Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
First impressions have never been my strong suit. Or second impressions for that matter. However, I will put my debilitating awkwardness aside and give it a try. My name is Hannah Yahya; I’m 16 years old and a student of The British School of Bahrain.
I look forward to writing this column for GulfWeekly, hopefully to the standard of my predecessor Megan Cox. I am highly grateful for this opportunity as it will aid me in the future as I look to embark upon an English literature and theatre studies degree.
I am the product of a Bahraini father and a Scottish mother, which is approaching stereotypical amongst the youth in Bahrain. Although, I feel it is this quality that provides me with an objective view on the lives and concerns of young people in Bahrain, as I can represent the large number of children who have been brought into this world with roots in both eastern and western cultures, which is a privilege. However, unfortunately for us, they do conflict at times.
My blunt and unwavering honesty regarding my opinions does get me into trouble at times. However, I feel that is the necessary quality that I can bring to YouthTalk, as I am very much a straight shooter. I am also a living contradiction of interests; as they range from Tchaikovsky to Paramore, from Shakespeare to tennis, and I can even debate who I think is best suited to be Real Madrid’s next manager.
Anyhow, other than being miniscule scraps of who I am, my personal interests are not too important here. On the other hand, what is important; is for me to be the trustworthy observer and reporter of the trials, tribulations and triumphs of the youth in Bahrain.
