Mosaic 2012 english

M O S A I C 2 0 1 2

Mosaic

Dedicated to “ Women Empowerment”

“A woman is a full circle.

Within her is the power to create, nurture and transform.”

MOSAIC

2012

PATRON STAFF ADVISOR STAFF ASSISTANTS

Mrs Humaira Mahmood Rehana Rasul Hira Zahid Tehmina Butt

PHOTOGRAPHERS EDITOR IN CHIEF EDITOR

Khalid Somroo Aaisha Nisha Sikander Shah Sarah Mir

ASSISTANT EDITOR

Shizza Shahid

ART REPRESENTATIVE

Areeba Malik

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CONTENTS Topics

Writer

Editorial Board's Picture Message from the Principal From the Chief Editor's Desk Editorial Note (English Editor) Editorial Note (English Sub-Editor) Message from Mrs Rehana Rasul Faculty Pictures A level Class of 2012 Outgoing Classes of 2012

Pg. # 4 5 6-7 8 9 9 10-11 12-17 18-20

Amreeki Saazish Memories of Liberty Campus We are Children of Beaconhouse Liberty...

The Cost of Being Away My Life at Liberty When the Bubble Bursts A Trip Down Memory Lane Maisha Katika Kenya (Life in Kenya) The Innings of My Life Between Two Lungs My years at BLL Nostalgia of a Diehard Beaconite

ALUMNI Sehar Sarah Sikander Shah Amber Nasir Ahmad Mehwish Waqar Laila Kasuri Anam Saud Ammen Usman Priscilla Liu Apsra Nasir Rohma Zubair Ayesha Raees Faria Latif Sami Mahrukh Beg

21-22 23-24 25 26-27 28 29 30-31 32-33 34 35 36-37 38

Women Rights in Rural Pakistan My Inspiration - Imran Khan !

An Amalgam of Learning and Indescribable...

Why is it Wrong?

Bitter Trials are Blessings in Disguise!

Floods 2011 The Situation of Health Care in Pakistan The Intermediate Result - a Fiasco It's Time to Wake Up!!

ARTICLES Nimra Arshad A2-E Amna Imtiaz A2-B Abiha Abbas A2-C Hareem Fatima A1-D Anam Naeem A2-B Hira Zahid Eman Fatima XIC-D Maryam Ahmed XIC-A Sidra Saleem

39-40 41 42-43 44-45 46-47 48-49 49 50 51-52

A Land of My Dream Fire and Ice The Memorable Night Exams Power of Thoughts The Good Hand A Tribute to the Flood Victims Consequence Everyday's a New Fairytale Longing for What Used to be Incomplete Angelic Existence Hope Destined Love My Crib Believe in Yourself Day & Night A Forlorn Moment Wait a While Fake Friend They Call Me...

Nature's Beauty On the Edge At least I'm Me! 2

POETRY Zanira Ali A1-D Mahnoor Irfan XM-B Hareem Fatima A1-D Aneeza Hameed VI-D Fatima Muzaffar VII-H Gull Fatima VII-I Simrun Saleem VII-C Hafsa Hussain A1-A Safora Hassan VIII-D Maryum Alam VIII-I Aimma Warood A1-D Saman Adnan A1-D Shazmeera Waheed A1-C Mariyam Yousaf Sheikh XIC-C Amna Khan VII-A Zainab Shahid VII-D Fatima Syed VIII-C Ulveena Aitzaz XIC-A Rafia Azhar IXC-E Maryum Alam VIII-I Fatima Zaman VII-G Sana Zaman VIII-G Aaisha Nisha Sikander Shah A1-A

53 53 54 54 55 55 56 56 57 57 58 59 60 61 62 62 63 64 65 65 66 67 68

CONTENTS Topics Running Away Peace at Last Jim Robinson Painting Feet Everything Was Going According....

October, 8th 2005 For the Last Time...

How He Rose from the Dirt...

A Memory Trapped in a Chairlift Little Raindrops Butterfly My School and I My New School My Grandmother Love, Love, Love When I Go Out My Sweet Sister My Doll Healthy Teeth My School Chocolate Peace A Day Full of Fun A Trip to Murree It's May My Story on Inspiration Winter Think Before Praying Candy Friendship Snacks Near a Beach Toothache In Juliet's Garden Beaconhouse Liberty Kasuri Cup 2012...

The Liberty ISSI 2011 Debating Society Sports Society BLL Science Society Model United Nations Society Business Society The Nature Club Media Society Law Society Movie Club The Social Welfare Society Book Club Round the Block BLL is a place where...

THE ART GALLERY

Writer SHORT STORIES Hafsa Hussain A1-A Zeelat Butt XC-B Mahnoor Rizwan XC-C Sundus Javed A1-C Hadia Waheed VIII-H Ayesha Bibi A1-A Mehreen Zaman XC-D Walija Ansari XC-B Iman Ejaz XC-E Hadia Waheed VIII-H LIBERTY PRIMARY Bareera Zaighum V-C Fatima Hassan V-C Tayyaba Tanveer IV-B Fatima Jamal IV-A Zaha Asim III-F Avizeh Atif V-A Wafa Zaheer V-B Sarah Naeem III-H Hibaa Hassan IV-F Umm-e-Kalsoom IV-G Aliza Nazkat III-E Syeda Hafsa Azim IV-C Maniha Inam IV-C Tayyaba Tanveer IV-B Hiba Atta III-D Fatima Isaad IV-C Maneha Amjad V-F Aimen Tahir IV-C Muhammadah Khalid IV-D Aghnia Sarwar IV-D Ayesha Rehmat V-B Fatima Siddique III-E Fatima Saif III-D Shamama Mehdi IV-D LIFE @ LIBERTY Sarah Mir A1-D Aaisha Nisha Sikander Shah A1-A

Compiled by the Editors

Pg. # 69 70-72 73-74 75 76-77 78 79-80 81-82 83 84 85 85 85 86 86 86 87 87 88 88 88 89 89 89 90 90 91 92 92 92 93 93 94 94 95-98 99-101 102 103 104-105 106 107 107 108 108 109 109 110 110 111-119 120-126 127-133

LIBERTY TIMES!!!

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The Editorial Board

Sitting Left to Right: Mrs Rehana Rasul (Staff Coordinator English Section) Mrs Humaira Mahmood (Principal - Patron) Aaisha Nisha Sikander Shah (Editor in Chief) Mrs Nasreen Shaukat (Staff Coordinator Urdu Section) Standing Left to Right: Shizza Shahid (English Sub Editor) Sarah Mir (English Editor) Shazmeera Waheed (Urdu Sub Editor) Umber Nadeem (Urdu Editor)

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Message from the Principal When Hedda Gabler slammed the door behind her in Ibsen's "Doll House" it heralded the end of an era where women were labelled as frail and considered to be wall papers.

We have come a long way and have accepted the fact that if we want to see a more developed, peaceful and progressive world we have to make women a part and parcel of the mainstream. The exploitation and oppression faced by women has to end to pave way for prosperity and growth.

As an educationist I strongly believe in providing the young women of today with an environment that will help them to recognize the power 'within' and learn to use it to become strong and brave individuals. I believe in chiselling their talents and giving them the confidence to face the world with aplomb and verve. To empower them is to train them to take control of their lives, be able to make choices and attain the strength and courage to follow their dreams.

I end with a quote from Oprah Winfrey "It doesn't matter who you are or where you are from. The ability to triumph begins with you. Always."

