Tea With GenZ

In this episode, we sit down with Bashaar Irfan Naik , a Computer Engineering sophomore at AUS whose work in AI and hackathons has been featured in national news in both the UAE and India. He takes us back to where it all started: a curious student teaching tech to others through his own YouTube channel, before coding was even part of the picture. We trace how the generative AI boom pulled him dee...

What is exchange really like, and what should students know before taking the leap? In this episode of Tea with Gen Z, we sit down with the International Exchange Office and a fourth year exchange student from the United States to discuss the realities of exchange at AUS. From navigating the application process and adjusting to a new culture to making friends and managing the unexpected, we explor...

In this episode, we sit down with Asiya Aleeva to talk about putting yourself out there, creating your own opportunities and trying different things even when you don’t feel ready. Diving into how sometimes, confidence only comes after you take the first step.

In this episode, we sit down with Sultan Ashour , AUS's Student Council Vice President, to trace his path from a first-year student stepping out of an Arabic-medium school into an entirely new academic world, to leading student government as a senior. He walks us through the extracurriculars that shaped him, what election season actually demanded of him, and the parts of the job students never...

In this episode, we sit down with AUS senior Shwetambari Abhirajan to unpack her evolution from starting off as a curious yet confused middle schooler still searching for her identity to becoming the successful and ambitious young woman she is today. She reveals what it was really like, working in a big corporation, the challenges she was faced with and the means taken to reap the benefits of the...

In this episode, Zyad shares his approach to making the most of university by simply saying yes more often. From starting conversations with strangers and showing up to events outside your usual circle, to taking opportunities without overthinking them, Zyad explains how small decisions to participate can compound into meaningful experiences, connections and opportunities. The conversation is abou...

In this episode of Tea With Gen Z , we dive into what it really means to nourish the soul in a world that feels fast, loud, and overwhelming. Joined by Mr. Shahid Bux , we explore the connection between mental health and spirituality, the challenges Gen Z faces today, and why inner peace can feel so hard to access. From dealing with constant distractions to learning how to sit with stillness, this...

Ramadan can feel very different depending on where — and with whom — you’re celebrating. 🌙 In this episode, we’re joined by Ameena Al-Attas to talk about finding your own community and creating a home away from home during Ramadan. We share Ramadan and Eid traditions, and reflect on how the experience changes when you’re celebrating with family versus the community you’ve built at AUS. From famil...

في هذه الحلقة من Tea with Gen Z نستضيف عبدالرحمن توفيق ، عازف عود وشاعر وطالب سنة أولى في الجامعة الأمريكية في الشارقة. نتحدّث عن تجربته مع Arabic Music Ensemble، حصوله على أعلى علامة في العالم في Pearson Edexcel International AS Arabic، ورؤيته للهوية الثقافية بين العود، الشعر، والجيل الجديد. حلقة عن الشغف، التميّز، وكيف يحافظ الإنسان على هويته بروح معاصرة — خاصة مع بداية الحياة الجامعية واقتراب ر...

In this Ramadan special of Tea with GenZ , host Mahra Alshamsi sits down with Mohammed Alghazali, the Student Council’s Emirati Representative, a content creator, and an aspiring triathlete, to talk about discipline, productivity, and work-life balance during the holy month. From fasting while training to managing academics and leadership responsibilities, Mohammed shares how he stays consistent,...

In this episode, we spotlight MedHack , an organization dedicated to bridging the gap between medicine and innovation. AUS student Jurie joins us to discuss a critical challenge within the vast field of healthcare: groundbreaking ideas often remain untapped due to the disconnect between medical insight and technological development. To address this, MedHack is bringing one of its largest initiativ...

When did we start getting older, and who decided there was a deadline for life milestones? In this episode, we reflect on a ge, mindset, and the pressure society places on young adults to have everything figured out in their twenties. From expectations around marriage and children to reflections on personal growth, the conversation explores how maturity and mindsets do not have strict timelines, b...

