Islamabad College of Arts & Sciences

THE MUSE

ISLAMABAD COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES

A PROJECT BY THE DEAD POETS SOCIETY

2023 - 2024

SECTIONS:

ARTICLES

POETRY

PHOTOGRAPHY

INTERVIEWS

REVIEWS

CULINARY CANVAS

STORIES

SOCIAL-EMOTIONAL

LEARNING

President/Editor

Assistant Editor

Poetry Head

Articles Head

Stories Head

SEL Head

Photography Head

Culinary Canvas

Book Reviews

Movie Reviews

Head of DPS

Zabih-e-Zahra

Zara Fatima

Ayesha Hafeez

Rameen Tanveer

Aroush Khan

Fatima Khan

Midhah Saleh

Ibba Shah

Juweriah Shuaib

Haniyah Ahmed

Zahra Hasan Barlas

CEOs Message

Our life is a journey. My life, in particular, has been a journey of learning and discovery through the eyes of young children. When my students win an award or approach me with an idea, it is almost as if I was already a part of their creative and learning process.

We, at Islamabad College of Arts and Sciences, strive to provide maximum opportunities and sufficient resources to our students in a disciplined and organized manner so that they may learn to become risk takers and overcome challenges in a healthy and happy environment Therefore, I take great pride in my students’ achievements and find comfort in helping my students grow and bloom into groomed and informed young individuals, always bringing a positive change in their community.

A special thanks to our caring parents, all the dedicated teachers, and our hardworking administration under whose guidance, the enthusiastic team of students of ICAS Literary Society managed to produce an exciting digital edition of The Muse for our parents for the session 2023-24 Since COVID also made everything go digital, in line with UN SD Goal 12, ICAS is also joining paperless education.

Looking forward to another rewarding year ahead. I wish my students all the best for their future endeavors and pray that they scale new heights, bringing more accolades to the school, their families and themselves.

SCHOOLELECTIONS

By:RameenTanveer

The discussion of equal and fair elections is strongly tied to women's fight for voting rights, also known as the suffrage movement, which began in 1848 at the Seneca Falls Convention, in New York. It spanned decades and faced numerous challenges Conducting fair elections can serve as a reminder that progress can be achieved through peaceful means and that every voice deserves to be heard, regardless of gender

Elections are conducted at the school level for this very reason School elections serve as a microcosm of this democratic process and play a vital role in nurturing future leaders while fostering democratic values among students It not only allows them to engage in civic and political participation but also provides an avenue for personal growth and development, helping them become engaged citizens. Elections at the school level foster a sense of responsibility and accountability, promoting qualities that transcend the classroom walls. Through the election week, we witnessed students actively taking part in the election campaign whether it was voting or campaigning for their friends.

School Council elections took place at ICAS on the 8th of September, which were preceded by roaring student crowds at the candidate speeches on the 7th of September, for all the very diverse and hardworking candidates. The decision for the future Head Boy, Head Girl and deputies came down to the election day, in which all students actively took part, especially, when we saw the students keen to vote, as a sign of how the students of ICAS value democracy and freedom of speech The new leadership for the school year was announced on 11th September

This year’s O1 students, who experienced election for the first time at ICAS, were the keenest in campaigning for their seniors who were either their friends or older siblings The decision for the Head boy had everyone on the edges of their seats It was between two best friends Ahmed Arshad and Areeb Naseer - both well known by the student body. The two candidates were equally worthy of the prestigious responsibility of Head Boy bestowed upon them, however, the final decision was up to the student body who chose Ahmed Arshad

There was a close competition between the candidates for the Head Girl as well, but as there can only be one winner - Heba Jahanzeb was elected as the Head Girl for the upcoming year.

The positions for the deputies also received a thundering applause as Fatima Naveed and Sarandaz Tajukhel had been quite popular amongst the students, and won their new titles fair and square

The Dead Poets Society, on behalf of the entire school, congratulates the new leadership for the school year of 2023-2024 and hopes that they will perform their duties to the best of their abilities.

"IST (Institute of Space Technology) has been an advocate to endorse the importance of space and technology in the minds of youth in Pakistan. IST meets this goal by organizing a wide range of events in which educational institutes all across Pakistan participate Each year, there is a new theme for the World Space Week; this year’s theme was 'Space & Entrepreneurship' There were 10 categories and over 75 modules that students could take part in, varying from letter writing to rocket launching and story telling.

DAY 1: Thirty-two students hopped on the bus making their way to IST Upon their arrival, they were awestruck by the colossal and mesmerizing campus, but before they could gather themselves, they were escorted to their respective classrooms within the institutes where their competitions would be held. It was a long day for the contestants The modules took place from 9 am - 5 pm! If you think 7 hours of school is long then you are going to hate this Contestants knocked the other competitors out of the park; they were determined, creative, and most of all charming, and by the end of the day, the students were exhausted and dragged themselves home where they went straight to slumber land

WEEK

DAY 2: This time, twenty-seven students made their way to IST. It may seem as though the students were fewer as compared to Day 1 but do not worry as there was the same amount of havoc caused by the ICASIANS; luckily they were separated due to their competitions so not too much damage was caused. ICASIANS gave it their all, really trying to go for the prize. This day was a bit different as this day the rocket launch was going to take place which was arguably the most interesting and engaging module As the different schools cheered for their schools, ICAS roared for theirs The other schools’ rockets only covered about 10 meters while ICAS' Barood Khan 2.0 (yes that was the name of the rocket, thanks to Abdullah Tariq) soared above the others covering an astonishing 220 meters. With that, came the end of Day 2, but the students did not go home and instantly hit the hay as many results were going to be announced Butterflies were in the students' stomachs as they stared upon their screens waiting for the news of their success to arrive As the clock hit 9 the results were announced and many students had won, but some of the results were yet to be announced and they were to be revealed on the third and last day - the award ceremony day upon which other competitions took place.

SPACE

DAY 3: The final day of the event: competition day, result day, and award ceremony day

Students got on the buses on their way to the institute, where some students were going to compete while others received their awards. As the day went by, the competitions came to an end and it was award ceremony time. The award ceremony took place in the humongous auditorium. First and foremost, the results of the remaining modules were announced, then the actual award ceremony took place where shields and certificates were distributed In the end, everyone gathered for a group photo bringing an end to World Space Week 2023.

By:AyeshaHafeez

ICAS was one of the many institutes that took part in this event. Students submitted their online applications throughout the week, eagerly waiting for the results of the qualifiers of the final round. The event took place over the course of three days, and on each of the three days, our students went to IST representing the school

Not only was it a learning experience for them but a fun one also Firstly, they got to miss school which was a big win for them (or as Gen-Z would say a big W) Moreover, they got to hang out with their friends, and visit a beautiful institute while still learning a thing or two about space and technology.

