2009
Fahmia Al-Fotiah, one of our Yemeni scholars this year, has written a diary about her life as an MBI scholar at University of Westminster and about her life in London.
1 May 2009
Fahmia shares with us her one-day visit to Oxford.
“In the mid of stress and pressure of the assignments of the Uni, I decided to go to OXFORD and stay there along with my Yemeni friend who has a fellowship at Oxford University. My journalist friend paid me a number of visits here in London and she repeatedly asked me to visit her there. She kept telling me about Oxford's meadows and country-like nature and how it would be different from cosmopolitan London. But I could not answer her generous invitation due to the endless work of Uni . Amal was about to finish her fellowship and she was sad that I could not make it to Oxford: it was almost mid-April and I was stormed with many deadlines.
However, I decided to take my laptop and a few books and go there as my friend told me that I would be inspired and I could finish my assignments. I knew my fellow MBI Scholar Farouk would like to go to Oxford too so I called him and we arranged to go there. I was lucky and had a very cheap ticket (£12): Oxford is not far from London and it took us one hour exactly to reach there by train.
Farouk and I were really anxious to see the prestigious Oxford university and what it would look like. We imagined a big historical building of the university along with its campus and were looking to take pictures there. However, while Amal was touring us around in Oxford, we were surprised to be told that Oxford University is not one big sole building, there were a number of colleges scattered here and there and it is as if the whole city constitutes Oxford University. We were not fortunate enough to see all the campuses because it was a weekend and Easter holiday.
Oxford is small city but it has its own uniqueness and beauty. It was really amazing to see those very tall buildings, castles and palaces with ancient and unique architecture behind which there were a number of stories to be told. They reminded me of the buildings I see in historical movies and my friend confirmed that some of the Harry Potter scenes had taken place in those buildings. It was only one day, but it was worth to go there and smell the history of Oxford. Seeing all that, I came back to London with more energy to embark on my essays. Farouk and I decided go there once again when the University campuses would be open.
6 April 2009
It is Easter holiday and it is the end of the 2nd term!! More than half a year being here in London! It is unbelievable…It is not only me who felt surprised by swift passing of the time here, my friends and classmates share the same feeling. We have just started to feel settled down and get adapted with life here in London and soon we will go back home!
More than six months and I am still having a problem with transportation in London. In fact, I have managed to memorize my daily route from my accommodation to the uni and vise versa. But when I have to go to any place other than those, I have trouble. I DON'T like maps and codes and one mistake in the underground, it means wasting time and being late.
There is no underground system in Yemen and besides, the system here is more complicated even for people who come from neighboring countries …. In Yemen, you can stop a bus or a taxi at any side of the street. But here, it is confusing! Or I guess I do not move around much and do not use them!
I have to use the net and I usually google the address but it usually gives me a map with complicated directions. I don’t print out the google map and directions. I just write down the most known and recognized station or site, go there and start my search. In cases when I have the feeling of being lost or in a hurry, I tend to ask the people around for directions. I know this is against my dad’s precious advice (my dad always tells me if I get lost I should never ask any passerby or stranger in the street, I can only ask a police or security man although in emergency cases, I could ask old men and women). My dad does not want to believe that I grew up and became a mature lady (I will be always that little girl in his eyes). I am so sorry daddy but I have asked half the strangers of London!
That's what happened to me when I went last week to a whole day event about Muslim women, visibility and leadership at the Royal Society of Arts. It was the MBI Foundation who drew my attention to the event (women, gender and leadership are appealing topics to me).
I googled the address, wrote it down and found the right underground line I had to take. When I arrived at Embankment station, there were so many exits (this is confusing to me) so I stood hesitating for a moment and then I decided to ask the grocery man, who did not know the address as he just moved into the area (what luck!) Ok. I chose adventure and picked one of the exits. I was worried I would be late so I started to ask the passersby, the first, the second, the third and fourth and fifth and so forth, but most of them either they don’t know or they were tourists and foreigners. At that moment I wish if I could see a British person (it is really hard to see many British in London!!!). My prayers were answered and then with a British accent, I was directed to the right address (actually I was going around the place).