Ms. Humaira Mahmood

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From the Chief Editor’s Desk How much work would a workaholic work if a workaholic could work work?

Most of you wouldn't know the answer. Add editing the Mosaic to that “To Do List” and you'll never find out!

Welcome dear readers to another exciting issue of the Mosaic! After months of running after you guys, pestering you to write articles, reminding you of lurking deadlines and pondering over how we can change the look of the magazine, under Ms. Rehana Rasul's guidance and missed deadlines, we proudly present this year's edition to you.

Never once did I realize how absolutely correct Collin Powel was when he said “A dream doesn't become reality through magic; it takes sweat, determination and hard work.”

Ever since the first edition of the Mosaic came out in 2004 I had dreamed of being on the Editorial Board. Thankfully, patience being a virtue paid off and here I am writing this “Note from the Chief Editor” (something I have an inkling most of my readers would skip, but for those of you kind enough to read through it, I'll try to make it interesting; emphasis on try :P).

So what do you do with such an opportunity? Make the most out of it? How? Here's what I think: you applaud the people who have made BLL what it is, who have made BLL proud, who have contributed to its success and have appreciated that it gave them the platform to realize their dreams. And ta da- you have this year's theme: Women Empowerment! Mosaic this year is dedicated to all those smart and unique young women who have not only done BLL proud but have set a precedent for women to take a stand for themselves. Gone are the days when women were confined to simply being the caretaker of the family; many are breadwinners now and why not?

Women are meant to be equal to men, not sequels!

Thankfully, my wonderful editors as well as Mrs. Humaira Mehmood, Ms. Rehana Rasul and Ms. Nasreen Shaukat shared my vision and there onwards started a marathon of getting together a plethora of poetry, articles, stories and what not. Though sifting through tons of written material when you have extra-curriculars and five heavy-duty A Level subjects isn't the best job in the world, I was pleasantly surprised how interesting it was to go through the thoughts of my fellow BLL-ites.

Whether it be the primary kids or the bratty middle-school teenagers or the too-cool-for-school O Level girls or the finally independent young A Level ladies, the sheer honesty in your writings and your different perceptions made it a pleasure to go through that pile of English extravagance. For those 6

who have their works published: congrats on getting your name published (:P), for those who didn't: you encouraged us editors by assuring us that our readers are eager to contribute. To everyone: thank you!

If a picture really is worth a thousand words, I'd like you to turn the pages of this magazine and judge for yourself the depth of this one line. From the absolutely mesmerizing art work by students to the few improvements in the format of the Mosaic, the overall image created by this year's edition is something we hope our readers will like. BLL's distinction of keeping things simple yet elegant is what makes the Mosaic not only entertaining but intellectual too. From the pictorials to a sneak peek into some of the school societies, social events to competitive tournaments, light-hearted fillers to the more serious fullers this year's magazine is sure to be a 'Mosaic' of the very essence of BLL! What I have only hinted at so far, however, is what makes this magazine what it is. Yes, it is YOU! You, who are reading this note just after getting your copy of the Mosaic. You, who have taken the Mosaic off your bookshelf after months for another read. You, who felt expressing a part of your soul through the school magazine was worth your time. And now, I hope it is YOU who believes it to be the most natural thing to own this very magazine. Without further ado, I ask you to turn the page and begin your journey of the most enthralling and colourful Mosaic yet and hope that regardless of the extent of how women are empowered we can hold our head high and repeat after Marilyn Monroe: “I don't mind living in a man's world as long as I can be a woman in it.�

Enjoy!

Aaisha Nisha Sikander Shah Chief Editor

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Editorial Note A few months back when school started, you could see A 'Level girls roaming the corridors, like vultures, glancing greedily at the notice board every other hour, trying to get their hands on ANY badge or post they could get, I being one of them. So, the moment the sign up for the Mosaic Editorial Board went up, I immediately put my name on it, without thinking twice. Being a true BLL-ite, this was the ONE thing I really wanted my name to be associated with, and as fate would have it, Ms. Rehana, Hirra and Nimra thought I was worthy of this honorable title of English Editor. Just hearing this made me feel like I was on cloud nine. Rack your brains and some of you might even remember hearing a high-pitched, sixteen year old girl running through the corridors screaming, “I got it! I got it!”-well, that was me.

When contributions started pouring in, the Pandora's Box in the shape of the Mosaic burst open, and I was unwillingly, brought back to Earth from cloud nine. We did get some really good and creative pieces of writing, though, and if you think choosing which ones would go in the magazine was tough, think again. Imagine girls running up to us with *shudder*, HANDWRITTEN material, claiming they did not have computers at home (something I refuse to believe), and we had to type AND edit it, despite the fact that we live in the twenty-first century.

To these extremely hectic tasks, add a part in the school's annual play, four not-so-easy Science subjects, an active social life, a Facebook account, and six T.V shows to follow, and you will get a suicidal teenager-ME-about to pull her precious hair out. Also, I must tell you that I boast a lot about the fact that I am good at time management, but that “quality” of mine most certainly went down the drain, in a course of four months.

There were deadlines (most of which were missed), irritated looks from Ms. Rehana (which, I must admit, were totally called for), meetings with the Printer (who happens to be a person responsible for the magazine's format and printing, and not the printer machine I had that misunderstanding, initially!), and so much more. Going through all of this reminds me of an amazing Coldplay lyric, “Nobody said it was easy, nobody said it would be this hard…”

Despite all this, you know what, it was totally worth it. This school has been a major part of my life and what better way to serve it than by representing its true essence in our magazine. For this I would really like to thank Ms. Rehana for believing in me, Aaisha for being just an amazing friend and multitasker, Shizza for being a great sport, and my family for all the encouragement. Looking back, I'll really miss correcting other people's grammar (much to the annoyance of friends and family), and I will probably NOT miss running after girls, begging to bring out their creative side and write ANYTHING for the magazine.

So, behold girls, the Mosaic 2012. I hope we do you proud. Please DO go through the written content and not just the pictures. For those whose contributions did not make the cut, I'm sorry and better luck next time, and for the critics out there, don't judge and just put yourself in our shoes and you'll realize that we are not professionals, but just a bunch of amateurs! So, go ahead, turn the page, and hope you enjoy going through the magazine.

P.S. if the Mayans are right and the world DOES end this year, I sincerely hope that we have produced an awesome enough magazine that can stand out amongst its predecessors.

Sarah Mir English Editor 8

Editorial Note I came downstairs after giving perhaps, the most intimidating interview of my life, for the editorial board. I remember randomly signing up for the interview and then even having second thoughts of whether I should go and give it. However, after a bit of encouragement from my friends, I was motivated and went ahead with it, and to my utter amazement, I was told that I had gotten the position on the Editorial Board as the Assistant English Editor.

I was excited and immediately wanted to begin with the work to really feel as a part of the editorial board. A thought which seems amusing now because of the overload of work that flew our way. Managing editorial work with studies and other extracurricular activities (basketball in my case) was a challenge for me which I could not have faced if not for the amazing partners I had, Aaisha and Sarah. I was extremely lucky to be able to work with understanding people like them. It was strenuous work going through all the poems, articles, short stories, and essays, and then selecting the best ones. To be honest, it was sometimes frustrating as well because of the extremely bad grammar and sometimes the awful content. Editing, my friends, is not as easy a job as it looks.

