Name: Ali Taha
Position at The Medium: News Editor
Year: Third year
Program of Study: Specializing in Political Science, and minor in Professional Writing and Communication
How did you get involved with The Medium?
AT: I signed up to become a writer for the News section in my second year. I wrote on and off for the section before deciding to run for the News Editor position. The rest is history!
Why the News section, and not any other section?
AT: Since I was already majoring in political science, I thought it was a match made in writing heaven.
What’s one of your favourite classes you’ve taken at UTM thus far?
AT: Definitely the History & Writing course I took in my second year. I wrote a historical narrative on the Canadian Federation of Students, and discovered multiple scandals, gross financial mismanagement, and lots of corruption! It was a wild ride, and I learned a lot along the way.
What TV show are you currently binge watching?
AT: I recently just finished season two of Westworld, an HBO series about a park for humans filled with A.I. that look exactly like us, where we can do anything we want. The show is absolutely fantastic. Perfect cast, heart-wrenching music, and a story that keeps you guessing. It’s produced by J.J. Abrams and written by Jonathan Nolan, Christopher Nolan’s brother. If that hasn’t sold you, I don’t know what will?
What’s the most recent book you’ve read?
AT: Siddhartha by Hermen Hesse. The book completely blew me away. It really made me think about my place in the world, and what it means to be human.
Do you have a scar? What’s the story behind it?
AT: I don’t, I guess I’m lucky. I once smashed my face into the overhanging part of a playground slide and broke my nose. It makes me look unique, haha!
If you didn’t have to sleep, how would you spend your extra time?
AT: I would read, read, and read. I would also practice the piano, and give some time to my hobbies.
What skill would you like to master?
AT: I would like to master writing. Someday, I want to create a body of work that I’m proud of and will leave a signifiant impression on people.
What piece of advice would you give to people?
AT: Don’t sweat the small things, because they don’t matter in the end. Appreciate life more, and tell the people around you you love them.
What is your favorite quote?
AT: “He who has a why to live can bear almost any how.”-Friedrich Nietzsche
