• Meditate more

• Fix my sleeping schedule

• Higher TOEFL score (over 105)

• Higher SAT verbal score (700)

• Remarkable Common App essays

Yes, they were. When picking my sources, I followed the CRAAP test to ensure I got trustworthy information from credible producers. The first source discussed the advantages and disadvantages of marijuana without bias. However, after our discussion, I noticed a hint of bias in my second source, as it urged action to replace marijuana with a chemical alternative.

• Did they generate a lively discussion? Why or why not?

Indeed, they did. The topic I chose, which was legalizing marijuana, is highly controversial. Our discussion was like a debate; half of my group supported legalization, and the other half opposed it. The resources I brought to the table played a significant role in this conversation. They made my group discover new information and perspectives, and I noticed my group members referred to the resources frequently. 

• What did you do well as the moderator? 

I made sure everyone in the group participated, and if things got tense, I calmed them down. I kept discussing the main topic and did not let us go off track with unrelated matters.

• What could you have done better? 

I felt like I was participating with my group members; I should have focused more on their participation than my opinion.

• What did you learn from this experience?

I learned a lot about my topic. Also, I got better at working with different types of people—shy and outgoing. Moreover, I learned to respect different opinions without aggressive reactions: "Agree to disagree."

I liked Roaa's topic on euthanasia as it was controversial and sparked a lively discussion. The resources she provided were comprehensive. As someone unfamiliar with the term, reading the resources gave me a solid understanding, allowing me to participate in the discussion confidently. The resources presented various opinions, including arguments and counterarguments, which helped me understand the reasons behind my group members' perspectives on euthanasia even before they shared their reasons. 

• What did you do well during the discussion?

During the discussion, I actively shared opinions on the provided resources. Additionally, I engaged by commenting on my group mates' views. I remained attentive; I listened to various opinions without interruption.

• What could you have done better?

My replies were aggressive, and I noticed that my voice would occasionally get louder. I'm concerned that this might have conveyed disrespect towards my group mates.

• What did you learn from this experience?

I took the time to reflect on my mistakes and tried to understand my group mates better, approaching the conversation with increased respect. My engagement with the topic grew; I invested more time researching and initiated further discussions with Roaa, the moderator.

Based on the stories I heard from my family about Jeddawis, people like Samaher, I had always believed that they were sensitive, egotistical, two-faced and complained a lot. When I first met Samaher at PDO, I was apprehensive because I thought she was like the stereotype I had imagined. However, when I started living with her in Austin, I realized she was the complete opposite of everything I knew about Jeddawis. Samaher brought our group together and helped me a lot. I realized that none of the Jeddawis I had met were like the way my family had described them and that I had missed out on many friendships due to my wrong belief about the Jeddawi people.