Before I end, I would like to mention that without the high tolerance level of Ms. Rehana, whose supervision has been the key to this magazine's success over the past years, it would have been impossible to bring to you, this year's Mosaic, with material worthy of being written by a BLL-ite.

Lastly, as a personal message to the readers, I would like to give a few words of advice. Never believe anyone who says you can't do something, because at the end of the day, it's you who shape your own destiny. Getting good grades so you can go to a good university, and then geting a highly paid job or getting married should not be your ultimate goal. Live independently and break out from the system that wants to chain you down. Resist the demands of the work-oriented and care for your soul, for it is your soul which will help you after this life is over.

Shizza Shahid Assistant English Editor

Message from Mrs. Rehana Rasul

Staff Coordinator

It is only when I sit down to write yet another message for the "Mosaic". I realize how time flies.

Every year the task maybe similar but each Editorial Board brings in its own colour and leaves its own imprint on the magazine. The only factors that remain constant are the dedication, perseverance and enthusiasm of the girls.

Thank you girls for your untiring efforts. You deserve kudos for a job well done!

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A Level Faculty

Senior School Faculty

Middle School Faculty

10

Primary School Faculty

Library

Aerobics Room

11

A Level Class of 2012

Abiha Abbas

Adeela Mariam

Aleena Hasnat

Aleena Shakeel

Alina Kamal

Kitty Aunty

Chill Pill

Commentator

Gawachi Gaan

Straightner Zindaabad

Amel Fatima

Amna Abbas

Amna Imtiaz

Anam Mushtaq

Anam Naeem

Toothless Tiger

Ladli

Imran Khan or PTI!

Phullan Devi

Books are my best friend

Aneeqa Zohair Mustafeez

Aqsa Babar

Areeba Saleem

Ayesha Amjad

Ayesha Bibi

Slow and steady wins the race

Desperate housewife

Kabhi tou nazar milao

Lost and rarely found

BB reborn!

Ayesha Nasir

Ayesha Shaukat

Azba Mazher

Azka Mustafa

Beenish Amir

Barely found

Bluffmaster

Sweet but silent

Army brat

Ami Jaan

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A Level Class of 2012

Dur-e-Najaf Shah

Eesha Qayyum

Elsa Asif

Faiza Imtiaz

Fareeha Farrukh

Bomb Bomb Phatta

Extra focused

Desi Maadel

School bathroom=Depilex

Who am I?

Fareeha Muazzam

Farheen Masood

Farwa Hassan

Fatima Anwer

Fatima Bashir

Chup chup kharay ho zaroor koi baat hai

Do I look lazy to you?

Nach Baliye

Mein albeli ghumoun akeli

Khamosh Muhabbat

Fatima Dawood

Fatima Mashal Khan

Fizza Tauseef

Hareem Fatima

Hawa Qasim

Silent mode

Makeup-ed

Bookworm

Chupi Rustam

I know it and you know it

Hirra Faisal

Huma Basharat

Iqra Sohail Awan

Izza Farooq

Izzat Fatima

Consisely sweet

Clueless

Bunker alert!

Bas bhai bas ziyada discuss nai chief sa'ab

Walkie talkie

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A Level Class of 2012

Javeria Shah

Khadija Masud

Khushboo Ajmal

Madnia Zahid

Maham Aziz

Naik Parveen

Cadbury

Ghum sum

Sweet and cute

CSC lover

Maheen Siraj

Mahnoor Ali

Maida Imran

Maria Zafar Hiraj

Maria Zakir

Asalam-o-alaikum

Masooma

Base, blush and brush

Multani mitti

Miserably Funny

Mehak Sajjad

Mehreen Ejaz

Mehreen Maryam Awam

Jhalla Dhalla

Paradox

Known-unknown

Ms. Straightforward

Chatterbox

Misha Saleem

Misha Sohail

Mishmal Adnan

Momina Imran

Momina Naveed

Not yet out of CSC

Ghayab

Tree Hugger

3-Pointer Pro

Chipmunk

Maryam Amer Aslam Maryam Manzoor Gill

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A Level Class of 2012

Naima Khan

Namra Arif

Namra Nadeem

Nimra Arshad

Noor-Ul-Huda Abbas

Sana Swaleh's better half

Thera Samandar

Too lazy to wake up

Here, there and everywhere‌for good!

Fashion Diva

Rabab Babar

Rabia Razzaq

Rameesha Mehboob

Ramsha Humayun

Ramsha Masood

Ophelia reincarnated

Sugarcane

Lost in the pages of time

Barely there

Early to school

Ramsha Tareen

Reesha Arshad

Resham Zafar

Rida Safdar

Rida Umer Butt

Corny reptile

Ms. Mathmatician

Tweety

Location unknown

Chota packet bara dhamaka

Rihab Chaudhary

Saadia Aqeel

Sabahat Maqsood

Saman Shahzad

Sameen Salman

Choti duniya

Chaabi-like

Blank face

Subtle

Bubbles

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A Level Class of 2012

Sana Latif

Sana Naveed

Sana Rehman

Sana Swaleh Khan

Seemal Tariq

Hugely missing

Me, my books and I

Scientific advisor

Maulvi shalwar

Toofan

Sehrish Mustafa

Shanzay Asim

Shiza Fatima

Sidra Naqvi

Soha Nawal Mehmood

Beauty without brains

Chilli Milli

Hockey stick

Qatilana Nazrein

Psychic

Tahira Malik

Tehreem Fatima Naqvi

Ujala Majid

Accent alert!

Petite

Cute as a duck

Burqa babe

Allah ki Shaan

Unza Munawwar

Urooj Husnain

Warda Naveed Dar

Wardah Khan

Zahra Abbas

Beauty parlour and back

Allergy

Ms. Goody two shoes

One more book to go

Sugar-coated

Sumbul Natalia Syeda Tathir Zahra Hussain

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A Level Class of 2012

Zahra Ajmal

Zainab Bukhari

Zainab Shahjehan

Zaman Ayub

Zara Iftikhar

Ghum sum part 2

Baby face

Barbie

Shehzadi

Desi Shakira

Zoya Hussain Desi born confused gori

Common Room Resource Room

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Outgoing Classes XI CA

XI CB

XI CC

XI CD

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Outgoing Classes XI CE

XM A

XM B

Food & Nutrition Lab

19

Staff Administrative Staff

Photocopier

Custodian Staff

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Alumni “You educate a man; you educate a man.

You educate a woman; you educate a generation.”

“Amreeki Saazish” Sehar Sarah Sikander Shah

Sehar Sarah completed her O Levels in 2002 and A Levels in 2004 from BLL. After completing her BSC (hons) in Economics from LUMS, she did MA Poverty and Development from the University of Sussex.

Currently she is studying MA Politics at the New York University.

I stopped at the foot of the steps leading up to the National Museum of American History and stared down at my shadow, which pooled around my sneakers. Was I really in the mood for a 'Celebrate America' hour at this museum? Why should I subject myself to a full-blown aggrandizement of the American history when so much about America pains me each day?

I turned to walk on – the Natural History Museum might bore me, but it wouldn't make a vessel pop in my head at least.

Then I stopped.

Had I come all the way to Washington DC simply to take pictures of the 4th of July fireworks?

Here, in the city where pretty much a lot of the world (and certainly my own country) is run, was I going to be a tourist, buy a crummy snow globe for a souvenir and not really learn anything about what the great U-S-of-A is all about?

