Be Humble, The Chair You Are Sitting On Is Temporary!
09 October 2016
By Khaled Almaeena
A Saudi female graduate of a prestigious American university told me that on a
visit to the United States last month, she sent a note to the president of the
university expressing her intent to visit him. A prompt reply came back and
added were the suggested names of other senior administrators of the
university whom she could meet.
Apparently, the president Googled her name and work experience. She said the
meeting was informative and productive and the president and the other
officials present outlined the achievements of some of the Arab and Muslim
women who had graduated from the university.
The university officials listened to her suggestions of enhanced cooperation
and future plans between her establishment and the university. ''Frankly
speaking, I was amazed at the level of interest that they expressed,'' she
said.
Listening to this story, I could not help but wonder at the attitude of our
own universities and institutions and their behavior toward others.
Would one of our university presidents meet a graduate who after a decade
decided to visit him? Would senior officials listen attentively? Would they
produce offers of cooperation?
I say this because over the years I have heard a lot of negative comments
about the attitude of heads of departments, professors and others in our
educational institutions. Of course, there are exceptions, but the general
opinion is that students do not get the attention that they deserve or the
required respect.
Is it because we are a patriarchal society? I don't know. My explanation is
that many people in high positions be it academia or the corporate world
assume airs and strut around like peacocks. To them, I say: Don't take
yourself too seriously.
Be humble, polite and gracious. The chair you are sitting on is temporary!
— The writer is Editor-at-Large. He can be reached at kalmaeena@saudigazette.com.sa
and followed on Twitter: @KhaledAlmaeena
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