Follow values, be ready to face challenges: Minister tells youth
abu dhabi — Emirati students studying abroad must always carry their values and traditions and set an unprecedented example of the UAE, even when faced with racism or challenges, said the youngest minister in the UAE.
Shamma bint Sohail Al Mazrouei Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Youth Affairs, addressed 2,500 students on Monday about the importance of remaining faithful to one’s values and shared some personal obstacles that she faced during her studies abroad.
“I will never forget the day that I was questioned by one teacher about my hijab,” the 24-year-old minister told the crowd at the kickoff of the Mohamed Bin Zayed Majlis for Future Generations, held under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces.
“The teacher asked me: Why are you wearing a hijab, when your parents are not even here?” recalled Shamma Al Mazrouei.
“I told her: My parents may not be here, but my values are still with me.”
Urging the UAE’s future generation of leaders to pursue their own professional goals, she said: “Study not to fulfil the desires of those around you, but to fulfil the goals and aspirations you set for yourself. Follow your own ideals and values on the path to success.”
The world’s youngest appointed minister told the students to be ready to face challenges in life, and without challenges, one cannot learn to better himself. She added: “I’m very lucky to be a student within the UAE Cabinet, and I see myself in that way because I’m surrounded by leaders and ministers that I learn from each day.”
The minister highlighted the value of hard work as she offered examples of self-growth and development from her experiences. Al Mazrouei described how when deciding which study option she should pursue, her parents encouraged her to choose sciences, rather than the arts. “I realised the true advantages of my father’s advice only later in life,” she added.
After gaining a bachelor’s degree in Economics from New York University Abu Dhabi, she earned her master’s degree in Public Policy at the University of Oxford.
“Oxford was tough. I was one of the youngest students, most of the students were 40-50 years old, but it was a pleasure to gain knowledge. I realised that I had a responsibility as an Emirati to represent my country, and that’s why I worked so hard.”
Study not to fulfil the desires of those around you, but to fulfil the goals and aspirations you set for yourself. Follow your own ideals and values on the path to success.”
Shamma bint Sohail Al Mazrouei Al Mazrouei, Minister of State for Youth Affairs