Perhaps it was the searing heat of DC at noon which messed up my thinking, or the fact that anything remotely linked to history calls out to me in a way that I cannot resist; I found myself opening the door of the museum and stepping into the cool main lobby, facing a larger than life metalsheet replica of the American flag.

Fifteen minutes, I thought to myself as I grabbed a copy of the floor maps- and I can tick this off my to-see list.

The 'Communities in a Changing Nation' section is where I began my journey – from deep suspicion of this country, to understanding and respect.

History is what one makes of it – one can take several lessons out of it, or none – and one can interpret it in different ways. The story of America which unfolded for me that afternoon, changed the way I view it forever. It is a story of people, who struggled and eventually fought a war against an extractive monarchy (the motherland, Great Britain) and declared themselves independent from it in 1776. The British returned to fight for the settled colony and a state of war between the two lasted until the British formally abandoned any claims to American land under the Treaty of Paris in 1783.

Thereafter, the handful of newly independent States worked tirelessly to build a nation which Americans today are supremely proud of. The task was not simple, and certainly not peaceful. In April 1861, America broke out in a civil war between the Northern and Southern States over the emancipation of slaves (which were vital to the cotton-based economy of the American South). Four years of war ravaged the country and split the people, but what emerged eventually was a stronger, more united nation – which had dealt with turbulence and overcame it. The end of Civil War marked the end of slavery in America and the physical freedom of thousands of African American slaves.

But African-Americans were hardly free from discrimination or treated equally for another 90 years. African Americans (or 'Blacks' as they were called back in the day), organized a Civil Rights Movement (1955- 1968) for the restoration of dignity to their lives and for equality as citizens of the country. We know the names of Martin Luther King Jr, Malcolm X, W.E.B du Bois and Rosa Parks – but do we really understand the degree of discrimination against which they struggled? At the most basic 21

level of human dignity – they fought for the right of a 'Black' woman to sit in a public bus without having to give up her seat to a 'White' man or woman. Equality of economic opportunity or the right to vote are a whole different story altogether. It took nearly 100 years after the American Independence, for the 'Blacks' to achieve equality as citizens. A long and hard-won accomplishment indeed, and fairly recent (Pakistan was preparing to dismember itself by this time).

But then, you're all fairly well read and know the American history. Why must I rehash the events?

Rewind to a day earlier, when I watched a proud Pakistani doctor and his wife happily take the Naturalization Oath of Allegiance to the USA in a televised ceremony (it was the 4th of July) and remark how “it is a great feeling to be part of this great country, where you can use your intellectual ability freely because you aren't worried about inflation, food, water, electricity and essentially your life”.

How many of us haven't shared these very sentiments? How many Independence Days, Eids and New Years have come and gone – which we have celebrated half heartedly, lamenting over the loss of our comforts in our beautiful Land of the Pure? How many times have we sighed for a messiah to come and change our country's fortunes? How many of us plan to get into the best school abroad, find a job there and stay? Heck, how many of us despise and decry American policies visa vis Pakistan and the Muslim world at large, yet won't turn down an offer of citizenship from the same? Yes, America is great in many ways – but the journey to greatness was not easy by any account- it was turbulent, divisive and sought the sacrifice of people along the way.

Conflicted in my heart, I had entered the museum where I was struck with a clarity I had not felt in months since coming to America. What makes this country so 'great' in the eyes of many people is the result of decades of sustained introspection and sacrifice. America is for Americans and their leaders have invested time, money and energy to make this country what it is. When they deviate from this path, their people hold them accountable and check the government. We may dislike America's foreign policy – but we should be intelligent enough to see that it benefits the average American more than it harms him/her. We may view its motives in its relations with Pakistan with suspicion, but we mustn't ignore the reasons why it can choose to dictate policies to other countries – because of its strength from within.

Can we say the same for our country and government? Is Pakistan for Pakistanis? Have we fought and overcome discrimination based on religion, ethnicity, language, gender etc – things one cannot change – not to forget economic class, political affiliations etc – things we can? Why do we hate America for looking after its interests when we can't (correction: won't) look after our own? Is it an 'Amreeki Saazish' when we choose to turn a blind eye to the injustice in our country? Does America make us apathetic to the bloodshed of innocents which we can't stop, but won't protest against either?

And why should we even pretend to care about our own history - who really cares whether Jinnah wanted a country where minorities would be safe and equally respected as the Muslim majority; who cares about the ethnic injustice which tore our country in two in 1972 and why bother studying the long term implications of Zia's 'Islamization Policies'? For it is clearly and undeniably, an Amreeki Sazish, which prevents us from opening our books and our minds.

As long as we're in a comfortable state of denial – where we can blame everyone else except ourselves for the chaos in our country – we can sleep easily at night. We can dream about the next party we'll be attending, the next new dress, the next gadget we'll buy or the next movie we'll watch in the cinema; cocooned in our bubble, where the images of flood-hit families or conflict-affected children do not register a change in our pulse rate. After all, they are of another land, another reality, not ours.

One can only hope that everyone has their evacuation plan ready and escape exits marked clearly – because unless we take responsibility for our own country and struggle to overcome our difficulties together, as one nation – we are all going to crash land collectively. And what a complete waste of time and good money, I say, when we won't allow our education to help save us from ourselves.

22

Memories of Liberty Campus Amber Nasir Ahmad

Amber did her O' Levels from Liberty Campus in 2004. She did her A' levels from Beaconhouse Garden Town. B.Sc Economics and Finance, and M.Sc Economics from Lahore School of Economics. She is currently working at Lahore School as a Teacher's Associate and Research Assistant.

As I walked through the gates of this red brick building, a flood of memories eroded my mind. My eyes craved to see all the familiar faces-of Afzal uncle�, who remembered all the names and their respective faces, of Miss Zakira and Miss Almakky, who taught us how to discipline ourselves to live in this world, of my old childhood friends, most of whom are married now. But what I saw was something I'd never expected. The ground where we used to do PT, with Miss Sohaila had been turned into a day care centre. The area where we had grown up playing hide and seek had been totally taken over by the new wing. I felt cheated. I felt left out. I felt betrayed. This was my home!

Beaconhouse Liberty Campus was, and still is my home. Now that I am done with studies and am doing a job, I realize that the years spent in this beautiful campus were indeed the best of my life.

Although when I was here, my feelings were entirely different. I hated standing in a line for being late.

I hated being questioned why I had missed a class. I hated my nails being checked for length and nail colour. “We are grown up, man! We should be allowed to do as we want�, we complained relentlessly. Now I'm in a university, where nobody cares if I come late or don't show up at all. No one questions my dressing or my style. And guess what? I long to have someone care for me. Look out for me. Protect me from this world and its evils. I long to come back to MY campus, be engulfed in its arms and be protected. But unfortunately, time never comes back.

Whatever I am today, I owe it to my teachers at Liberty Campus. I have been a part of an IMF conference, been a Joint secretary of the debating society at my university, went to all types of debate competitions to represent my institution. None of this would have been possible if Miss Rehana Rasul had not spent hours, teaching us how to raise and lower our voices during speeches. How to pronounce words correctly, how to face the crowd. I would not have been able to get the best speaker's title, if Miss Nasreen had not been patient in teaching me to write and recite verses. I would not have been able to solve complicated econometric models, if Sir Nadeem and Sir Asim had not been consistent in teaching us Maths and that to with a soft smile!