By:AyeshaHafeez

It is the most awaited time of the year packed with fun, joy, and excitement. The fun fair has everything for everyone from little kids to full-grown adults or as we call them: Boomers. This year, ICAS outdid itself with stalls and plenty of entertainment for days

The fun fair took place on a beautiful spring morning on Saturday 9th March, from 10 am-3 pm ( but knowing ICAS the fun never ends so the fun fair was stretched till 4) The fun fair was open to the students and parents of ICAS and welcomed the general public as well and oh boy, people did show up.

The teachers and students who were to set up their stalls came around 8 am to prepare for everything and make the fun fair as enjoyable as possible; the stalls were set up in the ICAS ground. Around 10 am people started rolling in roses in spring, and after a few minutes, the ground was filled with people. Everywhere you looked, you saw the radiant faces of the smiling students, the tired parents who had to chase their toddlers around and let's not forget the hardworking teachers. All you could hear was laughter and chatter of the people around us. There were so many stalls to visit so you would never get bored There is always a compulsory stop to get brownies from one of the stalls because what is a fun fair without brownies?

After that, the people head out to play games like pin the tail on the donkey, spin to win, and an intellectually challenging game of chess However, the angsty teens seemed to be interested in something else, something more mischievous There was a stall where one could send anonymous messages to people, you could ask the person working at the stall to deliver a note you had written to a particular person and without reading your note or disclosing your identity the message used to be sent, fun isn’t it?

Another big hit was the ICAS 'Jail' where you paid other people to lock your friends up (not in an actual jail but in a tent) and the only way to get out was to pay the bail, so if you didn't have the money you had to wait for someone to bail you out.

My personal favorite was the 'Pirate Ship⚓' ride Though it looked like the ship was falling to the brim, you know: YOLO, so we all decided to risk our lives and ride the ship. As you get onto the wobbly ship you are seated and the ride starts it slowly rocks you back and forth, but do not be fooled, because as it sways you in your cradle, it slowly pushes back, and the next thing you know you are levitating in the air with your stomach coming up to your throat and your heart doing cartwheels. Each time the ship sways back you feel as though you are about to die but that brings the adrenaline rush. Though we all trembled while getting off the ride, it was worth it! Surprisingly no one puked but still, I would not advise anyone to eat anything before hopping on.

The day went on, and the lucky draw winners were announced near the end of the fun fair. People had purchased vouchers to get a chance to win one of the three bikes which were the prize for the luck draw. The names were withdrawn from the basket and as the names were announced, the winners' faces lit up with euphoria. The Magic Show was also a major success as students interacted and actively performed with the magician. Tricks like making a bird appear from his mouth left the students flabbergasted and wanting to understand the mechanics of the tricks while basking in their wonders

After 6 hours but too soon, the fun fair was officially over. People started heading home with fond memories of the day and regret that they couldn’t try all the delicious food. Nonetheless, there is always another fun fair for you guys to spend your money on, until then keep saving up because you know the moment you enter the fun fair the money will vanish right before your eyes!

The Dead Poets Society created the book club and was open to all students, even those not members of the society It held its first meeting on the 20th of January in which they explored the poignant world of Hazel and Gus’ heart-wrenching journey through John Green’s ‘A Fault In Our Stars’. Delicious, warm tea fueled their discussion, and laughter as they shared their thoughts and emotions on a lovely Friday afternoon

In the second meeting, the topic of discussion was Frankenstein by Mary Shelly, the classic of gothic novels. It’s a work of humanity and horror that blurs the line between man and monster. Shelly works through her loneliness and can even be considered Frankenstein’s monster as he expresses the same sentiments after being abandoned by his creator. Despite having written a masterpiece at 18, Mary could not take credit for her work due to the gender norms of that time

Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo was discussed in the most recent meeting in which the famous movie star Evelyn Hugo finally reveals the truth about her glamorous and scandalous life described as ‘a compelling dance between love and tragedy ’

Comments from the members:

“The Book Club meeting was a wonderful way of communicating our thoughts, opinions, and emotional attachments to the books, characters, and stories.” - Zara Fatima

“The Book Club was an opportunity to spend time with people who shared similar opinions and mindsets as my own. It was a fun experience and purposeful spending of time.” - Midhah Saleh

“Honestly joining this club was the best decision I’ve made because books are my life and what’s better than discussing them with the people I love? Amazing vibes, very therapeutic” - Zainab

ICAS hosted its annual schools Debating Championship from the 26th of January till the 28th of January. The event, originally planned to be carried out physically had to go online due to unpredictable and unprecedented security circumstances.

The first two days of the conference which included the four preliminary rounds and the quarter finals were held online, with 16 teams from different institutions participating and praising the organizational heads for ensuring a smooth and timely competition. The students and adjudicators displayed their great enthusiasm by recording cherishing moments and posting them on their respective social media accounts. Our media team ensured that our social media account remained interactive and prompt.

The semi-finals and the grand final were held in person with Westminster Academy being crowned champions of the ISDC 2024. The ceremony concluded with a lunch and a heartfelt note by the ICAS CEO Mrs. Nusrat Tahir.

Amidst the spirited exchange of ideas at Karakoram Talks 4.0, our brilliant students of ICAS O and A level sections emerged with two awards. The interschool discourse competition had 18 teams participating and ICAS was the only school that had both their teams make it to the final round, leaving an indelible mark on the platform of intellectual discourse So here’s to our eloquent trailblazers, the harbingers of change and progress.

May their voices continue to resonate, inspire, and shape a future where articulate discourse is not only celebrated but also serves as a catalyst for positive transformation.

The Urdu Declamation Contest at Beacon House Karakoram Campus was held on the 24th of January. The auditorium echoed with riveting debates, marking a rounding success. Full participation of invited schools: ICAS and BMC were appreciated. ICAS won the Best School Senior Award shield.

Another notable achievement of our students, from O-levels, was the excellence they showed in linguistics when they participated in the IKLC and won two gold medals. Mustafa Masood Tajukel and Haniya Ahmed were the esteemed students who brought this honor to the school.

Here’s to a well-deserved recognition of Yash Rangwani’s talent and dedication. Also congratulations and well done to his Accounts Teacher Mr. Bilal Kiyani for his excellent contributions.

Atiya Moin earned a spot in the prestigious BURAQ Space Camp Buraq Planetary Society is the first and foremost organization completely dedicated to giving the next generation of Pakistan a chance to experience new concepts and ideasinanopenanddynamic environment. As you embark on this incredible opportunity, embrace every moment, soak in the knowledge, and cherish the connections you'll make. You've earned this chance to delve deeper into your passions and explore new horizons

HebaJahanzeb receivedthe BestSpeaker'positionatthe DSPRegionalDebating Championship2023.

SPORTS CHAMPIONS

ICASCHAMPIONSHIP2024

FootballUnder-14(Winners)

FootballUnder-16(RunnerUp)

FootballUnder-19(RunnerUp)

TableTennisBoys(Winner)

Volleyball(Boys&Girls)Winners

FIFA(Boys)Winners

TableTennis(Boys&Girls)Winners

Badminton(Boys&Girls)Winners

FootballUnder16(Boys)Winners

POETRY

FretNot

AnayaAli

Fretnot,minedear

You are, in the end, not your own to keep

The very own self, over whom you despair

The very eyes, reddened shall you weep

My dear, never were they yours to keep.

