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Issue 15 Open Horizons op op o o en n n n h h hor or o izon S MAGAZINE ISSUE 15 CLASS 2016 GRADUATION CEREMONY AOU TEAM TO THE REGIONAL CONTEST ‘KHABSA’ ANOTHER SIGNATURE BY AOU STUDENTS AOU PROPOSES NEW MAJORS

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Page 1: opoenn horoizonS MAGAZINE web_11-… · Talal Bin Abdul Aziz, and with the presence of the Minister of Displaced Judge Alice Chabtini representing Prime Minister Tamam Salam,

Issue 15 Open Horizons

opopoo ennnn hhhororo izonS MAGAZINEISSUE 15

CLASS 2016 GRADUATION CEREMONY

AOU TEAM TO THEREGIONAL CONTEST

‘KHABSA’ANOTHER SIGNATURE BY AOU STUDENTS

AOU PROPOSES NEW MAJORS

Antelias Old Road+ 961 4 404 101

aou.edu.lb [email protected] us on

Tayouneh - BadaroOmar Beyhom Str.+ 961 1 39 21 39

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Arab Open University Lebanon

We encourage you to send your stories to be included in the future issues of Open Horizons

by emailing the Student Affairs Department at [email protected]

We are on too, always follow us for more updates.

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Issue 15 Open Horizons

Message From The Rector

Class 2016 Graduation

Symposium about Labour Market

The 11th Job Fair

AOU Orientation Days

Shakespeare Lives in 2016

Elementary Education Workshop

AOU proposes new majors

Exclusive Interview with Dr. Malli

Our Team to the Regional Contest

Let your heart sing

‘Khabsa’ another signature by AOU students

The Art of Photography

The 1st inter-schools basketball tournaments

Achievements

You are The Author

Nomination for Nobel Peace Prize

Reasons for Cycling

CONTENT

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Arab Open University Lebanon

OPENHORIZONSMAGAZINESince 2005, AOU launched “Open Horizons”, a university publication covering university activities and campus life. Students are the main contributors to the content, writing about various subjects, events and interests.

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Issue 15 Open Horizons

With every new issue of Open Horizons, I feel proud and optimistic when looking at the numerous achievements that Arab Open University – Lebanon has made over the years.

As we go through the magazine, we can sense the positive spirit and drive of the AOU community, leading to a series of successful events that took place in both Tayouneh-Badaro and Antelias.

Providing high quality education was always at the forefront of AOU’s priorities. Delivering the same up to date British programs offered in the UK Open University, reinforces the international standards we adopt in our current curriculum, giving AOU students the privilege of earning a British degree as if they are studying in the UK while staying in their home country.

The University College of London (UCL) announced on its website that AOU is one of the three universities in Lebanon that has an accredited program recognized by UCL, making a potential transfer for any AOU student a smooth process. I must confirm that this applies to many universities in the US, UK and across Europe, including University of Miami and University of London, and McGill University in Canada where numerous AOU Alumni are completing their studies.

MESSAGE FROMTHE RECTOR

One of the pillars of AOU’s values is to bring positive change in the society where we live. Accordingly, AOU has conducted an employer satisfaction study about AOU university graduates and results showed a great deal of satisfaction by employers.

On the student front, we held a series of activities varying from humanitarian initiatives to other social and musical events that promoted the many talents we have at AOU. The first version of AOU Voice Competition was a real success, followed by the photography exhibition and both events gathered AOU students around music and art. Moreover, and after witnessing the success of “The Story of Nidal”- the first work from AOU Drama club, we are happy to say that the second play “Khabsa” went even farther in success. The play took place at Unesco Theater and the script will be used for a TV program that will run during the coming year.

Finally, before I end, I would like to highlight that our students never stop astonishing us with their remarkable accomplishments. To know more about these stories, I invite you to go through Open Horizons, and I am sure you will be numerous to share your achievements and success stories for the coming issue.