I had my first debating session here after passing through intensive auditions. I performed for the first time on stage in the annual play. I, along with my best friends, made our first secret society and also had a secret spot in the school. We had our first crushes in this school (Nick Carter and Leonardo Dicaprio). I started wearing shalwar kameez here and got introduced to dupatta(sash). Our biggest problem was, who would become a part of the Council, and who would not. Who would make it to the annual prize distribution and who would not? Our biggest worry was that no one should find out our secret spot or copy our secret names. How small and innocent our issues were!

We love to complain about whatever we have. We too used to complain non stop, about how ill equipped our library and computer labs were. How we were not allowed to have mixed parties.

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How we were not allowed to leave the campus without our guardians. Now that I look back I realize that it was in that very same library where the “library discussions” built in us the confidence to raise our voices for what is just. Stand up for what we believe in. There are no inhibitions in us now. We can do whatever we want to. Party all night long. Do all kind of daring stuff. But none of it means anything to me! The memories of those carnivals and garden parties, where we had limited amount of cash, still warm my heart to the core. Those silly clumsy dances of ours, made us have immense fun. It was the strictness with regard to parties, which built in us this sense of ethics and morals. It was these very rules and principles that kept us safe from being kidnapped, being lost or being led astray and helped us keep our focus on what really mattered-career and relationships.

I know I sound old. I know I sound nostalgic. I know I sound typical. Whatever I'm saying must bore all you teenagers out there. But trust me, this is the best time that you are having, or ever will.

Friends that you'll make here, will last you a lifetime. Lessons you learn here will stay with you, no matter where you go. Value this time. Enjoy this time. Make the most out of it. Don't waste it in complaining about what you are not allowed to do. Rather be grateful for what you are allowed to do. In short-ENJOY AND LEARN! As Dorothy said, “there is no place like home”.

There are no shortcuts to any place worth going – Beverly Sills

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“We are Children of Beaconhouse Liberty; We Work Like a Happy Family!”

Mehwish Waqar

Mehwish Waqar completed her O Level in 2006 and A Levels in 2008 from BLL, securing a silver medal in both. She is currently doing her BBA from FAST-NU. “We are children of Beaconhouse Liberty; we work like a happy family”.

This sounded like a meaning- less random song to me, something that we were supposed to sing every morning at the top of our voices, even though half of us were still thinking about our cozy beds. It was not until I reached the senior section that I actually realized how deep each word of the song was.

Okay guys, it's so not going to be a normal kind of an alumni article, in which old students are usually whining about how badly they thought about their school and ended up loving it crazily after they had left it. My case was a little different! I had loved every single thing about my school even back then, when I was very much a part of it. It was honestly like a second home to me, because I had been part of this school all my life. In fact, even after O levels when I had the choice of leaving it, I preferred staying back. That's because I couldn't even imagine going to a school, other than BLL. This was MY school!!

Even the whole magazine won't be enough if I start mentioning all the fun times that I have had here. It may sound clichéd but it has truly been the best time of my life!! From the monthly assessments, to the final exams, from the welcomes to the farewells, from the mid breaks to the free periods, from the result days to the school trips, from the uniform signing to the surprise birthdays, from the “coloured- clothes-on-birthdays” to the A levels designer uniform, from the convocations to the prize distribution ceremonies….I have had it all….! This place has given me so much that I am truly indebted, to all my teachers, to every single person who works in this institution.

As for the students who are still lucky enough to be a part of it, I know most of you guys hate this place (or at least complain about it) but just go through the alumni section of the magazine and you will realize how many people like you have absolutely fallen in love with it immediately after leaving it. Enjoy every bit of being here. This place deserves much more than your whining!

I can't even tell you guys how much this place has contributed in making me the kind of person that I am today. As an ending note I would just like to say that BLL holds a very special place in my heart. The time that I spent here, every moment is so unforgettable! This red building has truly made a big mark in my life and words are not enough to explain how much it means to me. Love you BLL...

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The Cost of Being Away Laila Kasuri

Laila Kasuri completed her O Levels in 2007 and A Levels in 2009 from BLL, securing gold medals in both. She also held the prestigious post of 'President of All Societies'. Currently she is studying at Harvard on a full scholarship.

It's hard to believe that I have completed two years here at Harvard and am almost done with college. I remember so vividly filling out my Common App in the BLL computer room and especially my anxiety during my final year of A Levels, when decisions were coming out. Looking back at myself three years ago, I can hardly imagine how much I have changed. Mind you, I speak not as one of those sages who think they know everything. We have too many of such sages walking around in the world for us to handle. However, the change that I see in myself is that I know much less about life – I only know how uncertain it is.

Last year may have probably been the most transformative for me, for I had to cope with the loss of my maternal grandfather. He was not like the usual grandfather; in my particular case, he was like another parent, who was extremely involved in my life. Of course, when he was alive, I would call him nosy, but now, I fondly remember his concern for me. Even as a student at BLL, it was he who attended all my parent teacher meetings and school ceremonies. His level of involvement in my life was pretty high and when I went away for college, it was my grandfather who was affected the most.

While my parents tried to remain busy with their respective jobs to avoid missing me, my grandparents had no such job. I was their “job”. I knew that going to the US would have a major effect on their lives. When I left, I created a void in their lives, which I could only fill over breaks. Now, they are gone and have left that void in my life; except this void cannot be filled. When many of us enter our college lives, we tend to get involved in too many things and spread ourselves too thin. We have shorter conversations on the phone with our families and less frequent Skype sessions. However, it is in college that most of us get to experience the loss of a loved one, which often comes as a great blow to our egos. We realize that we have very little control over the most important "decision" about our lives and the lives of our loved ones.

When my grandfather passed away last year, the hardest thing for me to deal with was the fact that he would never come back. Those are the words that still ring in my ears. His death was not unfair –yet the irony of dying at an old age is that you lose someone you are very close to and who means more to you than a grandfather. Hence, when I cried at my grandfather's funeral, it was not because it was unfair. I cried because I will never get to talk to him again, or hug him, or go on morning walks with him or sip 'chai' with him while watching the news.

My college degree will probably help me in a number of things. Sure, I may land myself with a high-paying consulting job and many will say “Wow, you went to Harvard.” It is definitely a great feeling. But this does come at the cost of being away from parents, a cost that is often under-estimated.

So, when I walk away from college, the most valuable thing I walk away with, is knowing the true value of spending quality time with family. Even if that quality time means arguing with our parents, fighting for more personal freedom and independence, calling them old-fashioned and whining at all the rules that they get to make. I think this is what I miss the most being away from them. I kid you not, there is NO ONE in college who I can say all this to and get away with it :) 26

For most of us Pakistanis, all this may come as nothing new. We all pretty much know the value of parents, we love them, adore them etc. etc. However, what we don't value as much is living near them. In fact, since we have spent our entire lives with them, we take it for granted, and we want to move away from them. In our prime time of youth, all we want to do is be 'independent'. However, our independence does come at a cost, something I only realized when I went away to college. So while my time in the US has been the best in my life and has provided me with some of the greatest opportunities that the world can offer, it has helped me realize that nothing and no one is more important than our parents and there is no replacement for the time spent with them. Don't take the value of spending time with family for granted because it will never come back. Even if you have to sit through boring and mundane discussions and talk about political conspiracy theories, - cherish it because that time doesn't come back!