Fret not, mine child

For she was never made to last How long shall you attempt to hide, This unsightly feeling devouring you from inside?

Mine child, this too, shall soon come to pass

Hush now, mine dear

Rid yourself of this mere burden

As well as this fleeting despair

Mine dear, in the end, you must learn That never were you yours to keep.

Fret not, mine love

Think not of her cold hands and feet

Calm your aching heart, mine love

You are but who has always remained buried deep.

TheChangingTides AyeshaHafeez

TheleavesfaltertothegroundtomakeabedforMotherto rest.

Thebearshibernateintheircaveswhilethedeadlayintheir graves.

Theanimalsquiverandourbodiesshiver. Andfarmersgarnerthefarthestcroptofillthehunger beforegreatdepressionfallsuponanewtransgression Theseasonschangefromwarmtocool, Thestudentsheadoutforschool-followingthesameold rule.

Theleaveswrinklefromedgetoedge changecolorsfromgreentoorange. Whilewesitacrossthewindow,hotcocoainourhands, staringatthelotbehindtheshack.

Ourlivesmoveon,butatadifferentpace, ourlifemovesonwhiletheseasonschange. Thistimeoftheyearisbeautifulwithallitsglory Butthistimemaybealittlegory.

Yetwefindstrengthinthechangingtides, asautumniswherehoperesides

BuriedReveries

Zabih-e-Zahra

Thisisanelegy

Forallthatcouldhavebeen

Andallthatdidbecome It'sourtimenow

Torelivewhatwe'vedone

ThoughtheendingandstartmaybeOne

Asthecosmosmovesthestardustinourbones

Foramomentweviewthehorrorswehaveofour home

Wetrytooutliveourselves, Outsmarttheuniverse

Hisfootprintsleftonthemoon Andasuddenthoughtlaunches Wouldheberemembered?

Whentheproofremainsonanotherorb?

Whentheproofremainsyethedoesnot?

StarCluster

ZaraFatima

Whocouldhavethought?

Thatthereexistsaworldaboveus

Afarawayworldwithunchartedexpanse

Adistant,dreamyabstractthatevokesromance

Abovetheskywhichpaintstheoceanblue

Whatarethesesparklingdotswecomparediamondsto?

Howdoweknowthatitisreal

Andnotanideologicalillusion?

Whocouldhavethought?

Thatthereexistsasilentrealmaboveus

Which,aswebelieve,isabridgeseparatingusfromheaven

Apowerfullyintriguingexistenceinwhichpeoplemaketheir profession

Ihopeyourealize

ThatwhendearEarthmovesfaster

Anddaysbecomeshorter

It'sbecauseofthedisasters,ofthechaoswedesigned Thattheuniverseshrinkstimeforitsmasters

Howlongwillittake?

Taking-alwaystakingtilltheEarthwouldbreak

Livinglikewealwaysfake

Thereisnochange

Oh,dobebrave,ortheentireuniversewillshake

Thisisanelegy

Forourendinghasbegun

Ablazingredballoffire,eightspheresofcoloredhues Flashinglights,rarelyalignedmoons,andcometsthat diffuse

FillourgalaxiesandMilkyway,yetwequestion furthermore Whatelseistheretoexplore?

Whocouldhavethought?

Thatamanwouldtravellightyearstowalkonthe planets

Thatthisexistingforceofnaturaloccurrenceswould compel

Generationsofracestobeabletotell

Ifthestarscantrulypredictourfateandwecanbelieve

Eithertheyarejustamathorarethemselveslostatsea

Perhapstheseviolent,outrageousentitiesofexplosion

Arenothingmorethanjustanotherhallucination

Caged

Aroush Khan

Thegroundbeneathusisnotourhumbleearth; Thebare,rigidconcealmentaboveus,wasnever ourshelteringsky

Metalbars-trulycruelandfirm,surroundingus fromallsidesaconfinedanimal’sabode-forever.

Notatouchoffreedom,stuckwithunbearable pain.

Whatishappiness?Weonlyknowvain. Howtorun?Howtoplay? Wedonotknowtothisday.

Wearebiddable;weforgothowtocomplain. Wefeedonwhatisgiven;we,lifelessly,cooperate. Whatisloveandwhatiscare?

We’redeprivedofthem;theythinkit's fair

Lonelyforeternity,imprisonedwithnoescape, Weareinsignificant;welivejusttoentertain. Somesay,”Comeouttoplay!”

Otherscompel,”Pleasethemwell!”

Wedoaswe’retold;weactastheydesire, Forthosecreatureswhodon’t,bewareoftheir fire!

Everyday,newfacesarrive. Hopingtobeamused,expectingmuchdelight.

Hundredsvisitandenjoythesight. Weenvyhowtheyarealive Thentheyreturn,andwedotoo. Backtoourprison,nothingnew.

Whenwecry,weshowitnot. Whenwewail,weunveilitnot. Theyallhavefunwhentheylookatus, Butnonewilltakeouragonyfromus

Theystayhushedasthoughtheydon’tknow, Whatwefeelandwhatweforego. It’sthesame,everydayandnight, Itwillneverchange.

Whatishome?Wedonotknow; Weareforevercaged.

Echoes of Neon FizaShahzad

Fromtheneonglowofyesteryear'sembrace, Atimetravelerarrivedinafutureplace. The'80svibrancyinhissoulretained, Yet,thepresent'srhythm,hestrained. Synthbeatsechoinaworldunknown, Hisparachutepants,afashionoverthrown.

Atfirst,themarvelsoftodaydelight, Smartphones,internet,afuturisticsight.

Butamidtheglowofscreenssobright, Heyearnsforthepast,wherehishearttook flight.

Rubik'scubesreplacedbyalgorithmscold, Mixtapesforgotten,nowdigitalandbold.

Hedancesthroughtime,alone silhouette,

Yetthe'80smelodies,hecan'tforget. Theworldwhirlsfaster,he'sleftbehind, Hispast,atreasurehelongstofind. Inafluxofchange,he'sareliclost, Atimetravelerstranded,aheavycost.

NoDeLoreantocarryhimback, Throughfuture'stide,he'sforcedto track.

Inthisera,he'saghostunseen, The'80sfading,adistantdream. So,hewanders,atime-wornrover, Longingforthepastthat'sover.

The'80swhispersineveryrefrain, Atimetravelerlostinafuture'sdomain. Nostalgia'secho,abittersweetsong, Adancewithtimethatfeelssowrong. Inthisera'sgrip,hecan'tsurvive, An'80ssoulstrugglingtostayalive.

Words and Ink

Aroush Khan

Anurgingdesire,breakfreefromsilence throughpen-flyfree.

Acuretosorrowandrage–diseasesnotboxedbysome. Foracandleispresent.Lightamatch. Letthewaxsingeinthepalmsofyourhands.

Noburncannotbeuncured; Acquireyourneedtotheveryfull.

ForversescanneverbeenoughWhenduesilenceisunheard.

