was expecting. I made up a plan of the things I needed to do leading up to and during the day to help me stay organized and focused. Breathe work and visualization also helped to keep me positive, build my confidence and feel empowered.

What I was not prepared for is the emotions that came up after we finished the events. I remember even crying at one point when I saw our team name (PAWS) in 2nd place on the leaderboard. It is just overwhelming with the audiences’ energy and the rush of adrenaline during the competition.

What is your advice for female athletes looking to join a competition for the first time?

Eman: 1. Believe in yourself. 2. Don’t compare yourself to anyone. 3. Do it no matter how hard it looks. 4. Train with love until you master it.

Kristen: Don’t be afraid to step out of your comfort zone and try something completely new that scares you. If there isn’t a challenge, there won’t be a change. The satisfaction you feel when you accept a challenge, set a target and complete it is the most important relationship you can have with yourself. Trust that where you are is exactly where you are meant to be.

Looking to challenge yourself in your own competition? Come see us in Sport and Wellness where we help to train, prepare and motivate both beginner and elite athletes in varsity, recreational and fitness competitions on and off campus! Building 17 & 18.


19

H E L P F U L T I P S

Breast cancer is a major killer of women both globally and regionally. Studies have shown that most patients with breast cancer in the Eastern Mediterranean Region present for the first time at stages two and three, indicating the need for increased community awareness and early detection of the disease.

Signs and SymptomsThe most common symptom of breast cancer is a persistent lump in the breast that may feel different from another breast tissue, but other symptoms are also possible. It’s important to have any breast change checked by a health care provider. Other symptoms may include: Swelling of all or part of a breast, even if no lump is felt. Sometimes a breast cancer can also spread to lymph nodes under the arm or around the collar bone and cause a lump or swelling there, even before the original tumor in the breast is large enough to be felt. It also includes nipple pain or changes, such as nipple inversion, scaling, or abnormal discharge

Risk FactorsA risk factor is anything that increases your chances of getting a disease, such as breast cancer. But having a risk factor, or even many, does not mean that you are sure to get the disease. Some Factors are: obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, hormone therapy, implants, age,

Breast CancerEarly Detection Saves Lives

therapeutic & environmental exposures to radiation, Smoking and drinking alcohol, family history of breast cancer or inherited gene changes...

Early detectionBreast cancer is sometimes found after symptoms appear, but many women with breast cancer have no symptoms. This is why regular breast cancer screening is so important. Different tests can be used to look for and diagnose breast cancer such as ultrasound, mammogram, MRI. There are also newer types of tests being developed for breast imaging. The doctor will recommend the best type based on his findings. A biopsy is done when mammograms, other imaging tests, or a physical exam shows a breast change that may be cancer. A biopsy is the only way to know for sure if it’s cancer.

Finding breast cancer early and getting state-of-the-art cancer treatment are the most important strategies to prevent deaths. Breast cancer that’s found early, when it’s small and has not spread, is easier to treat successfully. Getting regular screening tests is the most reliable way to find breast cancer early.

Where to do early detection testsContact Breast Cancer Early Detection call center (PHCC). phone number: 8001112

Source: World Health Organization, American Cancer Society, Qatar Cancer Society.


20

F U N C O R N E R

Answer the below question, and win a Skullcandy wireless headset courtesy of our

Student Affairs department.

Terms & Conditions:

• A draw will be held at cnaq_life Instagram channel to announce the winner

• Stay tuned to know the exact date of the announcement• You are only allowed to participate once• Participants should include their contact details in the email• This competition is exclusive to CNA-Q students• Winner should present their student ID before collecting

the voucher• Prize collection photo will be posted on social media

platforms @cnaq_life and the next campus communiqué.

How well do you know the Campus?

CONGRATULATIONS TO

Faisal Musalman

Last month edition

The answer to September’s competition is:22 Programs

QuestionWhen was the first round of

“CNA-Q’s Keynote Speaker Series” delivered?

Send your answers to: [email protected]


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