I was a few minutes late and the event had already started. The hall was full with women varied in age, experience, religion and background. But we were together discussing the same issues and share the same concerns. There were beautiful documentaries that tell real stories of struggle of courageous women; from struggling with patriarchal societies to achieve a personal career dream to struggling for peace and to build unity.
There were different experiences of different women from the Middle East and Africa. But all of them have something in common. Watching these women speak of their struggles was such an inspiration to me and their determination to achieve their goals empowered and moved the audience. It is like what Enloe once said that "Gender Makes the World Go Round".
There were a lot of workshops, debates and interactions on religion, politics and arts happening in the same time and it was really difficult to choose which to attend. I even met and spoke to women leaders who have been working in international organizations. Surprisingly, some of them are going to commence projects and initiatives in Yemen. We talked, shared a lot and exchanged emails for continuing our communication and networking.
I really enjoyed my day so much to the extent I forget my uni work and assignments. However, in the end of the day, it just gave me the energy to go the library of the uni and stay there until late working on my Easter assignments (staying outside late is something I cannot do and is not preferred for a woman in Yemen). Anyway, that day, was more than just a fantastic break.
4 December 2008
Dear Diary …It has been a long time…it is almost 4 months since I am here in London and a lot of things happened to me…but I would like to start with the nicest thing that took place on 4 December…and then I will go back to the beginning of my journey.
The Foundation sent an email inviting MBI Scholars to a Christmas party welcoming the new scholars (that is us the Yemenis) and bidding farewell to last year scholars (Iraqis). It was Thursday and we headed to the Christmas party that took place in a nice restaurant. When we arrived we could feel the Christmas atmosphere and there was a beautiful Christmas tree standing in the corner. Carolyn, MBI Director, along with her team, warmly and smilingly welcomed us (Carolyn even greeted us in true Arabian style!).
We ate, drank, chatted (even discussed some controversial issues that could not be debated back home in our culture) and took photos (it was really nice). After being in London for a three tough and stressful months, we felt relaxed as we had a family-like atmosphere. In the middle of the party, Carolyn had announced that the Foundation had bought us Christmas' presents. WOW..what a surprise!! We felt touched!! Everyone got a bag of Christmas cookies along with a jacket with the university symbol. It was really cooool. I was really touched by this nice gesture and amazed that they were able to choose the perfect size for each one of us. It was just perfect. Whenever I wear mine, my classmates always wonder wher I got such a jacket with the university symbol. Like a kid I went back home happily waiting for Christmas day and by the way, I still keep the cookies from that day!
The beginning (…continued) August 2008:
After being selected … of course it was time to get the visa. The British embassy has recently created a new online system to apply for visas through which you have to book an appointment with the embassy. Unlike the other scholars, I was lucky as I got the visa after just 2 days (actually, the communication between the embassy and the Foundation accelerated the processes). Throughout that period, I did not know any of the MBI scholars except my friend Abdulrahman who to my surprise was supposed to study in the same university as me. However, when the Foundation shared the email addresses of all the scholars, we were happy to be able to share our anxieties and worries of going to a new place like London. It was a brilliant idea. I found out that there were six other scholars from Yemen. I was happy and we started communicating, asking each other about our universities and courses (in fact, I was hoping to find another girl) unfortunately, it turned out that all of them were men (honestly my mum was praying that I would go with another girl as it would be more comfortable). Throughout the visa process, I got to know and meet the youngest of the seven scholars in person, Ahmed. He is really cool, gentle who has a nice sense of humor. He reminds me of my youngest brother Anwar.
