The man who taught me the economy of words has left us

‘The man who taught me the alphabet has left us’ is a phrase that may seem simple at first glance, but it conceals deep pain and an irreparable loss. Today I am writing about a person who was more than just a director; he was a teacher, a friend, a mentor, a father and a role model whom I never imagined I would lose one day. He has left us, but his words and actions will remain with me forever.  

He was my director at work, but I never felt that he was a director in the traditional sense of the word. Sometimes we called him ‘Uncle Haitham,’ other times ‘My Boss.’ He was neither distant nor authoritarian. He was a true leader, with a kind heart and a pleasant manner, able to manage the work in such a way that we all felt part of the same team, moving towards a common goal, thanks to his professional guidance and constant attention to developing our personal and technical skills.

He taught us journalism and media from A to Z, but he didn't just teach us writing or news dissemination techniques; he also taught us different ways of living. He cultivated in us a love for our profession and a respect for integrity. He believed that the media is a powerful message, if we treat words and letters with seriousness. In society, he taught us to stick to the truth, regardless of the consequences, and to be the voice of truth, not the voice of power or money. 

He also played a key role in my learning about modern media technologies and how to interact with a constantly evolving world in this field. He taught us how to use living tools that allow us to interact and communicate with the public in an unprecedented way.

I often remember our conversations about the films and series we watched, or those he recommended I watch and write about, whether for pleasure or to analyse and understand how cinema and television can reflect and influence society. He always linked art with the media and taught us that criticism is not a weapon against others, but a way to improve oneself and see the world differently. 

But what I learned from him goes far beyond journalism and the media. He taught me sincerity in words and deeds. He was a straightforward man who did not compromise his principles and values. He taught us that honesty must be present in every step we take.

He was generous, not only in material things, but also in his feelings and ideas. He shared his experiences and thoughts with us, just as he shared his successes. He made us love him, respect him and fear losing him. His life seemed like a living lesson in generosity, as he never stopped offering us everything a young person in their professional career could wish for. 

As for his sense of humour, he had an extraordinary ability to lighten any difficult moment with a joke or a funny comment. He knew how to relax the atmosphere and make everyone feel comfortable in the workplace. He taught us that laughter is a way to overcome difficulties and bear responsibilities.

He taught us to trust ourselves and our abilities. He often repeated that nothing is impossible for those with willpower and determination. He taught us not to hesitate when making decisions and to chart our course with confidence. 

He was like a father to all of us, respecting and treating us like his own children. At every stage, I counted on his presence as a pillar of support, as if I were in a safe haven. He never left room for failure and was always there to support us when we needed him. 

Today, after his passing, I feel a great void that nothing can fill. But I promise myself to follow his lessons and the actions he instilled in us. I will continue in journalism and the media, and every day I will continue to learn, as he taught us. I will preserve his values in my sincerity, my honesty, my generosity, my sense of humour, my self-confidence and my independence. 

‘The one who taught me to write is gone,’ My Boss is gone, and there is no replacement for him. The words he taught us will live on in us forever. We will never forget that our approach to life and work is the result of his influence. He was more than a director, he was a teacher, a father. His departure is not a goodbye, but the beginning of a new life in which we will learn to be like him, to face life's challenges with hope and confidence, and to work for good and justice, just as My Great Boss, Dr Haitham El-Zobaidi, taught us. May Allah have his soul in His glory.