Happy reading and enjoy the semester ahead.

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Arab Open University Lebanon

CLASS 2016 GRADUATION CEREMONYYou have everything that can take you to the top

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Issue 15 Open Horizons

On July 24, 2016, more than 1,500 well-wishers gathered at the Pavillon Royal, Biel to applaud 500 AOU students on their graduation day.

Under the auspices of His Royal Highness Prince Talal Bin Abdul Aziz, and with the presence of the Minister of Displaced Judge Alice Chabtini representing Prime Minister Tamam Salam, and other personalities in the political, security, academic and social sectors, AOU Lebanon celebrated the graduation of Bachelor and Master Graduates, in another successful yearly event to honor graduates across all academic programs.

In her opening speech, Professor Fairouz Sarkis addressed the graduates in words of advice while highlighting the plans of AOU in terms of adding new faculties, as well as opening new centers in remote areas in Lebanon. She also stressed on the numerous achievements that Arab Open University – Lebanon has made over the years such as the British Accreditation ensuring that AOU students in Lebanon get the same quality of studies as their peers in the UK.

During his commencement speech, Dr. Jihad Azour, the Former Minister of Finance for Lebanon stressed on the importance of the Lebanese initiatives in instigating peace in both the Region and Worldwide. "You have the power to change, your age allows you to take initiatives. You may win or you may lose. However, since you are young, you can still stand up and try again," added Dr. Azour.

The graduation ceremony ended up with graduates receiving their diplomas from H.E. Minister Alice Chabtini, Professor Fairouz Sarkis and H.E. Dr. Jihad Azour.

Be optimistic, positive and determined, and be sure that your attitude will lead you to achievement

added Professor Sarkis

“ “

H.E. Alice Chabtini, Professor Fairouz Sarkis and H.E. Dr. Jihad Azourdistributing the diplomas to the graduates

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Arab Open University Lebanon

AOU GRADUATES RANK AMONGTHE TOP 4 IN AN EMPLOYER

SATISFACTION SURVEYSymposium about Higher Education and Labour Market Outcomes

AOU organized its first symposium about Higher Education and Labour Market Outcomes under the auspices of H.E. Mr. Sejaan Kazzi, Minister of Labour represented by Mr. Georges Ida, General Director of Labour Ministry, in Hotel Riviera. Speakers were Mr. Jean Abi Daher the General Director of the National Employment Office, the former Minister H.E. Dr. Khaled Kabbani, the Tunisian Former Minister of Higher Education, Scientific Research H.E. Dr. Refaat Chaabouni and EU consultant Dr. Patrick Crehan as well as international experts, universities Deans and academic figures.

The main theme for the conference revolved around the changing nature of the world due to globalization and technological development that greatly affects the quality of local, social, economic and environmental conditions under which we live. Speakers stressed that with the emergence of the knowledge-based economy, complexity is steadily increasing.

After giving an overview of the social economic situation in Lebanon, Professor Fairouz Sarkis presented the results from a survey conducted on university graduates who are already on the Lebanese job market, highlighting the competencies and skills required to succeed in the labour market in Lebanon in specific and in the Arab countries in particular.

Happily enough, the survey results showed that AOU graduates not only find jobs in the 1st year after they graduate, but also

when it comes to the employer's satisfaction.

The conference ended with a number of recommendations that aim to shed light on concrete steps that can help kick-start real economic growth and reform in Lebanon with the hope to generate more and better local job creation.

are ranked among the top 4 University graduates

“ “

Dr. Patrick Crehan, Professor Fairouz Sarkis, H.E. Dr. Refaat Chaabouni and H.E. Dr. Khaled Kabbani during the symposium

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Issue 15 Open Horizons

MORE THAN 40 LARGECOMPANIES AND INSTITUTIONSGATHER AT AOU CAMPUS

The 11th Job Fair takes place at AOU Badaro

Once again, it is this time of the year where AOU students and alumni connect with potential employers from a wide range of industries under one roof. This is another proof that employers target AOU graduates because they know that our students are well prepared to face the job market, being it through the level of education they get that is the same as the one administered in the UK, or because of the

that our academic body provide with lots of compassion.

the unique support system ““

You will meet company representatives who are normally hard to reach

You will meet them in a less-formal setting, since there is a big difference between the atmosphere of a job fair and sitting across someone in an office.