Fateagainstthosewhohavenomoreways

Tohear,beheard,understandtheworld’s play.

Theinkstaysput,afaithfulacquaintance–Nevertoabandon;hope’smaidenname.

Blessings

Ayesha Hafeez

Thefoamingflowersintheocean

Thetwinklingstarsinthesky

Blessingsuponblessings, yettheworldseesitsdemise.

Thesmilingfacesofchildren

Yetthesorrowinglivesofadults. Somanythingstobegratefulfor Theonlythingwecanseeisgreyskies.

Laughterbecomingmysanctum

Yetthesilencebecomeshome.

BlessingsuponBlessingstheysay

Buttherearesomanypeopleleftastray.

Softbedstorest

PeopleinthePromisedLandremainunfed ‘BlessingsuponBlessings’saytherich Theyhavenotyetspentthenightinaditch.

Scrumptiousfoodstoeat

Fancyclothestowearandshinycarsto drive

Theydon'thavetoworryaboutwherethe moneyisderived

Blessingsuponblessingssaythewhite Theyhavenotyetlivedalifeofspite.

Evilworld,evilpeople,evilwords

Wonderfulsouls,magicalmoments,anda storyuntold

Theglassisbothhalfemptyandhalffull Onlyifyoutaketimetolook.

Blessingsuponblessings,Ihopetosenda messagetoallevilandallfine Ilongforustoresideinahappylife.

Somepeopleareouttherelyinginthestreets. BlessingsuponBlessings,showingfortitudeabove all

Buttheyneverhelpuswhenwefall.

P H O T O G R A P H Y

01. Something as simple as the evening sky on the car ride home can be considered a work of art; the sun dwindles to its final form, a fiery flame to a mere gold, tawny sphere protected by the armour of a sea of clouds as the sky subtly transforms from its usual azure to pink.

-Midhah Saleh

02. Nature's Canvas; a masterpiece so grand. An autumn tree; a sight that'll always stand.

- Haniyah Ahmad

03. The bottles suspended from twisted twine from the towering tree's branches signify the presence of human life in the area and add an almost whimsical effect to the surroundings when the sun's rays shine through them. The younger kids even theorized that fairies resided in them. They clinked together with each gush of wind, threatening to shatter at every instance.

-Midhah Saleh

04. We find so much beauty in something that isn't real. -Zabih-e-Zahra

05. From the balcony of a lodge residing in the high summits of Pakistan's famous peaks, the fog disperses at the crack of dawn, unveiling the mountainous terrain that concealed itself behind it.

-Midhah Saleh

INTERVIEWS

TheTransformativePowerofMusic

ByEamanFaisal

Music has been a best friend to me all my life, it has understood me better than anyone, it has supported me all my life, and it has consoled me like no one ever has. It has acted like a protective shield between me and the world, and I could not be more grateful. Music can play a significant role in students' lives, contributing to their overall development. To me, music means life; let’s see what some other students say.

”Everything! It means the moon, the stars, and the planets; it is everything to me My earliest memories are those of music My entire family is very musically inclined, and I found myself in the midst of that at a very early age Music has been with me through every single day of my life and, sometimes, is my biggest comfort.”

”I play music whenever I feel a surge of creativity I have music playing practically every moment that I'm awake; it doesn't matter what I'm doing - the music is always on I consider it to be a hobby or a pastime, but pastimes mean a lot to me.”

”In my opinion, music is something that helps us categorize our feelings when we can't do it ourselves - it helps clear up my mind. For example when we're sad, we listen to sad songs or melodies, and it feels relatable. It doesn't help me study, but I often listen to instrumentals or melodies which help me focus.”

”Music is like an escape for me, I put it on and dance to it sometimes or just sing along and do whatever, purely to relax and have fun. It doesn’t help in studies because I never do both simultaneously but it’s a great way to just have fun.”

Music gives us a way to express and explore our feelings and emotions Kids, unintentionally, use music to understand specific developmental themes important to them such as love, loyalty, independence, friendship, and authority Music is important for students as it contributes to their cognitive, emotional, social, and physical development. It provides a holistic learning experience that goes beyond the realm of traditional academic subjects, nurturing skills and qualities that are valuable throughout life

Atiya Moin

Nosherwan Ali

Aroush

Sumaima Ilyas

InterviewwithaGameAnimator

ByZabih-e-Zahra

Q. Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

My name is Muhammad Ahmed from O-1 and I am very interested in scripting, game-making, 3D designing. My parents encouraged me to explore this field, and the creativity involved in all of this captivated me.

Q. What kind of cooperation are you working for?

I work for a private company that will be made official after we release the game we are currently working on. This can take up to five years because we are still deciding on two game platforms. One of them has been completed but still has some contradictions and the second one needs a few years to develop.

Q. How did you land the job? Did they recruit you?

I was on a Discord server and there was this random channel that I joined which was posting artworks of different animals and how they design the models This sparked my curiosity about these animations so I submitted a few of my works as well. After a few days, the owner of the server contacted me saying that he had been overviewing my submissions and wanted me to join him. That’s how I started working for him.

Q. Can you please explain what your job entails?

I create 3d designs and plan how they progress forward. Let’s say you’re designing a 3d model, now you have to import it to a game, you are going to add scripts, and you’re going to have to animate it. It’s just about how you create that kind of combination, import it into a source engine, and make it work. All of this adds up to what my job entails.

Q. Can you tell us about a few scripts you have written so far?

I wrote a couple of scripts. The most recent one I remember is the one I wrote when I tried out this new story mode which depended on the game's platform. A character named MA-1 goes searching for his head commander and some important shards that threaten the community. Upon his search, he comes across a dangerous camp that kills innocent animals from where he saves a little wolf pup He names him Shadow and raises him One day he goes out for a meeting while Shadow stays at home. Despite being trained by his caretaker to stay inside away from all the dangers, Shadow’s curiosity gets the best of him and he immediately leaves the house Shadow, continuing his stroll, comes across a deathly shard that can turn anyone into a zombie upon a single touch. He touches the shard and since we decided that we did not want him to become a hellhound, we made him a Zombie werewolf. So he started getting scars on his face, blood started to whip off from his body, his claws started to emerge and he started developing fingers He gets bulky muscles and turns into a large shadow figure, almost as if he were a human because the shard possessed the attributes of turning an animal into a human like it would turn bats into vampires Shadow starts haunting the forest and when his owner starts a journey looking for him, he gets attacked by his pet However, despite being unrecognizable, MA-1 recognizes Shadow and Shadow acknowledges his caretaker. After this interaction, Shadow starts to fend off enemies who are after MA-1 Nonetheless, he meets his demise by the end as he has become an extension of all the dangerous entities. For the second one, we were aiming to create a zombie game so the platform had to be much creepier

Q. Where do you get your inspiration from?

I mostly get it from my childhood self who was very interested in robots. I started by watching Transformers and Jurassic World which made me wonder how they created this stuff After watching a few behind-the-scenes, they explained how they 3D designed something which they put into a 3D printer It fascinated me to learn more Even when I played Call Of Duty, the 3D designs made me dream my dream to create similar designs one day. My parents have been my major supporters on this journey as they have encouraged me to pursue this for as long as I could draw Today I have created the Shadow Werewolf design and many WWII tank designs.

