Q&A

With Rawan Obaid, winner of HLR Scholarship MEA region 2015

What does it mean to have won this award?

To me, winning the Helen Lansdowne Resor Scholarship is a fantastic personal achievement. It is a measure of how hard I have worked and is recognition of my talent at this stage of my own personal development. It was the ‘approval’ to congratulate not only myself but everyone who has put an effort into making it a realty. Along with that, it brings a kind of fear because the award is the responsibility that people put on me. I am glad to have such a challenge.

What is your dream?

I feel that this award is the foundation to make my dreams a reality. I always want to deliver the best, and to let my work stand out. My dream is to invest in society and to develop as a creative talent in design. I feel that this Scholarship is the first step to achieving my ambitions. It has also made me realise that I have the ability to over achieve and perform to the highest of standards. This was a global competition, and I can only thank J. Walter Thompson and other partners that have been involved in setting up this opportunity.

Do you have any advice about encouraging young female creative students such as yourself to participate next year?

I would encourage all creative female students to apply for this scholarship. It is a priceless way to build confidence in yourself, your abilities and to open doors you never even dreamed of before. I have won an internship with J. Walter Thompson Dubai and will also be exposed to the global network. You have nothing to lose, and at the same time, I am sure that many young creative students will have fun during the application process. It gives you a chance to revisit some of your work, look at it in different ways, as you move through the application process. This ensures that you put your best foot forward to stand out from the crowd. If you are capable enough to stand out and win the award, it could be a life changing opportunity.