You will practice your elevator pitch. So just like the 30 seconds you might have to impress someone in an elevator ride, your chance to talk with a company representative might be very short since there will be people waiting behind you, so you will learn how to impress quickly.

More than presenting CVs or filling out applications, participating in a job fair has many other benefits, among which are the following 3 advantages:

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Arab Open University Lebanon

WELCOME TO THE COMMUNITY!

AOU organizes its orientation days at Antelias and Badaro

Because starting university can cause much anxiety in the heart of a new college student, AOU gathers annually all the new students during the Students Orientation Day to welcome them and ease their transition into the AOU community.

This event is an opportunity for new comers to meet the Rector, key administrators, and faculty members as well as attend academic and social presentations that will help them acclimate to AOU life. Moreover, AOU students get the chance to meet their classmates, especially those outside of their own division.

After receiving all information related to the academic part, the students meet with the clubs representatives, who at their turn explained the reason behind each club and the different activities that take place annually.

Finally, students received a welcoming giveaway and all attendees mingled during a cocktail tastefully prepared for the event.

Abbas Atat from Photography Club

DSC representatives for blood donation Moussa Hijazi from Music Club

Youssef Beydoun from Sports Club

Dima Dimashkieh from Dancing ClubMoustafa Doumiyati and members of the Drama Club Joe Hussni from Programming Club

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LET’S GATHER TO CELEBRATE THE WINNERS OFSHAKESPEARE LIVES IN 2016 COMPETITION

Brought to you by theEnglish Language and Literature Department at AOU

The English Language and Literature Department at AOU, with the collaboration of the British Council in Lebanon and the Center for Educational Research and Development organized a gathering event on Saturday June 17, at AOU Badaro center, to celebrate the winners of Shakespeare Lives in 2016 competition. More than 20 public and private schools participated in this competition; the 80 students who won the competition were from Maroun Abboud Secondary School, Ras el Metn Public School, Wellspring Learning Community and Hady Secondary School.

Moussa Hijazi from Music Club

Youssef Beydoun from Sports Club

Joe Hussni from Programming Club

Dr. Hayat Al Khatib, Programme Coordinator for the English Language & Literature Departmentwith representatives from the British Council in Lebanon and the Center for Educational Research and Development

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Arab Open University Lebanon

CAN YOU BE ASTORYTELLER AND A TEACHER?

Brought to you by theElementary Education Department

Stories are like a unique adhesive; they stay with us long after the facts and formulas fade away. Storytelling refines learning and acts as a great tool to connect to children. Having this in mind, the Elementary Education department organized a workshop about the power of storytelling to all 3rd and 4th year AOU Education students.

The workshop evolved around the importance of storytelling in answering the different children needs. Different activities were conducted to stress on the importance of stories in introducing new vocabulary to children. And because

infancy is the period when children absorb most of the words that they later use in their lives, storytelling at this early age will enhance the children listening skills since as story progresses and develops, children ask questions.

At the end of the workshop, our students learned a great deal of important tips about storytelling, among them we cite the usage of stories as introductions and illustrations; as well as the art of tying storytelling to learning goals by incorporating storytelling into the larger picture of achieving these outcomes.

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AOU PROPOSES NEW MAJORS

In order to better adapt with the ever-changing world of business, technology and media, AOU has added new programmes to provide you with better recruitment opportunities in the job market.