"The Maze Runner" is a thrilling addition to the science fiction genre, offering a compelling narrative, welldeveloped characters, and thought-provoking themes. Dashner's writing style and ability to maintain suspense make this novel a standout choice for readers seeking an immersive and unpredictable adventure. Overall, it successfully captures the essence of a dystopian world, leaving readers eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series.

REVIEWS

The Maze Runner by James Dashner

"The Maze Runner," penned by James Dashner, is a captivating science fiction novel that plunges readers into a mysterious and perilous world. The narrative unfolds with an air of suspense, introducing a protagonist who wakes up in a maze with no memory of his past.

Dashner skillfully crafts a gripping plot, propelling readers through the twists and turns of the maze alongside the main character, Thomas The suspenseful atmosphere is sustained throughout, as Thomas and his fellow inhabitants navigate challenges and unravel the mysteries of their confined world. The pace is well-maintained, ensuring a constant sense of urgency that keeps readers on the edge of their seats.

The characters in "The Maze Runner" are intricately developed, with each inhabitant of the maze contributing to the overall narrative Thomas's journey from confusion to leadership is compelling, and the dynamics among the characters add depth to the story The author masterfully explores the psychological impact of the maze on the characters, enhancing their complexity and reliability.

The novel delves into themes of survival, teamwork, and the consequences of an unknown environment The maze serves as a metaphor for the challenges one faces in life, and the characters' resilience in the face of adversity highlights the strength of the human spirit.

"The Hunger Games" by Suzanne Collins is a triumph in dystopian literature, blending a riveting plot, welldeveloped characters, and thought-provoking themes Collins' skillful storytelling and engaging writing style make this novel a standout choice for readers seeking a compelling exploration of societal issues within the framework of an intense and unpredictable narrative. It successfully transcends its genre, leaving a lasting impact on readers and prompting reflection on the societal dynamics portrayed within its pages

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

Suzanne Collins' "The Hunger Games" stands as a gripping dystopian novel that transports readers into the ruthless world of Panem.

"The Hunger Games" unfolds in a post-apocalyptic society where survival is pitted against sacrifice. The plot, centered around the annual televised spectacle of The Hunger Games, is a tense narrative that follows protagonist Katniss Everdeen and the deuteragonist Peeta Mellark. Collins masterfully crafts a compelling storyline that seamlessly weaves action, suspense, and social commentary. The intricacies of the plot are expertly unveiled, keeping readers engrossed in the fate of the characters

The characters in "The Hunger Games" are thoughtfully developed, with Katniss Everdeen emerging as a resilient and multifaceted protagonist. Collins explores the psychological impact of the Games on the characters, providing depth to their personalities. Katniss's evolution from a reluctant participant to a symbol of rebellion is a testament to Collins' adept character development

The novel explores themes of oppression, rebellion, and the consequences of unchecked power. Collins deftly navigates the complexities of a society divided by class and explores the ethical dilemmas faced by the characters The Hunger Games serves as a metaphor for the disparity between the privileged and the oppressed, inviting readers to reflect on issues of justice and inequality.

"Rebecca delves into the complexities of relationships, particularly the impact of the past on the present The theme of identity intertwines with the characters' struggles, while jealousy becomes a driving force that shapes their fates The novel prompts reflection on societal expectations and the constraints they impose

Rebecca stands as a timeless work of literature, seamlessly blending elements of romance, mystery, and psychological drama Du Maurier's ability to craft a gripping narrative with richly developed characters and a haunting setting cements the novel's status as a classic A compelling exploration of human nature, the novel continues to captivate readers across generations, leaving an indelible mark on the literary landscape

Rebecca

by Daphne du Maurier

Daphne du Maurier's Rebecca is a haunting masterpiece that unfolds against the backdrop of Manderley, a grand estate shrouded in mystery. The novel, published in 1938, has become a timeless classic, captivating readers with its atmospheric prose and psychological depth.

The narrative commences with an unnamed protagonist's whirlwind romance with Maxim de Winter, leading to their hasty marriage As the new mistress of Manderley, she grapples with the looming shadow of Maxim's deceased first wife, Rebecca The plot takes unexpected twists, exploring themes of jealousy, identity, and the indelible mark of the past.

Du Maurier crafts characters with complexity and depth. The unnamed protagonist undergoes a transformative journey, evolving from insecurity to a woman determined to unravel Manderley’s secrets Maxim de Winter's brooding demeanor conceals layers of vulnerability, making him a compelling figure. The enigmatic Rebecca, though absent, permeates the narrative, leaving an indelible impression on both characters and readers. Manderley serves as more than a backdrop; it becomes a character in itself Du Maurier's vivid descriptions evoke a sense of foreboding, adding to the novel's gothic atmosphere The estate's grandeur contrasts sharply with the secrets it conceals, creating a tension that pervades every page

By: Juweriah Shuaib Karim

TODAY, WE’LL BE MAKING A SIMPLE YET NUTRITIOUS BREAKFAST THAT WILL KEEP YOU FULL AND ENERGETIC THROUGHOUT THE SCHOOL DAY.

START YOUR MORNINGS WITH AN EGGCELLENT MORNING SANDWICH!

CULINARY CANVAS

YOUWILLNEED:

1.EGGS(Quantitytoyourpreference)

2.CHEESE(Quantitytoyourpreference)

31RIPETOMATO

4.2SLICESOFBREAD

5.1TBSPMAYONNAISE(optional)

HOWTOMAKETHISEGGCELLENTANDEGGSQUISITE MEAL:

STEP1:

Heat a flat pan, add a few drops of oil, and let it heat up Grab 2 slices of breadandplacethemonthepantoheat.Cookingyourbreadisimportant as opposed to using it cold and raw because it makes the bread more stretchyandsolidsothatitholdsinallthecomponentsthatwillgointhe sandwich

STEP2:

Grabasmallbowl,whiskyoureggsandaddallthespicesofyour preference (preferably a pinch of salt and pepper). Place the chewed bread on a plate, carefully pour your egg mixture on the pan, and let it cook fully. Once you see the sides cooking up, carefullyuseaflatspoon(spatula)tofliptheeggtolettheother sidecook.Meanwhile,placeonesliceofbreadonthecookedside oftheeggandwaitfortheeggtoproperlycook

STEP3:

Fliptheegg,placeasliceofcheese,andletitmelt.Remembertokeep the flame low to prevent anything from burning and for safety purposes! Once you feel all the components of the sandwich are cooked, place some tomato slices (remember to not let the tomato cookandkeepitcoldandfreshforanadditionalcrunchandfreshness toyourmeal) Spreadsomemayonnaiseonyourlastsliceofbreadand place it on your sandwich Flip the sandwich a couple of times to ensurethatthesandwichremainssolidandintactandremoveitfrom thepan

STEP4:

Finishupwithselectingyourbeverageofchoice.Nowit’stimetoenjoyyourhearty, simple,andnutritiousmeal

HAPPYCOOKINGANDENJOY!