It might be true that I got the visa quickly but I was having a hard time in finding accommodation in London. Oh yeah… I have a confession here… I really made a mistake when I did not apply for accommodation earlier (the sooner the better). I had been told I should have done that at least three months before coming to London. I just remembered that my dad was a bit mad (now I badly miss him and miss him being mad with me) when he knew that I did not apply for accommodation earlier. He might have thought that I was careless. I was not…To be honest, because I did not expect to be awarded the scholarship, I did not apply for accommodation earlier. In London, the Foundation assistant from MBI was actively and continuously contacting me down to the last minute. I was really amazed by her prompt replies. I was packing as well as working on the net searching for a place in London. I was working on gumtree and other accommodation websites. Most of the landlords were asking me to go for a viewing (of course it was impossible as I was thousand miles away from London). On the other hand, my friends and my small network in London were really searching and sending me suggestions for different places. Unfortunately most of their suggestions were either far from central London or expensive but this was to be expected as it is was short notice and an SOS request. My Italian friend Monica who happened to be in London was doing her best to help me. She did a lot, from searching to going and doing some viewings on my behalf. She was even searching and sending me some suggested places, advising me on appropriate places and so forth. I really felt grateful and I appreciated her efforts. She is soooooooo lovely. Surrounded with such lovely people, I took a risk and headed to London without having a clue where I was going to stay. I was crazy, wasn't I?!!!
27th September
Unlike other scholars, who left earlier to London, I was lucky to spend the most of the holy Ramadan with my family as my course would start in the beginning of October but I had to be there a bit earlier for enrolment and to catch the induction day. It was the 27th night of Ramadan, I did not sleep that night, nor did my family. My flight was very early in the morning (this is my fate..my flights take off always in peculiar times). Luckily, I was not alone as my friend Abdulrahman was also there on the same flight. We both had a problem with our overweight luggage and we had to pay. So, we headed to UK on Saturday which, unlike Yemen, was a weekend and we arrived at Heathrow around 5pm. The kind and helpful Farouk, another MBI scholar, was there at the airport (it is really nice to find people waiting for you at the airport, it was just an air of comfort) waiting for us. He helped us by carrying our luggage. We decided to take the underground instead of hiring a taxi. We had to wisely spend our cash as we had been informed by our fellows that it took time to open a bank account and we were trying to save our money in this expensive city. The three of us were heading to Alexander Fleming, the accommodation of Abdulrahman. We did not get the right address and it seemed we reached a deadlock. Eventually we had to take a taxi (that was the end of the wise economy).
It was night and we were very exhausted from the long journey. Full with worries and having no idea where to go and sleep that night, I felt that it was stupid that I came to London without having a place to stay. However, I was lucky to come with another MBI scholar Abdulrahman who generously offered me his accommodation and went to spend his night with Farouk. MBI scholars are really great, aren't they?! My fears and worries just vanished to know that I was surrounded by a new family and sincere friends. The three of us made a quick search for take-away shops and ate our late dinner. Then Abdulrahaman and Farouk left, promising to meet me the following day. The room was cold as the system heating was not running and there were no sheets but I just lied down, crouched like a baby, covered with my winter coat!! I closed my eyes but my mind was working full swing, thinking how to find my own warm accommodation and settle down... I won’t ever forget that day!
Not having access to the internet and not having a mobile, I lost contact with the Foundation who were trying help me with my accommodation. The next day I woke up and my to-do list was full and on the top was FINDING accommodation. I had also to register with the police in London within 7 days and open a bank account. And most importantly I had to start my course and attend the induction day. It was very essential to attend that day to learn about the course, the teaching staff, and the university. As agreed, I met Abdulrahman and Farouk and they had bad news. Abdulrahman was not allowed to stay at Farouk's place and it meant that he had to take his room back (at that moment I wished if Abdulrahman were a girl, so I could share the room with HER and it would make my life easier). I was depressed and down but Abdualrahman kept encouraging me and lifting my spirit. We surfed the net, wandered around the hotels and hostels but they were really expensive. My friend Monica felt so sorry for me, she even dared to ask her host family to host me too (it was really embarrassing). Then, I contacted the Foundation who were worried as they had not heard from me since I left Yemen. In their offices, they were trying to reserve a room for me somewhere. I went searching with my friends. The first place in central London was really awful.