Graphic and Multimedia Design Technology

Web Development

Human Resources Management

Electronic Media

Translation

Information Security & Forensics

Human Resources Management

Finance

BSBSBABABA

MScMBAMBA

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Arab Open University Lebanon

EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW

Open Horizons: If you want to talk about the need behind this new Master programme, how can you describe it?

Dr. Mohamed Malli: With the rapid expansion of the Internet, the need for improved computer security in industries ranging from communications to banking has grown exponentially. Why? Because cybercrime and malicious software deployments are the natural consequences of such expansion. So with this new tendency, expectations become higher to find security professionals who can protect assets and information by securing networks and computer systems.

Open Horizons met with Dr. Mohammad Malli, Program Coordinator, Faculty of Computer Studies, and came back to you with this special interview about

the MSc in Information Security and Forensics

O.H: What are the benefits of enrolling in this programme?

M.M: AOU graduates will learn techniques used to detect, respond to, and prevent network intrusions. They also get a range of skills and competencies in information security, digital forensics and network security that will prepare them to advance in various career opportunities.

Dr. Mohammad Malli, Program Coordinator, Faculty of Computer Studies

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O.H: If someone with a BS in Information Technology has already a job and is doing well, why would he invest more in this programme?

M.M: Any graduate with a technical background should advance his career via continuous and professional development to assume positions of leadership within the organization where he or she works. Moreover, the graduate will contribute to the economic development by preventing and detecting cyber threats in the computer-based information systems, being it for business, government or other organizations.

O.H: What is the last advice you would like to give to AOU students with a BSc in Computing or ITC track?

M.M: It is more than an advice; consider it as a further explanation so they can be able to better decide when they choose their Master programme. This MSc degree is in computing but applied on Information Security and Forensics. It is not restricted to ICT students or similar programme since the security and forensics is not only applied in the communication context. In addition, a remedial course has been offered in computer networking since computing students who may not have enough networking background, may face some difficulty in understanding some topics related to the course network security. This remedial course will help them also to prepare for the CISCO certifications if they are interested with that field.

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Arab Open University Lebanon

AOU TEAM TO THEREGIONAL CONTEST

The 8th Lebanese Collegiate Programming Competition at AOU

For the 2nd year in a row, AOU hosted the 8th

Lebanese Collegiate Programming Competition (LCPC) on September the 8th and 9th, 2016. Organized by AOU Department of Information Technology And Computing and the LCPC Steering Committee, this event is under the supervision of the ACM-ICPC (Association of Computing Machinery - International Collegiate Programming Contest).

The contest attracted 23 teams from 10 Lebanese universities who competed during a five-hour contest to solve between 8 and 12 programming

LCPC contestants and coaches posing before the contest

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problems, at the end of which AOU team and five other teams from other universities were selected to compete in the Regional Collegiate Programming Contest. Results announcement of the 2-day competition took place during a gala dinner where all participating teams gathered to celebrate their success.

It is worth noting that the winners of the Regional contest will then represent the Region in the International Collegiate Programming Competition that will take place on May 20, 2017 in Rapid City, South Dakota, USA.

The 2 AOU teams surrounding Eng. Ahmad Mikati

The 6 winning teams after the results' announcement

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Arab Open University Lebanon

LET YOUR HEART SING

AOU organizes the first AOU Voice Competition

On September 17, 2010, the first reality singing competition ‘The Voice of Holland’ aired for the first time on TV. On April 7, 2016, the first Lebanese university voice competition ‘AOU Voice 2016’ took place at AOU Lebanon.

This first-of-its-kind competition was launched with the support of teachers from the Lebanese National Higher Conservatory of Music and in the presence of Professor Fairouz Sarkis.