By: Zaryab Kamal

Appetizer:

HarryPotter Recipes

Bat Cookies, Rock Cake, Frog Pudding!

I will teach you how to make a three-course dinner.

Slimy salad: A salad with the nose of a frog.

Ingredients:

Frog nose (obviously)

Carrots

Lettuce

Broccoli

Lemon Salt

Slime (as per needed)

Main Course:

Steps:

1. Fill the bowl with lettuce and broccoli

2. Season the salad with salt

3. Add carrots

4. Put frog noses in a separate bowl and zest the lemon.

5. Now mix everything and you are done

Goblin Gutter: The meat of a goblin perished in fire.

Ingredients:

Goblin meat (take just one medium-sized goblin)

Crow jelly

Bat oil

Lemon juice

Extra bacteria to ferment

Steps:

1. Ferment your goblin in bat oil and wait for the bacteria to do their magic.

2. Cook the goblin for 20-30 mins

3. Get a bit of crow jelly and mix it with lemon juice.

4. Spread the sauce all over and you ' re done.

Drink:

Fish juice: fish fermented in water

Steps:

1. Put your fish in a glass with bat oil and leave for 20 mins

2. Add water and you ' re done

Dessert:

Petal Pudding

Ingredients:

Petals and store-bought pudding

Steps:

1. Make your pudding as instructed on the back of the box.

2. Put petals on top.

3. You’re done

4. Think smarter, not harder

Do NOT Try This At Home!!!

By: Zainab Hasan

Fun Fact:

Zainab started her blog at just the young age of 8 and came up with these recipes herself! The blog is called ‘Zen Space‘ and you can check it out through this link: The Zen Space

LazyCookies

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1 egg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 cup unsalted melted butter

3/4 cup brown sugar

Chocolate chips (as many as you’d like!)

Step 2: Let it rest!

Step 1: Prepare the dough!

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the sugar, salt, and butter until a paste forms with no lumps.

2. Whisk in the egg and vanilla, and beat until white ribbons fall off the whisk.

1. Sift the flour and baking soda, then fold the mixture with a spatula.

2. Fold in the chocolate chips and let it chill for about 30 minutes.

Step 3: Bake!

1. Preheat the oven to 350F (180C).

2. Line a baking tray with parchment paper

3. Bake for 12-15 minutes or at least until the edges begin to brown.

STORIES

The Great Escape

-AyeshaHafeez

We have all wondered about a life beyond our dimension, into the intergalactic. We have watched clips from outer space through our T.V. screen wondering ‘When will we be able to witness such majesties?’ But most of all, be able to meet extraterrestrials. Well, have you ever wondered, if the extraterrestrials think the same but instead of hoping to see us, they own us?

In the year 3057, the flying cars and life on Mars fantasy becomes true, but this progression is not done by humans but Aliens, who took us humans under their wing after Earth became nothing more than a wasteland. However, we were not equaled but treated as strays, as showpieces in their zoos. They profited in tearing us down, we were kept in cages and fed what aliens called ”globnorgs”. They kept us like we were animals in human zoos but with the roles reversed. The leader of the Homo-Sapien zoological garden was none other than Elon Musk, who due to his deal with the aliens, exchanged all humankind for eternal knowledge. Betrayed by our kind, the story of how he managed to execute such an intricate plan to trap humans is still unbeknownst. You may be wondering how Humankind could stay silent on such an act of horror but the truth is, they were silenced.

However, nobody could keep Nathaniel silent. The most rebellious of them all and also the most punished, he was the Edward Gibson of the oppressed. He used to rally up the humans to rebel against these acts and all that he got in return were days of starvation. No longer could he take this treatment but instead of giving up, he tried a different approach, a possibly genius one. It was already known that the aliens would move from Milky Way to Andromeda so that they could ‘recruit’ other beings to be a part of different zoological grades that would open up on multiple planets. The aliens could not leave the humans all alone so they left Elon with them. Nathaniel has always been extremely hard to deal with which caused him to be punished but the other humans were allowed to go out from their cages for a while. Instead of being someone hard to deal with, Nathaniel became a perfect angel to get some free time. He always complimented Elon whenever he went by and never caused any ruckus. So after a while, he was allowed to be released from his cage.

This free time was not just a chance to roam around but the first phase of his plan. Elon always had an interdimensional gun on him all the time in case the humans did succeed in overthrowing him. This gun helped them jump from one galaxy to another. You think he might have kept it somewhere away from the Human pets but, alas, his genius fell short. After Nathaniel came close enough to the gun - he grabbed it and broke away from Elon. All of a sudden, as though lightning had struck him, he went towards his Homo sapiens brothers and pointed the gun at them adjusting the trigger, and the next thing they knew there were swishing lights around them and each of their body parts were being ripped into pieces, from limb to limb.

”What is happening!‼” Nathaniel bellowed.

It turned out that their intertransmission was being compromised by the aliens and if the humans were captured, they would be severely punished. Nathaniel did not come this far to be defeated by mere aliens so he immediately changed the settings on the gun to help teleport the humans to a safer place.

A tricky thing with space science is that it is space science, so even a slight fault can alter the course of an entire life form. So when Nathaniel changed the knobs on the gun, it combined the Human body parts with the alien body parts. Again he tried different combinations but this time the genders of each creature were swapped, he tried again but to no success, as this time each species intermingled with each other and the final combination came, which was their last hope.

This time the aliens and humans switched bodies, just like Freaky Friday. Ohhh, this might have been viewed as a mishap but in reality, this was a blessing for now the aliens which were humans were to be kept in cages while the humans which were aliens were now able to torture them. Oh, the taste of revenge tasted ever so sweet in the mouths of the humans but would taste so bitter in the tentacles of the aliens.

The Desperate Pact

-MidhahSaleh

As if humans were not an immense nuisance to each other, add supernatural beings to the mix, and you get a Great War between numerous realms.

For once, humans did not cause war. On Sunday, December 30, 2700, the earth was utilized as a battlefield for myriad realms and paranormal beings were introduced to its inhabitants. Creatures such as angels, demons, ghouls, giants, and others fought on multiple areas of the earth to dominate the planet. The power of advanced technologies and weaponry was humiliated against them as they killed off the human species in great magnitude around the globe, forcing the rest to go into hiding.

The Great War lasted one year, two months, and three days, during which angels and demons emerged victorious with the souls of humans under their reign. Angels and demons were not like the ones in stories; they were two kinds of the same species, and angels were not virtuous.

We, the humans, had our development pushed back several centuries due to the chaos. We communicated through smartphones despite the strain of maintaining signals, radios, and walkie-talkies. As is human nature, there was a lack of unity, every man for themselves. Meanwhile, the new overlords of the earth were selling us at the highest bid, enslaving us to a life of rebuilding the planet and serving them.