In this episode, we sit down with the owners of Soul Cafe —an AUS student, Ahmad Yaqoob, and alumni, Mohammed Yaqoob, duo —to uncover the journey behind one of campus’s most soulful spots. From the first spark of an idea to the final product you know and love today, we dive into the highs, hurdles, and heart that shaped the café. We also unpack the deeper meaning behind the name Soul Cafe and how...

This episode digs into men’s mental health with the Mental Health Association (MHA) representative, Hamza , and counsellor Toubia Farah . We unpack toxic masculinity, society’s expectations, and why men are often silenced when expressing their struggles. A real conversation about stigma, vulnerability, and giving men the space to feel and heal.

In this episode of Tea With Gen Z , we sit down with Dr. Aqeel Taher, a long-serving AUS faculty member. We discuss the strengths and challenges of Gen Z engineering students, touching on ethics, learning styles, and the evolving academic landscape. The conversation concludes with Dr. Aqeel’s perspective on AI, its ethical use, and his advice for the next generation of engineers.

In this episode of Tea with Gen Z, new host Tira and creative director Oussama Jamal examine the rising cycle of overconsumption shaping Gen Z. They explore the rapid spread of microtrends, the growing influence of de-influencing, and the impact of fast fashion—all accelerated during the COVID-19 era. Through focused questions and clear insights, the conversation uncovers how trends move faster th...

This episode dives into the idea of balance ; the constant act of managing all the moving parts of our lives. Whether it’s school, work, friendships, or personal growth, finding balance helps us make thoughtful choices and stay grounded in the chaos. We talk about how to manage responsibilities, explore new interests, and remind ourselves that it’s never too late to take part in more activities or...

In this episode, we talk with Mohammad Abubakerr about whether we’re losing our Arabic language, and what that really means. From the generational gap between students and parents to AUS’s English-dominant culture , we explore how switching between Arabic and English shapes our identity, opportunities, and sense of belonging. We also ask: can Arab youth thrive globally without losing touch with th...

Join us as Kunal from the Indian Cultural Club and Qais from the Palestinian Cultural Club sit down to share what it’s really like being presidents of two of the biggest clubs on campus. From leading large teams to navigating challenges, they talk about their journeys to becoming presidents, their leadership styles, how they plan to make an impact at Club Fair, and what drives them to represent th...

Join us for a candid conversation with AUS Student Council President Qusai Altah and Vice President Anas Elsayed as they share their journey of leadership, the challenges they’ve faced, the people who supported them, and the unforgettable experiences that come with representing students.

In this episode, we sit down with filmmaker and scholar Dr. Bentley Brown to explore the concept of disidentification, what it means to be from one place but feel deeply connected to another. From his multicultural childhood to his academic and professional journey, Dr. Brown shares personal stories that illuminate the fluid nature of identity, belonging, and cultural resonance. Whether you're...

How many internships are enough to be competitive in the job market? In this episode of TeaWithGenZ , we explore the highs and lows of the internship race with our guest, who shares their experience securing multiple internships, balancing them with academics and personal life, and discovering what companies truly value in an intern. Packed with insights and lessons learned, this discussion is per...

In this episode of TeaWithGenZ, we’re joined by Maryam Khan, a brilliant psychology major from the American University of Sharjah, to dive deep into the rollercoaster that is university life. Together, we unpack the psychology behind university stress and explore pressing questions like: ✨ Why do friendships evolve during university? 📚 How do students juggle academic pressure, deadlines, and soc...

In this episode, fashion designer Gabriela Rose of Designers and Us (D&U) shares her journey into the fashion industry and how D&U is shaping the UAE’s $3 billion fashion scene. Collaborating with over 50 international and local designers, D&U is empowering the region’s fashion landscape, blending luxury and cultural influences. Gabriela discusses the connection between fashion and wom...

In this episode of Tea with Gen Z, we sit down with the incredible Ms. Maha Jibril, a familiar face at AUS who has been a cornerstone of the university community for over 16 years. From her unexpected journey into Information Systems to her insights on student life, motherhood, and the Student Council, Ms. Maha shares her story and wisdom in a way that will inspire and surprise you. Join us as we...