The jury was composed of Mr. Georges Wadih El Safi, the Lebanese singer, composer and son of the

Suzanne Mrad (public voting winner), Rana Haidar, Juliette Hawila (AOU Voice winner),Professor Fairouz Sarkis, George Wadih El Safi, Walid Bou Serhal, Moussa Hijazi and Samer Jaafar

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Issue 15 Open Horizons

Late Lebanese legend Wadih El Safi, Mr. Walid Bou Serhal, the founder and leader of Lebanon Peace Orchestra, as well as our students Moussa Hijazi and Samer Jaafar, both members of AOU Music Club.

Relatives and friends attended the final show where student Juliette Hawila was crowned as the best voice for 2016, with student Suzanne Mrad as winner of the public voting.

The competition took place in 3 phases, the auditions, the online voting and finally the results' announcement.

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Arab Open University Lebanon

An exclusive interview with Houssam Ahmad Houhou,the founder of AOU Drama Club

Open Horizons: How can you summarize this year’s performance for AOU drama club?

Houssam Houhou: It is with lots of pride that I say that 2016 was a brilliant year for us. Our success story went beyond AOU campus, with our latest newborn drama, “Khabsa”. With the support and presence of AOU administration and academic councils, we were positively surprised with a full house during our play at “Le Tournesol” theater. We even had the chance to be applauded by a group of elite filmmakers and playwrights who attended the show.

‘KHABSA’ANOTHER SIGNATURE BY AOU STUDENTS

O.H: We heard you had a dream that you achieved right after “Le Tournesol” theater. Open Horizons readers would love to know about it; what would you tell them?

H.H: I always dreamt of performing on one of the biggest and oldest stages, Unesco Theater. “Khabsa” took me there and we participated in the Eighth Annual Festival for University Plays, where I received the Award of Participation from renowned figures in the drama and television, like Aida Sabra, Fadi Ibrahim and Nada Abou Farhat.

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Issue 15 Open Horizons

O.H: What are your plans after “Khabsa”?

H.H: “Khabsa” is not over. It is only the start. In fact, the script has been chosen to be part of a TV program called “Aala fard mkhadde” that will run during Ramadan. Moreover, students from the drama club will be playing in this drama, along important names such as actors Ahmad El Zein and Rawaa Yassine. Loai Bayrakdar, the Arabic talent who did not stop supporting our team during our plays at le “Tournesol” and “Unesco”, will be the program director.

O.H: Finally, what would be your last word to our readers? H.H: No words can express my appreciation to AOU Drama club students. They worked very hard, with lots of passion and dedication, and helped me reach national standards in a very professional way. They moved from a team of students to become a team of actors; without them, I would have never achieved the success we are talking about today. But that is not all; the big gratefulness goes to AOU; we started practicing and playing on the university’s theater; they believed in us and supported us on all fronts; and I am happy to say that they are still by our side. So with the backup of AOU, I can promise the readers that “The story of Nidal” and “Khabsa” are only the beginning and there are more to come.

Drama Club celebrating the success of "Khabsa" at Le Tournesol Theater

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Arab Open University Lebanon

LEARN AND PRACTICETHE ART OF PHOTOGRAPHY

AOU Photography Exhibition

The Student Affairs Office, in collaboration with the AOU Photography Club, organized a photography exhibition and competition in the presence of Professor Fairouz Sarkis and a jury consisting of Mr. Ramzi Haidar and Mr. Ibrahim Dirani from Dar El Mousawwer, Mr. Wissam Tawil from Special Magazine, Mr. Adel Merheb from AOU as well as a number of students and faculty members. This event aimed at promoting students’ talents and encouraging them to practice their hobby professionally.

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Issue 15 Open Horizons

Founder of Dar El Mousawwer, Mr. Ramzi Haidar addressed the attendees by giving them valuable tips to help them improve their skills and avoid pitfalls and errors.

Professor Fairouz Sarkis distributed the medals to the first place winner Abbas Atat, second place winner Jean Pierre Ayyoub and third place winner Bernard Moukarzel. Dar El Mousawwer and Nikkon school of Photography presented the winners with free training photography workshops.