Now that you understand the circumstances, let us get to the story My name is Andra, one of the magnitude of humans struggling to survive under the governance of the newly established leadership. The neighborhood I lived in came together to help one another. Every child in our neighborhood became orphaned due to the war, including my older brother and I. My brother, Zade, and I were amongst the kids in their late teens, making us and the few adults in the community responsible for departing the area to collect food and other supplies

Then came the catastrophic day when angels and demons showered down on our neighborhood, looking for their prey. Everyone rushed inside, doors jammed with as much furniture as possible as the creatures tried breaking them down. It was pandemonium: children cried and screamed, the roars of demons sounded from every direction, and the overpowering strength of the angels forced us to push back the furniture with all our might, bruising our ribs. Through the gap in the curtains, I looked outside. The monsters prevailed, but there was a lesser amount. I saw a pair of sage eyes peek out from behind a tree, Zade's eyes. What was he doing outside? Unfortunately, I was not the only one who noticed; a towering angel opened its wings and grabbed Zade, flying off immediately. I had to clasp a tight hand over my mouth to prevent my screaming. My entire world came crashing down; my whole family was gone.

"Are you insane?" Lucas nearly yelled at me. "You can't go into their city to look for him. Consider him dead; that's easier."

I wanted my brother back and would do it, even if it meant dying.

The following day, to restock food, I went out with a couple of others. Halfway there, I abandoned them, taking the route to the city I used to live in before hell broke loose.

The war had reduced the city to a predominance of rubble, and a mass of human slaves worked tirelessly in reconstruction. I pulled a hood over my head, trying as hard as possible to avoid getting noticed I passed by an influx of mahogany-skinned demons unnoticed. I had walked a considerable distance before being pulled into a dark alleyway by freezing bony hands from the waist. When I set foot on the ground, I tried to open my mouth to speak, but a skeletal hand drew itself over my mouth.

"Did you escape from somewhere?" The voice was feathery, tranquil. Looking down at me was an angel, his silver wings folded and his blonde eyebrows furrowed in concern. I had never seen one up close, and they surprisingly had many human features. The angel's pale skin complemented his platinum mane and amber eyes; I would have considered him attractive if my life was not potentially at risk.

"I'm sorry?" I hoped my fear did not transpire in my voice.

"Look, I don't want to hurt you, so don't worry. The problem is that you were about to run straight into a group of angels without looking, and they're not as nice to humans.”

"I walked past demons, and they didn't notice.”

"That's because they only have one pair of eyes.” His wings unfolded, revealing at least ten extra pairs of the same amber eyes.

I realized two things: I did not know where I was going, and this angel had saved me. Out of pure desperation, I told him about what had occurred.

He was sympathetic to my situation and told me how guilt-ridden he was about the human situation. He introduced himself as Declan and gave the glad tidings that he knew where they had taken the humans from the raid on our neighborhood.

The place where my brother was most likely to be was Rosemond, previously a courthouse now utilized as a place for the bidding of humans. Astonishingly, it had not suffered the effects of the war, and the building was still intact. The plan was simple: I would pose as Declan's slave, and after we would get to Rosemond, I would make a run for it with Zade.

Declan and I sat in the front row just as Zade came, his arms in shackles and an overpowering demon at his shoulder. Creatures sat around us with a small sack, most likely filled with their currency. To them, Zade's athletic build and height made him valuable. His high demand ensured the smooth going of our plan.

Declan made ridiculously high bids for him, leading to the agitation of the rest. I did not listen to them, instead focusing on the right opportunity to launch into action. My brother's eyes were wide, terrified, and on the verge of tears once he realized my presence there. I wanted to tell him the plan, that we would go back home, but I restrained to the cold, hard wooden seat beside the kind-hearted angel.

Once the bids became unreasonably high, aggravating but also unsettling all angels and demons in the room, I quickly sidled up to Zade. The guard had abandoned his duty, more intrigued by the ongoing dispute. With his hands still chained behind his back and my heart threatening to pound out of my chest, we tore hell for leather out of the courthouse without knowing what awaited us, hoping to escape with our lives.

The sound of fiery, powerful, scurrying claws and the vibrations of vast wings hunted us out of the main entrance onto the rugged road. I felt the hot breath of a demon tingling my neck. Suddenly, Zade and I felt a strong tug from behind as we flew into the air; it was Declan holding one sibling in each hand, saving us again Our guardian angel was victim to torture in the ether by spheres of burning flame tossed at him and silver arrows piercing his porcelain skin. Despite his state, Zade and I were untouched, protected by the shield of Declan's feathery wings.

He dropped us in what used to be a park concealed by a bulk of tall trees and desolation. His hair and silk tunic had burned, his skin seared and penetrated, showcasing shimmering gold blood.

One of the numerous eyes inhabiting his wings had fallen in the struggle.

"Run. I can't take you any further." Declan's energy deteriorated right there as he allowed himself to slump down beside a tree.

Zade tugged on my arm, calling me to leave him, but how could I? I had forced this fate upon him, and he would suffer all the repercussions of it. Declan had been lacerated and would likely succumb to arrest for providing us with the gateway to escape. What gave me the right to walk away freely?

"Give me a minute", I told my brother, who hid behind an oak in waiting. I sat down next to Declan, and he turned his face towards me, producing a weak, painful smile

"Leave", he could only manage a whisper.

Nothing could stop the tears from blurring my vision, "Not with you in this condition.”

"Knowing I protected you two, my condition is finer than ever." His eyes met mine as he said, "I'll visit you." It was an empty vow I knew would never be fulfilled. I squeezed his frozen hand, coated with a layer of honey-gold ichor, before returning his weak smile and leaving when I heard the sound of other angels and demons approaching.

When Zade and I were far enough not to be noticed by the ruling creatures, I looked over my shoulder and saw a horrific scene that would feed into my guilt for the remainder of my years: Declan's arms were in chains, and his wings clipped as the others hauled him away. The worst part? He still wore his weak smile.

What happens to someone when they die

-HaniyahAhmed

That’s all you can think of as you walk into the funeral room. True, religious beliefs may provide an insight, but you still can’t help but wonder.

There are people clothed in black and grey everywhere. Some are sitting with tear-streaked faces, their shoulders shaking as they struggle not to break once more. Some are talking with the others in hushed voices, probably concerning the affairs of the funeral. A small child, probably 7 or 8, runs past you with a gleeful and broad smile.

“How can anyone be happy at this moment? How can someone, a child, be so oblivious to the grief and pain surrounding them?”

The question lingers in your mind as you sit down in a corner. You cover your ears, attempting to drown out everything. The service is about to start any minute now; then, after that, one last goodbye.

You stay silent as the service goes on. You were the closest to them. Why aren’t you up on the stage, muttering words of grief for them, reminiscing over all your memories for them? Maybe you were scared or tired; perhaps both.

The final viewing takes place after 30 minutes of people going on about their memories with them.

First, the family. They look tired and shaken. Some carry an aura of grief while some of disbelief.

People after people, and finally your turn arrives. You feel a sudden rush of emotions course throughout your entire body. Each step feels as if your legs are made of lead. Shaky breaths escape your lips as you walk towards the casket.