The reason grandparents and grandchildren get along so well is that they have a common enemy – Sam Levenson

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My Life At Liberty Anam Saud

Anam did her O' Levels and A'Levels from BLL and graduated in 2009.

She is currently studying at NUST. For everyone else, Beaconhouse Liberty Campus is an educational institute, but for me it is my home away from home. The ten years spent here were a roller coaster ride. Every moment spent inside this red brick building was extraordinary.

I was in the Sports Club, where I began my sports career in basketball and it still goes on. I will always be very thankful to BLL for giving me the platform and the opportunity for showcasing and polishing my sporting talent. And how can I possibly forget the basketball practices. God! Sir Asher made us run for our lives. After school, it used to get worse. There was no water in the school, the canteen was closed and we were panting like dogs! But it was the coolest time I ever had, and the victories in the matches that followed, were enough for us as a reward. I truly miss the basketball court of BLL, because it was my first and true love.

Even more, I had never attended a library class in my ten years of studying at BLL. For me, library class meant basketball training and if ever due to some strange circumstance, I made it to the library, the librarian used to request me to leave the place.

And how can I possibly forget my experience as a council member. Man! Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. Though I was a council member, I disagreed with a large chunk of the school policies. Things like: ?

No cell phones.

?

No kajal in the eyes.

?

No joggers allowed. (Thank God, I was always in the school basketball team)

After my O'Levels, I decided to go to LGS for A' Levels, but fate brought me back to BLL and undoubtedly, this was the best decision fate ever made for me. The A' Level years at BLL were the most amazing time of my life. We were the ''big girls'' and took full advantage of that! Almost every alternate day, we used to be at Capri for the 'halwa puri ka nashta'.

Here, I would like to extend a big 'Thank You' to Mrs. Rabia Malik, our fairy godmother! She was a one-man show. From A to Z, she managed to look after the A-Level department, and above all she has made me the person I am today.

Saying good-bye to BLL was impossible, but when I walked out of this place, I was confident to face the world ahead of me and I am still proud to be called a “Beaconite� of Liberty Campus!

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When the Bubble Bursts Ammen Usman

Ammen Usman completed her A Levels from BLL in 2010. She is currently studying in the Pakistan Institute of Fashion Designing (PIFD).

As I sit down to write something for the Mosaic, I am wondering how I will come up with some “good” stuff that Ms Rehana will actually approve…

And then I decided to pen down my experiences which I have had so far after leaving BLL. I still remember back in my A2, how sick I was of school life how badly I wanted to get rid of it and the day I entered my university, I realized that school was the best place, especially a school like BLL. It was home, I found a big happy family there, I fell in love with that red brick building, its corridors, the people, everything! In a university things are different, you come here, you attend classes and you go back home, there are so many people with so many different backgrounds that it's hard to even have that feeling. So no matter how annoying school life is, it's way better than what comes ahead.

Cultural shock awaits us in every university, no matter if it's LUMS or NUST or LSE or NCA or FAST or PIFD or any other institution. While doing A levels, we go to different events and meet almost the same people everywhere, we think this will continue forever and we will always come across such people but that's certainly not the case. A levels students are a small percentage compared to the students who come from small cities and towns after doing Matriculation and F.A/ FSC. I realized this after coming to PIFD. The difficult part starts when you have to spend the next four years with them, do assignments and presentations with them. I am NOT saying that they are inferior to us in any way or less capable or do not belong to a good family background but unfortunately many of us (who have done A levels) think that way. This behaviour becomes prominent in group discussions. In the same way they are not comfortable around us because they feel we won't treat them fairly. It's very important to get rid of this attitude when you start university because you will meet so many people who might not look impressive or might not dress according to the latest trends but they are actually the “cool” people in the true sense, they will get 4 GPA, they will give awesome presentations and wow the instructors with their CP (class participation).

Many of us want to get into LUMS but unfortunately only some of us do. The ones who don't, think it's the end of the world and no other institution is worthy of their attention. That's not the case, there are so many other institutions which are offering some great programmes, all we have to do is broaden our horizon and look around.

Despite all the tough time that university gives you, it is a great experience because it polishes you; it teaches you so much about life and people. What is needed is that you start this new chapter with less expectations, take things as they come your way and give it your best.

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A Trip Down Memory Lane Priscilla Liu

Priscilla Liu completed her O Levels in 2009 and A Levels in 2011 from BLL. She is currently studying in Lahore School of Economics.

As I sit here penning down my thoughts about life, BLL automatically comes into my mind. While this place brings back wonderful memories, I can't help but become depressed whenever I think about it which compels me to curse time for being so short. However, there comes a point when we must move on whether we like it or not. I am no exception.

Trust me, I really did not want to part with it because of spending almost a decade there but the thought of starting my new life at university forced me to divert my attention away from it. It was proved that this was impossible as things had gotten a lot tougher than I expected.

I completed both my O and A Levels here at BLL. Graduating in 2009 from the former and 2011 from the latter, I always complained about the difficulty of my subjects. In O Levels, they were Economics, Business and Food Studies with the five core subjects. I never thought about the weird concept of changing subjects which most students adhered to so I continued with both Economics and Business in A Levels while making a slight change i.e. I opted for Psychology instead. *whispers* I never had the interest nor nerve of going for those killer science subjects which my other geeky friends chose!

BLL was never complete for me without the pursuit of some extra-curricular activities. I mostly took part in sports like netball, basketball, throw ball and managed to end up being a part of the winning team. I did put in my best effort and sports taught me all about teamwork which was one of the best lessons in my life. Kudos to our dashing Khadija Afzal and Sabeen Azhar who have been the backbone of our sports! Apart from that, I participated in a social welfare trip to the Rising Sun for handicapped children and was in the media team for gig night management 2011. The most prestigious post for me, however, was that of the movie society's vice president from 2010-2011! I owe the A Level administration a lot for this.

I have to thank all my teachers especially the O and A Level ones for shaping me up into the person I am now. Believe me, I deemed myself as useless when I entered my teens because of my panic attacks and failure to comprehend things as easily as others did but my experiences in my senior years, especially in A Level, taught me that everyone has some talent or the other and mine happened to be writing. A special thanks to Ms. Nadia, my English teacher, for making me realize my potential and sparking up my desire to get an A in my Language paper (which I did). Due to her effort, I am now working online as a freelance writer for Writers Inc. Other important personalities include Ms. Akbar, our senior Islamiat teacher whose lectures I contributed to by remaining silent in her classes, Miss Seema, my Food Studies mentor whose constant scolding and practice sessions earned me my well deserved A, Miss Kulsoom, my Urdu instructor whose encouragement got me a B (although I was going to fail in this one so badly), Miss Amtul Seema, a very motherly instructor who supported me a lot in Math (my nemesis) and many more including Miss Rohama, Miss Mohsina who is undoubtedly one of the best Economics teachers and my saviours in Pak Studies, the dexterous Ms. Sabahat and our former guide Miss Saira.

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I have sweet Ms. Rabia to thank because of her constant effort to make me understand Accounting although it was definitely not my subject. She is certainly one of the most dedicated mentors around and I owe her for inspiring me never to give up which is why I geared up in my second year and gave it all that I could. Sir Kashif, a very knowledgeable Business teacher, Sir Mumtaz, an extremely special Economics guide (though I thought that he was too experienced for me but his lessons did pay off) and Sir Khwaja Usman, my Psychology sir whose jokes I miss so much! It was due to his witty character that I managed to complete his subject in just a year. I must not forget Miss Lala Rukh and Miss Romana either. Thank you so much!