Professor Fairouz Sarkis surrounded by the judges and the winners

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Arab Open University Lebanon

TEAMWORK IS THEBEAUTY OF BASKETBALL

AOU Sports Clubs organizeThe First Inter-schools Basketball Tournaments

Because we believe that games and sports are an integral part of a student’s life, both AOU Antelias and AOU Badaro organized their first inter-schools basketball tournaments.

AOU Antelias event took place at M13 sports club, Antelias. The participating schools were Collège des Frères Maristes - Champville, Saint Georges College - Zalka, Ecole Val Père Jacques –Bkenaya and the Lebanese Evangelical School - Rabieh. As for AOU Badaro, the tournament took

AOU representatives crowning winners during AOU Badaro inter-school basketball tournament

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Issue 15 Open Horizons

place at Camille Chamoun Sports City Stadium, Bir Hassan. The schools who took part of this tournament were Lycee AbdelKader, International College, Khaled Ibn Al Walid Makassed School, and Omar Bin Khattab and Amjad Makassed Schools.

AOU Antelias crowned Saint Georges College players who won the 1st place; as for AOU Badaro, the winning school was International College. Trophies and medals were distributed to both winners and all participating teams.

AOU Antelias tournament contestants at M13 Stadium

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Arab Open University Lebanon

ACHIEVEMENTS

ManarHarakeh

Mohamad Ghazi Nasser

The idea of a bionic arm pitched as part of his graduation project turned Manar Harakeh, an AOU graduating computer sciences and communication engineering student into a life savior.

Today, the promise is becoming a reality; Manar has managed to create a prototype of the bionic arm and is testing it on a 51-year old person who is now few steps from realizing his dream of regaining his normal life.

Manar’s story reminds us of what Colin Powell said one day: “A dream doesn’t become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hardwork”.

Know more about the long steps taken by Manar who is continuously testing the bionic arm to enhance its functions, by visiting http://newsweekme.com/a-helping-hand/.

Mohamad Ghazi Nasser, a graduate of business management, has transformed his life after he decided to turn from an obese young man to a fit young man reaping awards in bodybuilding.

Lately, he received the first place in the Mount Lebanon Bodybuilding Championships and arrived second at the Lebanese level for the category of 75 Kg.

With a strong will, Mohamad challenged himself, worked hard and persevered until the sport became an integral part of his daily life.

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Issue 15 Open Horizons

ZiadAlameh

Rana Haidar, a graduate of the Department of Education, won in the poster contest launched by the Lebanese Army for their 2016 annual anniversary. This contest was organized by the General Directorate of Orientation in the Army in collaboration with the Youth Association of Lebanon.

TeensWhoCode, the brainchild of co-founders Ziad Alameh and his colleague Nour Atrissi, was chosen by Executive magazine among the Top 20 entrepreneurs and businesses for 2016.

Back in October 2014, Ziad and Nour decided to form a startup dedicated to the teaching of computer programs in different languages to young people. Aimed at improving computer literacy among teenagers, TeensWhoCode offers courses and private sessions to individuals in a number of different areas, ranging from web development and Raspberry Pi classes, to android and iOS development.

It is worth noting that TeensWhoCode was also selected as the AMENDS project of Lebanon for the year 2016, and Ziad and his co-founder went to Stanford University to talk and discuss their project.

Rana Haidar

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Arab Open University Lebanon

YOU ARETHE AUTHOR

Our JourneyBy Marina Keshishian Business Studies with Finance

Life is given to us by a breath, but not all of us know how to earn it. Every day is a new chance for us to make a better living, arrange our priorities and face whatever life puts us through. Life is beautiful, but mostly it’s complicated. Time is never enough for us to fulfill our responsibilities, dreams, wants or needs; accordingly, we start to dwell in time. It’s said “The two most important days of our lives are the day we were born & the day we figure out why.”