How did they die again? Oh yeah. Late night, walking home alone, a bullet to the head. That’s what they told you. Or, at least that’s what you remember from what the detective told you.

You arrive at the casket. There they are. There they are, clothed in white. There they are, a small grin on their face, almost as if they’re about to make a joke. It’s almost as if they’re smiling at seeing everyone’s state, a sick type of joke. You want to grab them, shake them, and keep doing so, a desperate attempt to wake them up. You want to scream, to shout, to do anything.

Anything.

But nothing comes. Nothing happens.

You stay standing there, arms limp by your side, your eyes slightly squinted, and a frown on your lips

There are flowers on one side of their forehead. You let out a bitter chuckle, the laugh coming out strained. The flowers cover their bullet wound. Despite the flowers, you can still see it, can’t you? Traces of it.

You stop your hand as it almost brushes the flowers out of the way. Maybe, this time, not knowing would be better.

Why does their face look so peaceful? More than it did while they were alive. They look so…beautiful. Beautiful. You feel disgusted for thinking like that, but it feels….right, in a way. To admire someone that lays so blissfully, so peacefully.

Two Windows

-Zabih-e-Zahra

I stepped towards my desk and stared out the window it was backed up against. I opened the window and the plethora of noises hit me like a sudden gush of wind. Even if the scenery I saw in front of me sounded lively, I could feel the pollution as it entered my lungs as if the flaws, secrets, and sins were carried along with it; everyone could feel it but no one wanted to do something about it. The buildings stood up like giant soldiers, enough to brush against the clouds reaching towards the sky.

The scenery before me was that of a room full of people but still feeling alone if I stared long enough. Everyone was too busy living their own lives to care about anything else. I guess that was why I put my desk there, it was no place for relaxation but rather put me in a work mode so that I completed all my tasks.

The roads, no matter how new they appeared to be, somehow reflected the ruins of all the historic empires that crumbled upon it hoping to last forever. I always thought the cracks that would appear on the roads even after a few months of carpeting was an attempt of all these empires trying to leave one last mark of existence.

A deafening car horn snapped me out of my thoughts. I closed the window and turned. Exactly opposite of this was another window. This time instead of a desk, I had my book corner. I could see the shelves almost bent under the weight of the information my books held. They were about the empires that perished on the ground I stood on today, not knowing whether I deserved it. I shook my head to get rid of the thoughts and walked towards the window.

The difference with this one was that it felt like it was stepping towards me rather than the other way around. The scenery invited me in just as much as the previous one pushed me away. I opened the window and the air was the cleanest that I had breathed in a long time, like it had no secrets ugly enough to hide. I lived on the outskirts of the city so this view allowed me to stare deep into the forest.

Even though I knew no one lived inside the forest, I felt a presence much bigger than the tiny thousand ones in the city. It made me feel safe. The trees close to my home were smooth enough for someone to polish them with shine but the ones heading into the forest became sharper and more crooked. I knew that the trees probably stood up there long before I was born but they did not make me feel old, unlike the city.

Impatiently, I wanted to run inside the forest - live there forever. I knew it carried life inside it; I wanted to live each one of them. My imagination was limited by the room I stood in, wasn’t it? Humans did not have wings but when I stared at a view like that, I experienced a loss of them.

My room was the sober middle ground that stood dividing both the views. I felt stuck inside it but knew I could not let either one consume me wholly. I felt empty and one all at the same time. Nonetheless, I would never be able to change where I lived as I had grown too fond of having the best of both worlds in the same lifetime.

Social-Emotional Learning

SEL; many of us are unfamiliar with this abbreviation or do not know the proper definition. I admit I did not understand it clearly when I came across this term, but as I researched it more, I understood its true importance. SEL stands for Social Emotional Learning, which loosely translates to the process through which individuals learn and apply a set of social, emotional, and related skills. It may seem as though it does not have any significance but trust me when I tell you it is IMPORTANT!!

WHY IT MATTERS?

SEL helps us in different areas of life such as problem-solving, self-control, empathy, academic improvement, and reduction in negative social behaviors such as; bullying, and creates a positive environment.

From an academic viewpoint, students who took part in SEL programs saw an 11 percentile increase in their overall grades. Moreover, youth who are better able to deal with their problems are better able to traverse through the pressures of adult life.

IMPLEMENTATION

You may be wondering how SEL may be implemented in our lives. There are many ways one can do this and it does not involve much effort. Try calming down exercises which can be as simple as breathing in and breathing out. One can also try to nurture a culture of kindness. Moreover, trying reflective writing for it can help ease the mind and put the body at rest. In conclusion, one should try to incorporate Social Emotional Learning into their daily lives, especially when they are young, as it can help them tackle challenges in their daily lives and better equip them for adulthood.

Different people have different ways they can practice SEL. Adopting healthy hobbies and learning how to control negative emotions and stress are types of SEL. People should be able to find their regions of interest such as music, art, sports, or nature. Practicing gratitude and mindfulness in terms of meditating also come under SEL and can help an individual reduce stress and be able to perform their daily activities (like school) more easily and efficiently.

Schools should also help students understand SEL, its importance as well as how to practice it. An example is for schools to teach coping skills to manage stress. All kids and young adults experience stress even when we don’t see it. It is important to teach them actual strategies that they can use when they are feeling overwhelmed.

BUILDING COMMUNITY WITH TEAMWORK

For class projects and assignments, having students work in larger teams to complete a task and teaching students to assign different jobs when working in a team is another way of practicing SEL. This way, all students have important responsibilities and feel engaged in the assignment or project. If an individual is interested in practicing SEL on their own, they should try hobbies like journaling, reading, making music, gardening, or whatever suits them! This will not only help identify their interests and passions, but it will also help them learn new skills and relieve stress by doing something they enjoy. - Zaryab Kamal & Ayesha Hafeez

Dear Universe,

You are not beyond, infinitely beyond... you are infinitely within. You are not a part, you are the whole of me... and I am the whole of you. Your every speck, every orbit, every entity resides within me, as a whole. You are not distant, you are near, very near. You do not intimidate me, you comfort me. Your dawn from destruction and your demise that brings annihilation... it all comforts me.

You are not confined by or related to time. You are not quantified or explored. Your beauty remains hidden. Your silence resonates within me and beyond me. You are a string. You do not consist of different pieces of different things. You start where you end and everything within you is connected.

You are clay. Clay, created from different spirits, merged to form existence as a being.

You are a fragment of my reality. You reside within all that resides within you. Your emptiness is whole, tender, and fertile, a mother that bore all of creation. Emptiness is an essence. The essence that births more essences. Your every speck is empty.

You are love. Love as a being. Love as an entity, as a cry in awe. You are a mirror. You reflect the beauty of your Creator, of your Origin.

You are the visage of His idea, a mere thought of the Unknown.

By:AlehaAli

This was an end-of-term personal project by the Literary Club.

We hope this version serves as a gift to bid a heartful farewell to the batch of 2024.