Then through her friend, Monica recommended a place to me in zone three (Ealing Broadway) with a family and she gave me the mobile number of the landlord in case I did not find a place to stay. Frankly, I did not like the idea of living in zone three so I kept looking for a place within zone 1. By sunset, I lost hope in finding a place in central London, so I called the Ealing Broadway landlord. He had already been contacted by Monica so he asked me to come and view the room (I was not in a place to have the time to view as I NEEDED A ROOM FOR THAT NIGHT). "I'll just take the room and I am coming with my luggage " I told him. "But I need to prepare the room for you" he explained. "It is really ok with me. I'll take it as it is," I desperately replied. All I wanted was a bed so I could rest, relax, and forget the nightmare of finding accommodation. I
t was raining but I took the tube and then a bus heading to Ealing Broadway. Following the directions given I finally reached the house. The whole family (dad, mum and their daughter) welcomed me at the front door. However, before I stepped in my room, this family told me that they had a strict rule about PORK (they do not eat pork and they do not cook it either). They expected from their tenant not to do so in their house. It is very fine with me as I am vegetarian. They showed me the house and its facilities. They were explaining many things and I was just nodding my head. I did not want to be rude but all I wanted was to go and throw myself on the bed to have a deep sleep after being homeless for a couple of days. The room was big with a big bed. Finally I am in my ROOOOOM. YES..I slept like the dead. This place was far as I had to take a bus and a tube to go to the uni but it was a temporary solution (I told myself). The family are really nice so I have been living in this temporary accommodation since then.
Two days later, Thursday 1 October was registration and the induction day at the uni. The induction day was really useful; we get to know our teaching staff who gave introductions to the modules we would take throughout the academic year. The staff of Westminster are as multinational as their students. It was a good icebreaking session between the staff and the students as well as between the students themselves. I got to know a lot of different people from different countries as the International Relations course attracts a lot of people from different countries and backgrounds. Just in one course alone there are more than 20 nationalities. However when the courses leader spotted me, he was surprised. He commented "You are the first Yemeni student to study International Relations in our Politics department at Westminster. Welcome Fahmia" Really?!
On the induction day I got to know more about my classmates. I was a bit intimidated as most of the students in my course have a background in international relations (with their first degree either in International Relations or Political Sciences). I realized I have to double my efforts. It will be a challenge for me and I am up to challenges!
To be continued ...
13th November 2008
This week was (still) very stressful for me as I had to submit my first assignments of semester one. Oh…times just flies, I cannot believe that the first semester is going to end soon. Today I submitted my first assignment and I am preparing for ones of next week. I think the first assignment was a bit tough as it was merely theoretical (IR theories) besides it took me time to adjust again to academia life after a professional break. I am preparing now my presentation on feminism and how women are represented in International Relations. I feel really excited about it as this falls within my interest.
I have to submit another assignment tomorrow besides I promised MBI that I would write and share my dairy (sounds like extra assignment but it was a cool one :)
About me…
My name is Fahmia Taha Al-Fotih. I was born in a small village in Taiz in Yemen. My high school was really exceptional as I used to be the only girl in boys' school (because at that time, people did not let their daughters go to high school. The maximum education a lucky girl could obtain was 6 grade). I thank God that I have a very supportive dad and family.
My first degree is in English studies and Literature from Sana'a University besides having a diploma in Media and Communication studies and I am now doing my MA in International Relations at Westminster. Earlier, I developed a career in Journalism while I was a university student and I worked as a freelance Journalist and columnist for more than 5 years. I was the only female journalist in Yementimes English newspaper at that time. My contributions were mainly on women issues and women rights so most people liked to brand me as “feminist”(I think I am not! The fact is that I am interested in development and women are unquestionably a crucial element of development).