As we grow, we begin to realize that life is not the fairy tale we thought it was, and that we need a purpose to prosper. While trying to find out ourselves/our goals, people will try to bring us down by telling us “you can’t do it”, “you won’t succeed”. At this point in our life, we will start to acknowledge the existence of fakes, betrayals and selfishness. Subsequently, we will start to face trust issues, bitterness and pain. As a result, most of us will be lost while some of us will become aware and start to depend on ourselves by becoming more rigid, tough and heartless.

Life is the ability to catch the butterflies through the path of thorns. Despite the dark sides, life

carries the pleasure of joy, love, success and loyalty. After all, there’s no one on Earth who has not experienced suffering, struggle and sorrow. Therefore, we should trust in our instincts and prepare ourselves for the worst. Eventually, this world is not that cold and cruel, for smiles & warmth still do exist in it. “Every cloud has a silver lining, hope is always there for us.”

Life is not a bed of roses. Life is a wheel that turns; some days could be deathless while other days could be breathless. Life is a blessing itself & every moment of it should fill our hearts with excitement. Life is to be lived no matter how hard it could seem because true happiness can never be felt unless we accomplish our dreams. So let us find ourselves and hold on to our dreams, purposes and goals until our last breath because that’s the only way to earn a life.

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Issue 15 Open Horizons

Broken SwanBy Jamal Banjak Human Resources Management

I am that doveThat life has tried To cut my wingsAnd drove me madWith its tideWhy life? Why?My voice thundersBut no one hearsNobody wonders!Life has no earsIt wants me under

But I have no fearsWhy life? Why?When I was youngU gave me crueltyI had no tongueI felt your miseryWhatever you tryTo make me cryI’ll never fall and lie downAnd be the shyWhy life? Why?

You played your game to keep Me sorrowfulI’ll never blame my destinyI’m hopeful!Patience is no shameDetermination is colorful They make me flyWhatever you tryWhy life? Why?

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Arab Open University Lebanon

LEBANON’S AMEL ASSOCIATION NOMINATED FOR NOBEL PEACE PRIZE

Amel Association, a Lebanese non-profit, non-sectarian organization supporting underprivileged populations in Lebanon,

has been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Founded by Kamel Mohanna in 1979 four years after the outbreak of the Lebanese Civil War, AMEL operates in more than 17 different centers across Lebanon and the region; they have provided 8 million services for Lebanese people and over the past three years more than a million and a half services for different nationalities. Through its centers in all popular zones, Amel offers quality services and development programs in order to diminish economic and social disparities. All this, by developing a long lasting rural program and by following its objective to place a social, civil and democratic contract between the state and the population under the same motto: “Together for one nation and for the human being”.

The Nobel Peace prize is awarded annually to recognize an individual or organization that

have made significant gains to promote peace, relations between nations or reduce standing armies. The Former Finance Minister Georges Corm nominated Amel, describing it in his letter as “an independent, nonsectarian Lebanese NGO committed to social justice and devoted to the most vulnerable populations ... placing the human above all.”

With 376 candidates in the running for the Nobel Peace Prize this year, of which 228 were individuals and 148 organizations, Amel succeeded in placing Lebanon on the Nobel Prizes map. On October 7, the Nobel Peace Prize went to the Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos for his efforts to end the 50-year-long civil war in his country, a war that has cost the lives of at least 220 000 Colombians and displaced close to six million people.

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Issue 15 Open Horizons 26

REASONS FOR CYCLING - muscle workout - strength and stamina- improves joint mobility- decreases stress levels- improves posture and coordination- reduces anxiety and depression

Reference:https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/cycling-health-benefits

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Issue 15 Open Horizons

opopoo ennnn hhhororo izonS MAGAZINEISSUE 15

CLASS 2016 GRADUATION CEREMONY

AOU TEAM TO THEREGIONAL CONTEST

‘KHABSA’ANOTHER SIGNATURE BY AOU STUDENTS

AOU PROPOSES NEW MAJORS

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