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60 seconds with … Ali Majokah

12 August 2009

Ali Majokah
 

Name: Ali Majokah
Course: Arts (Journalism, Philosophy) and Science (Biology, Psychology), Diploma in Arts (Linguistics)
Year level: Second year
Mode: On-campus

What is it about your course and the University that helped you to choose Monash?

I wanted to study both arts and science and the Monash art/science double degree allowed me to do this. On top of this Monash has a reputation for being an excellent academic institution and is also close and convenient to travel to compared to other universities in Melbourne (I live in Berwick).

What is your favourite subject and why?

Right now, linguistics. Last semester I studied a unit called Issues in Language Endangerment that really opened up my eyes to the political nature of language classification and how it is used to either exploit or empower people.

What challenges are ahead for you this year?

I am presently working on three documentaries: One regarding environmental activism and climate change, another on religion, and one regarding my around the world trip in 2007 during which I filmed a lot of interesting footage in Asia, Africa, Europe and the Americas.

Earlier in the year I wrote an article on comparative religious education and its role in creating a harmonious society and am now working on a booklet that explores the idea in greater depth. I also plan to go to Pakistan in the summer holidays.

I belong to an ethnic group in Pakistan whose culture and language are under threat. With only two of my grandparents still alive I want to work with them to document as much of my linguistic and cultural heritage as possible before it is lost forever. I also plan on doing work experience with a few big media organisations.

What will be your ideal career (and what will it involve) when you graduate?

As a result of my studies I should be qualified to work as a journalist, linguist and a scientist. My work life is likely to involve working in all three fields.

What is it about your course that holds your interest or is particularly satisfying?

My prime motivation is to be able to understand the world better. Through a better understanding of the world and the problems within it, I also wanted to investigate solutions and make some contributions of my own to helping solve these problems. The course has helped me do both these things.

What is your favourite place in the world and why?

Right now my favourite destinations are Rabwah and Ahmadabad Shumali Majokah both of which are located inside the nation-state of Pakistan because my two remaining grandparents live there.

What is the best piece of advice you have received?

"Live simply, so that others may simply live," "There is enough for everyone's need but not enough for everyone's greed," and "Be the change you want to see in the world."

What is something about yourself that most of your fellow students wouldn't know?

My family came to Australia from Pakistan as refugees in 1998. I was nine years old at the time.

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