Besides journalism, I was working as a part-time lecturer in different institutes and I enjoyed inspiring young people. Journalism and teaching were such an inspiration to me. Then, it was a turning point in my life career when I worked with United Nations. It was a tremendous experience in all aspects. I was then selected by Young Arab Leaders organization to represent Yemen in a leadership module that took place in Germany and is supposed to finish this coming December in Dubai. Before being awarded MBI scholarship, I was working as a consultant with a USAID project that was focused on youth in Yemen. We were a great team and we did great work.
I have two dreams; I really want to be President of my country or the Prime Minister. If things did not work in my Yemen, I really would like to be the Secretary General of United Nations. People usually laugh at me when I say that but this is really my fantasy and I won't give it up. I have been appointed Westminster Ambassador for this academic year and I really feel that I am going to be a real ambassador (more details in my next dairies).
Oh… I guess I wrote much. So, let's go back, from the beginning.
The beginning!
Oh God…for the past three years, I kept trying to apply for MBI scholarships but I always missed the deadlines. I used to regularly check their website. In the beginning of 2008, I was so determined and I kept my eyes on their website open. Then I applied the first time I saw their announcement and submitted my application 2 months before to the deadline and I forwarded the announcement to friends. I was anxiously waiting the results praying day and night. Months passed and I thought I was not selected as I was looking at MBI application paper saying “unsuccessful applicants would not be informed”. I knew that such prestigious scholarships would be competitive and I started to lose hope!!
30th July 2008
One day, after finishing my French class, I saw missed calls from abroad wondering who called me. I thought it was a mistake. Then, while I was on the public transportation back home (exhausted) and in spite of the noise, I heard my mobile ringing. Answering the mobile, I heard a nice lady on the other side wanted to speak to FAHMIA AL-FOTIH. Then she told me that she was from MBI Foundation (When I heard MBI, I screamed “FINALLY guys!!” paying no attention to the people around me). Then the interview took place the week later, just half an hour before my French final exam. I was in the institute looking for a quiet place in order to hear the MBI interview panel on the mobile. But, I was in awkward position as the noise of the students was filling the place. However, the lovely lady (Marylyn) was really encouraging me, she was speaking clearly and repeating the questions. Ahhhh… I was really worried, but Marylyn , I remembered, comforted me (saying you did well). She told me the results would be a week later…Oh no, no another tortuous week, I told myself. It was long for me to wait, I prayed and I counted the days.
6th August 2008
It was Wednesday and the first thing I did when I woke up was to open my email and see my inbox to find NOTHING!! They told me they would let me know the results of selection after week of interview! It had been a week!! (of course, it was my fault as I forgot the time difference between Yemen and London).
Afternoon of the same day my friend Abulrahman, who applied for the MBI as well, called me saying happily that he was awarded the scholarship. The first thought came to my mind that they sent him a reply and they forgot about me!!! Oh God, I did not do well in the interview… I was looking for the nearest internet café to check my email and ease my thoughts. It had been an hour of torture. Finally, I quickly opened my email, closed my eyes with my hand on my heart and slowly clicked on the MBI email. I opened one eye and read the first line and then reread it with my two open-wide eyes…oh " Following your acceptance by Westminster University, and your application to our Foundation and recent interview, I am pleased to inform you that you have been awarded an MBI Al Jaber Foundation scholarship to study for a Masters Degree in International Relations" My God, I GOT IT. I am MBI scholar. I ran like crazy to my family and kissed each one passionately (imagine more than 13 people) but I felt I was over the moon!
I know it seemed crazy but I kept reading the email along with the contract many times and I could not really sleep. Even if I slept, I could not because that finally I had a chance to do my MA and in the field of International relations and most importantly in London. I felt that my dreams started to come true. Honestly, I won't forget this day, never ever. To be continued….
