Interview with Akram Alsharafi
Interview with Akram Alsharafi

"There is no need to argue, cling to opinions and fight the ideas of other people.Just listen, read, think, and learn."

Akram Alsharafi
Information Management Associate
United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR)

Yemen

Master in Data Science Batch 2021

Please tell us about yourself, your family and your interests.

I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology from SMUDE University in India in 2019. Immediately, I was offered the position of Software Engineer from a government institution in my home country, Yemen. After six years working there, I  moved into the humanitarian field; now I am working as an Information Management Associate at UNHCR.

I am married, have a son and twin daughters. I live with my honorable wife and children in our small humble home. 

My interests are reading and working on books. Besides this, I also love to learn new skills. Lately, I have been interested in exploring the field of data science.

What drew you to the program you are studying at Athena? Is it living up to your expectations?

I was looking for a good university with a flexible education system where I can obtain a Master degree in Data Science with sound knowledge and skills. When I came across AGE and saw the course modules, time, and fees for the MSc in Data Science, I released it was the best place to get a Master degree. All the factors there seemed convenient to me, namely, course delivery and assessments, accredited university, learning flexibility, teacher support and others.

I am confident that the programs at UniAthena can live up to anyone's expectations.

What would you like to do after completing this course  from Athena?

Enhancing my knowledge and constantly developing my skills until I become a professional data scientist.

What do you think makes a great teacher?

Great teachers show a comprehensive understanding of the educational program. They prepare, teach, and evaluate to ensure that all students achieve mastery over their subject. They guide a student to achieve his goals. They are able to establish a respectful and positive relationship with their students. The effective teacher always thinks about the consequences of his decisions and action.

What’s your dream job?

My dream job is to be a professional data scientist working for any international company.

What is the most courageous thing you have ever done?

Rescuing an entire family and getting them out of the rubble after the coalition’s airstrikes on the city of Sana’a (the capital), which lasted for more than four years and is still going on. Many civilians were killed and injured, and their homes were completely destroyed as a result of this indiscriminate, barbaric bombing of the Saudi-American coalition forces in Yemen.  Near my place, a house collapsed on its occupants after three missiles bombed the neighborhood at midnight. I  accompanied by some of the neighborhood men rushed to rescue them and could get them out of the rubble within five hours. Some died, some survived. We took them to the hospital. Now, two children of that family live without parents and we all take care of them.
 

What is your best childhood memory?

My favorite childhood memory is my first day at school.

What is your idea of a perfect vacation?

Well, I want things to go according to plan. For me, the ideal vacation or holiday would be one that is free of hassles. There are other factors that contribute to a wonderful vacation. Weather, travel time, companions, housing, and food, for example, can all make or spoil a vacation or trip. The ideal vacation would provide me with many possibilities to try new things and relax. I look for a vacation that makes me happy, rejuvenated, and differs from my usual routine.

Which fictional character (character from a film, book, TV series, play) would you like to be friends with?

I would like to be friends with Monkey D. Luffy, also known as "Straw Hat" Luffy, a fictional character and the main protagonist of the One Piece manga series, created by Eiichiro Oda.

Mention one important lesson you have learned in life that made you what you are today.

Over the years, my outlook on life has changed a lot. All things change with age and experience. So do differences between people, places, and times. I realise now that what I see as right is definitely not right, and what I see as wrong is definitely not wrong.

Therefore, no need to argue, cling to opinions and fight the ideas of other people.Just listen, read, think, and learn.

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