Since then, I have never doubted my abilities. I claimed that I was not going to get into any university at all but I got admission in UMT and my name was in the first merit list. However, I chose to go to LSE and here I owe all my current As, Bs, A- and B- in my midterms to my former teachers. I must also thank my wonderful juniors, the batch of 2012, for being such great friends! You guys are really respectful and co-operative.

A final word of advice: give all your best to BLL. No other school is worth this honour so make it a point to appreciate what all the teachers there do for you by making them proud.

I now conclude with one of William Shakespeare's quotes: “Parting is such sweet sorrow�

Good, better, best. Never let it rest.

Until your good is better, and your better is best - Tim Duncan

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Maisha Katika Kenya (Life In Kenya) Apsra Nasir

Apsra Nasir completed her O Levels from BLL in 2009. She was also a part of the Student Council.

We are moving to Kenya? But that is like a desert, no? This, without exaggeration, was my reaction to the news that my family was moving to Kenya. Of all the places, Kenya? Wait- isn't Kenya enveloped in a political turmoil? And the wild animals there! What if I'm eaten by a lion or something…and…and the FOOD! They say there are no KFCs and McDonalds there. How would I ever survive? To top it all, this was the first time I was moving to a new country, and leaving Pakistan never sat well with me. I mean it's Pakistan, my country, my identity, my mother land, my dress, my accent, my values, my eternal (and somewhat legendary) love for food and cricket. In short, I did not just stuff and wrap up Pakistan in a localized part of my body, my heart. No, I was everything Pakistani for the best and I discovered for the worst too.

So, two years ago, after taking my O'Levels exams, I moved to Kenya along with all my fears and misconceptions about Africa that I had garnered over the seventeen years of my life. Coming out of the airport, one of the first things I observed was that KENYA IS NOT A DESERT! THERE ARE TREES HERE! On my way to my new home in Limuru, I saw each and every shade of the colour green. Thick, lush green blankets of tea fields lay happily wherever I looked. By the time I reached home, the heavenly beauty had me hypnotized. Still dazed, I hardly saw two huge, very huge women running towards me with their arms wide open and all of a sudden, I was squeezed in a group hug between the two most gigantic women I had ever seen, Agnes and Joyce. Hugs had never felt this way before. That was a true, ''Jadoo ki jhappi'' So far, Kenya had proved to be the opposite of everything that I had expected it to be. In the days that followed, I became happily accustomed to eating lunch in the garden while monkeys played around the trees bordering my home; I looked forward to seeing unknown Kenyan faces always greeting me with selfless smiles and frequent hugs. I treasure those nights when I sat in the kitchen and watched my two year old brother and eight year old sister dance to Swahili songs with Agnes and Joyce. Then for Christmas break, my family decided to go to Masai Maara. I mean to live in Kenya and not go to the Maara? That's like living in Lahore and never going to Gawaal Mandi, impossible! So, for our Christmas break, we packed our bags, loaded a jeep and made way towards our lodge in a six hour car ride. The raw beauty of the Maara land, the unparalleled excitement of seeing the BIG 5, being attacked by monkeys, falling asleep to the sweet lullaby of the hippopotamus was everything and so much more than I had ever expected to experience. But for me, the highlight of the trip was a marriage proposal from a Masai. He offered a hundred cows to my family in exchange for me. True story! See I am telling you, these Masai people are very generous.

Apart from all this, Kenya would always be dear to me, because this is the place where I, for the first time, set foot on the beach. For me, going to a coast had always been a very big deal and those early morning walks and late night strolls on the white beach in Diani (Mombasa) are simply the most treasured memories for me now. Alas, in this piece of heaven, we had school to go to as well. After a few hours of thinking, really a few hours, I decided to enroll in The International School of Kenya and instead of doing A 'Levels, I opted to do International Baccalaureate (IB) which unfortunately, is widely unknown in Pakistan. The next two years of my life were spent studying English Literature, French, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics and Economics; a subject I had always wanted to study.

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Apart from the arduous and rigorous syllabus of each of the subjects, all IB students take a twosemester Theory of Knowledge class; write a 4000 word Extended Essay and complete 150 hours of CAS (Creativity, Activity and Service). Moreover to have a last laugh at us IB students, IB made it compulsory for us to pass the TOK class (which includes passing a presentation and a 2000 words essay). At times the workload and the pressure of ''deadlines'' became so intolerable that my friends and I would just give up, throw our hands up and randomly quote Coldplay “Nobody said it was easy, no one ever said it would be this hard, Oh! Take me back to the start…”

However, through all those “I give up” phases, I had some really amazing friends to turn to.

Friends back home as well as the ones in Kenya. They have taught me as much as I have taught them.

Some lessons were not easy to learn, some I did not want to learn but none that I regret learning. I say this from experience readers, it's easy to preach your beliefs and opinions in your safe zone, Pakistan is my safe zone, but when you go out in the world and you learn something that we Pakistanis should be taught from primary school; tolerance. It's wired in our DNA to dislike anyone who questions our practices, culture and especially our religion. We think that everything we do, all our practices, be it cultural or religious, are absolutely right, well so does everyone else about their practices and religion.

We all think we are right, doing the right thing, following the perfect religion, but we need to realize, others feel as patriotic for their country, as protective, passionate and sensitive towards their culture and religion, as we do. I understand we can't completely accept these differences, but we need to tolerate them. It's a small world; get your beliefs straight, think about them, at times question them, get a little philosophical at times. And readers, ''because my parents taught me so'' is not a correct answer. Trust me, once you know your mind and heart ''aal iz well'' Lastly, to all those O'Level, Matric and A'Level students, if you want to get through High School, STUDY!!! There's no other way out. If you want to ''live'' through High School, then study on Skype the night before the exams, pout when you are being scolded, wink at friends sitting outside the Principal's office, smile and mean it, make strangers your lifelong friends, laugh at friends when they turn eighteen before you, steal their lunch every day, be clueless about your future but be prepared to give up that habit, never ever let your schooling interfere with your education, and once in a while, calm down! It's going to be hard, it's going to be easy, it's going to be hopeless, and it's going to be useless, it's going to be amazing, it's going to be perfect; in short, it's going to be LIFE! Best of Luck!

For me and Kenya, well I know that I may go to other countries and see their culture but I am sure of one thing; never in my life would I ever be influenced by any other country, its people, music, language, culture or food as strongly as I have been influenced and humbled by Kenya. Living there was a great experience for me. Even now when I show pictures of my home in Kenya and people there to my friends in Pakistan, all I hear from them is ''YOU LIVE IN A JUNGLE?” and, “Oh my dark people look so dangerous! Don't they scare you?” and the most obnoxious being, “Did you learn to speak African?” However, their questions do not offend me because their clueless facial expressions tell me that they know nothing about the magnificence of Africa and unfortunately they have not experienced the amiability and beauty of the African people, yet. Kenya is my surrogate country.

Thus, I consider myself lucky to have experienced a different culture, seen the life of people in a country like Kenya, and to be fortunate enough to erase the stereotype the media had created in my mind about Africa, Africans and the wider world.

P.S. All my friends and I proudly graduated in May 2011. Go Lions!

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The InningsThe of My LifeIn Us Crazy Rohma Zubair Alieha Shahid

Rohma did her O' levels from Liberty Campus in 2011 scoring 9As. Currently, she is studying in Li Po Chun United World College of Hong Kong on 80% scholarship.

