Intro and foreword

INTRODUCTION Dear reader, Welcome to the first edition of Muse, BPC-G’s first-ever literary magazine – by the students, for the students. This project has been months in the making, and we’re excited to finally unveil it to you. Muse’s significance lies in its power to be a platform for effective storytelling, be it in the shape of poetry, prose or visual art. More importantly however, it aims to establish an outlet for the students to showcase their talents and express themselves, giving them the sense of audience which is crucial for young writers and artists. By engaging the students in a culture of creativity and exhibiting the imaginative use of language and art, we can empower, encourage and amplify up-and-coming artists.

A few words on the title of the magazine. Named after the Muses found in Greek mythology – the nine goddesses of inspiration in literature, science and the arts – the title alludes to the spirit of artistry and creativity that the magazine hopes to promote. Furthermore, the literal definition of the word is also worth mentioning: to reflect.

Befitting the theme of reflectiveness, this inaugural issue features a collection of the most thoughtful and engrossing student-produced writings, as well as some gorgeous visual art. In these times of standardized testing, Muse hopes to carve out a space for students to explore topics outside of the classroom, enabling them to tell their stories, get inspired and raise awareness.

We are grateful to have been given the opportunity to produce this publication and would like to thank everyone who played a role in making this vision come to life: the contributors, the small team of students who helped bring it all together, the ever-supportive faculty and administration – Ma’am Saima Rafique, Ma’am Farhana Altaf and Maam Aalia Khan in particular, and you, the reader.

We’re looking forward to seeing this magazine grow and be carried forward with an even greater amount of submissions from all over the school.

I hope you enjoy this edition of Muse. This magazine is for you, the student who is brave enough to speak out, pick up your pen or grab your camera.

—Syeda Mahnoor Raza Editor, Muse

FOREWORD BY MAAM FARHANA ALTAF

Literature is one of the most potent and significant expressions of humanity. When students read deeply and write, they become more mindful and compassionate. This inaugural online edition of Muse gives me immense joy and hope.

I am extremely delighted to see Syeda Mahnoor Raza’s dream come to fruition. She was the head of school literary club and is the driving force behind this first ever online edition of the school’s literary magazine.

Mahnoor is highly gifted and has been recognised at various forums for her excellent linguistic skills. Her success stem from her creativity and engaging demeanour. With an infusion of a can-do spirit, leadership skills and a passion for literature, Mahnoor has been pivotal in promoting English literature in the school. Through her tireless efforts she has been able to create a community that has given students an outlet for their creativity and helps them to grow their ideas into so much more. Her faith in the power of literature and in the value of this project made it possible; this would not have happened without her. Kudos on this magnificent achievement!

This online art & literary magazine has delicately sewn together a variety of stunning and intellectually stimulating texts, including poetry, fiction, essays and art. It has long been a dream to showcase the exemplary work from our English classrooms to a wider audience, highlighting the depth of talent among our students at BPC-Girls. Too often in the English classroom our girls compose beautiful pieces which remain only as a memory or, at best, are shared with a small circle of the student’s family or friends.

This superb effort is commendable because it provides proof that we're more than just a grade-cranking school. We're a lot more. We're alive, we think and we feel. The creative work shows the progression of our students as they move beyond rote language foundations and engage in big ideas about identity, culture, and society.

Congratulations to Muse and to those students who are published in the magazine. As Michael Cunningham said, “Nothing could be more important than the literary efforts of young writers. They’re the ones, after all, who are going to keep literature alive. Here’s to their brilliant futures!”

Keep up the excellent work! Wishing you even more success in all your future endeavours!