Dr. Yasmine Gamal: “Imagination Is Not an Escape from Reality… It Is the First Step Toward Building the Future”

Cairo – Maii Abdo:

At the headquarters of the Egyptian Journalists Syndicate, the discussion with Dr. Yasmine Gamal unfolded like a timeline of ambition—beginning with a young girl captivated by studio lights and cameras, and evolving into a doctoral researcher convinced that media is a powerful soft force capable of shaping the mindset of future generations.

Dr. Gamal traces her passion for media back to her childhood. During her primary school years, she frequently accompanied her mother—who served as Head of Program Editing at the Egyptian Radio and Television Union and works as a mental health and self-development consultant—to television studios. Those early encounters with production environments left a lasting impression.

Her first on-screen experience came through the program “Dialogue with Seniors” on Channel Three of Egyptian Satellite Television, hosted by Sahar Abbas, where she discussed educational topics with notable preparation and confidence—revealing early signs of a clearly defined dream.

By her first year of secondary school, she had already decided to pursue media studies. Her family offered strong academic and moral support.

Her father is a Professor of Clinical Psychology at the Faculty of Graduate Studies for Childhood at Ain Shams University and serves as Rapporteur of the Childhood Sector Committee at the Supreme Council of Universities.

Growing up in a household that valued scholarship and intellectual curiosity, she enrolled in the Department of Media at the Faculty of Arts at Ain Shams University, which was her first choice.

Beyond formal education, she invested in professional development through specialized courses and active participation in cultural forums. She engaged in intellectual discussions at the Cultural Surgeon Salon held at Misr Public Library and contributed to the salon of Hawaa Magazine, affiliated with Dar Al-Hilal, where she emerged as an active young voice.

Graduating with honors and a Very Good distinction, she continued her academic journey without pause. In 2023, she earned her Master’s degree with Excellence from the Faculty of Graduate Studies at Ain Shams University.

She is currently pursuing a PhD in Media and Children’s Culture. Her thesis, titled “Adolescents’ Exposure to Arab and Foreign Science Fiction Series and Its Relationship to Their Attitudes Toward the Future,” reflects her belief that drama is not merely entertainment but a formative influence on awareness and aspiration.

She explains that science fiction, in particular, holds unique significance because it projects possibilities rather than simply mirroring reality.

Her comparative research highlights differences between Arab and foreign productions in portraying the future. While many international works emphasize scientific progress and innovation, some Arab narratives tend to focus on cautionary or dystopian themes.

According to Dr. Gamal, such portrayals can inspire optimism and scientific ambition among adolescents, yet may also generate anxiety or unrealistic expectations if not handled thoughtfully.

She stresses that science fiction can positively influence educational and career choices—especially in technology and science—when presented in an encouraging and balanced manner.

With digital platforms accelerating access to global content, she underscores the importance of conscious parental guidance and educational involvement.

Families, she believes, should adopt dialogue rather than restriction, while schools should nurture imagination as a gateway to creativity and innovation. She also advocates for stronger Arab contributions to the science fiction genre to better reflect regional identity and aspirations.Her professional path extends well beyond academia.

She hosted the children’s program “Tota Tota” on Channel One and presented the Children’s News Bulletin on Channel Two. She also co-hosted “Friends in Arabic” on Misr Al-Hayah Channel.

Today, she appears as a guest commentator on various programs and works as a digital content creator, simplifying media and educational concepts for broader audiences. Her articles are regularly published in Hawaa Magazine, Youm7, Al-Gomhuria Portal, and Al-Bawaba News.

Additionally, during her university years, she contributed for four consecutive years to monitoring Ramadan television drama in collaboration with the National Council for Women.Among her civic engagements was her participation in the “Going to the Elections” campaign organized by Hawaa Magazine in cooperation with the State Information Service.

There, she highlighted the role of youth in encouraging public participation through digital awareness and positive communication. She also delivered a seminar titled “The Role of Youth in Presidential Initiatives” at Jeel Al-Saleheen Official Language School, reinforcing the importance of youth engagement in national development.

Reflecting on her academic journey, Dr. Gamal describes it as demanding yet transformative—balancing research, data analysis, and media commitments. Achieving an Excellent distinction in her Master’s degree represented not only academic success but confirmation that she is progressing steadily toward her broader ambition: becoming a university professor while maintaining an active media presence.

In her closing remarks, she reiterates that imagination is more than a reflection of future possibilities—it is a catalyst for shaping them. Media, she concludes, is not simply about visibility or exposure; it is a responsibility toward cultivating informed and empowered generations.

Her message to young people is unwavering: pursue your passion with determination. When genuine enthusiasm is paired with knowledge and perseverance, it inevitably paves the way forward—regardless of the obstacles.