Tea With GenZ

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...

Tune in as we sit down with AUS Chancellor Dr. Tod Laursen to explore his unique journey in global education leadership and his ambitious vision for the future of AUS. From pivotal career moments to his goals for the university, this episode offers students and listeners a glimpse into the mind of a forward-thinking leader.

In this episode of Don’t Think Twice, we dive deep into the minds of students to explore the overthinking spirals that keep them awake at night. From academic pressures to personal relationships, we ask: what thoughts do they just can’t seem to shake? Tune in to hear real stories, relatable struggles, and how these students cope with the constant whirlwind of overthinking.

Join us for an inspiring conversation with Osama Damati, co-founder of Together We Empower (+twe) and consultant at IBM. Discover how an idea sparked in a university dorm evolved into a thriving business dedicated to empowering youth. Osama shares insights on overcoming challenges, fostering innovation, and driving social impact in today’s fast-paced world. Tune in to learn about his journey, the...

In this insightful episode, we sit down with Ali Khawaja, a dedicated educator and mental health campaigner, to explore the complexities of mental health in the modern world. Ali shares his journey from academia to mental health advocacy, highlighting the challenges and stigmas associated with mental wellness. As the co-founder of Mental Health AE, Ali delves into the importance of open dialogue,...

Meet Sara Afana! A successful business owner, the Public Relations Coordinator for the Palestinian Cultural Club, and Deputy Director of Media at AUSMUN. We got into her journey, how she’s handled so much responsibility, and shared our senior regrets—things we wish we could’ve done differently. Don’t miss out on this one!

In this episode of "Tea with Gen Z," I'm sitting down with Nelly, a powerhouse from the AUS swimming team who just snagged a bronze medal in Athens, Greece! 🌍🏅 Nelly's not just making waves in the pool—she's also a sophomore electrical engineering student who's got the whole balance thing figured out. We'll be chatting about her journey into swimming, what it’s like...