I think well played, have I The innings of my life It has been a long journey Oh my!

I shall not deny it That now I have grown tired Of fulfilling my dreams, my wishes And my desires Some things I have accomplished Yet in others I have failed I don't know in this voyage of success How far have I sailed The future, I revere The past, I forsake I did not enjoy the present That has been my biggest mistake I fought with the conspiracy of greed Walked an ever blurring line; between Loyalty and betrayal, survival and destruction Attack and retreat It was too late When I realized I shouldn't have Trusted, thee In this world where danger and deception dominate No more do I trust my fate Now my heart merely pumps the blood It does not feel the emotions flood For eternal rest and peace As I yearn, I shout The umpire; My God, My Lord Finally declared me out With my bat tucked under my arm I now walk towards the pavilion Finally my upper and lower eyelids entangle with each other As I lie deathly still in serenity and calm‌

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Between Two Lungs Ayesha Raees

Ayesha did her O' Levels from Liberty Campus in 2011. She is currently studying in LGS Paragon.

Between two lungs it was released, The breath it was held within me You looked this way Ink splash.

Breathless again.

My feet sprang wings Falling above The breath you took away I am fighting for it to get it back

You stood smiling Holding my breath Making the flowers come to life My eyes daze And I fly down

Trapped There is something else between my lungs My breath is still in your hands.

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My Years At BLL Faria Latif Sami

Faria did her O'Levels from BLL in 2011, with straight A*'s. She is currently studying at Beaconhouse A'Levels Gulberg Campus.

Who would have thought the 'choti si ainak wali pappu bachi' will one day, walk on the stage as 'Miss Liberty' with the sash and a tiara? I didn't.

BLL, for me is not a school or an institution; it is four amazing years of experience. Amazing not because my days there were always joyous, filledwith-extreme-awesomeness and all, but because I lived through both happy and sad moments and not to forget the 'angry lamhaat'.

In seventh grade, I used to be the little kid who went home crying, telling papa how the teacher deducted one of my marks 'unjustly' and how the other girl got a star on her work when she didn't even colour it while I did and I got nothing. LOL…. I know, right. It was kind of a dark age for me.

But who knew 8th grade was to be a golden period. Special thanks to my dearest friends Ayesha, Nida and Iqra.

We named our group 'the Fancy Fakirrz'. Haha! I so miss those crazy water fights, ink fights, the never-ending jokes,the masti, the inter-section Science Competition we won! Though the judges didn't know all the liquid flowing in those veins in our 'blood circulatory model' was actually showering on my uniform, at the back. =p Then the separation in 9th grade called for a new class, new people and a new start. The introduction to O'level as some terrifying monster that will eat you up (either you study or not) was really disturbing. All the lectures by teachers on the first day really worked. I still remember Sir Kamran declaring it as a war. ''Yeh aik jang hai beta, jissay humein mil kar larna hai aur jeetna hai… aur hum jeetienge InshahAllah!!''

Oh how much we adored sitting on the front seat of the middle row! I now think, “What?Why?''. I still remember getting those mini panic attacks when it was my turn to read my piece of essay out aloud in the English classes. Miss Kulsoom's 'tch tch tch' when it came to “Muashray ki badhaali”, Miss Seema's exceptional love for her students, Miss Nazia's chill attitude when teaching Chemistry, Sir Kamran's motivational political lectures, Miss Uppal's love for History is greatly missed. Thank you to all my teachers for their help and support!

Having graduated, I have now realized: It was okay to have long nails and get scolded for a day (It was even cooler to get away with it), to get in class five minutes late (I have now made a habit of it and am proud of it.), to have worn kajal and let your flicks fall on your face. =p But I didn't do any of it, trying to be a perfectionist.

On the last day of my school, I was so happy to be leaving; I have no words to describe. Looking forward to a 'cool' life at Kinnaird, bunking classes, living like a boss-I was the happiest kid on earth. =D Thanks to dengue holidays, I could live like that for a month only, but it was worth it!

Life took an interesting yet much unexpected turn. I, the' masum , shareef, pappu bachi', somehow 36

(I don't know how) landed in ALGC. It's not bad though. But it's a complete school type college and pre-dominantly a boy's campus.

Nevertheless, I still get to experience something new, something interesting each day.

I miss so much here, the list is too long. But Saamia, my bestie, you deserve a special mention. I miss us a lot! The hi-fives, the silly jokes‌long chats and bursts of laughter, not realizing the class had started, the very exciting breaks in which we used to meet. At times, it was the only reason I was tolerating school. Our friendship is so unique; no wonder people are astonished to know we weren't even in the same section! All those friend quotations and songs now have a meaning for me. Before I met you, I was like ''aisay rishtay siraf kitabon mein hi hotay hain!''

I used to talk about how much I want to get out of BLL when one senior told me '' once you graduate you are going to miss your school like anything!''. Well, I'd like to add that you may not really like your school but you will surely miss those corridors you walked in once, hand in hand with your BFF, the classrooms you were praised in by your teachers, the backsides where you celebrated birthdays. You will miss the auditorium where you once laughed as an audience at the astonishingly humorous debates or the stage where you walked like a boss, the paper talks and inside jokes during the most serious lectures. Most of all, you will miss the gate where Uncle Afzal's smile never fails to greet you each day! May God bless him!

It's funny how I was always fed up with the monotonous routine of school life yet I have so much more to add!

In BLL, I learned to hang on to hope and to keep on struggling, to dream big and to have faith. The bitter half of my life at Liberty prepared me to face the world (if not ALGC :p) while the better half will always be cherished as precious, golden memories that never fail to make me smile.

Maturity is a high price to pay for growing up – Tom Stoppard

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'Nostalgia of a Diehard Beaconite' Mahrukh Beg

Mahrukh Beg completed her Matriculation from BLL in 1994. She was also a part of the student council. She did her undergraduate studies from Kinniard College.

I was asked by my niece to pen down something about my time in Beaconhouse Liberty Campus, so when I finally sat to write hundreds of memories came back and I now have a major case of nostalgia blues.

I, Mahrukh Beg am a hard core Beaconite- never went to any other school ever, for me this school is a major part of my life, my identity and my being.

Grade 1 was in 1984, 1985 Main Boulevard Campus, '86 Garden Town Campus, 1990 Firdous Market Campus and then finally we landed in Liberty Campus in 1992.

For us this new campus was like in ordinary terms "aaaawwesome". It was exactly like what we had heard about it. Our teachers were the same familiar faces we had seen over the years, in whom we found comfort.

Sometimes I still can hear Mrs. Rehana Rasul's footsteps walking down the corridor and we all going “ssshhh�. That sound was the scariest one at that time! One silent look from her and we all straightened up like an arrow, but there was a certain softness even in her anger. And when she smiled it was like she never could be irritated by the juvenile delinquents we were.

Miss Lalrukh was the good cop but she did run a tight ship.

Sigh!! So many people I can remember- Mrs. Talat Sial who didn't like me for some odd reason.

Mrs May Simon who was a fantastic English teacher. Sir Daud and his cool porcupine hair style. Mrs. Miyan the Islamiyat teacher who was a fashionista of the 70ties. Miss Lalarukh and her bob cut hair and how it was always prim and proper even at 7 in the morning, not a single hair out of place.

My fondest memory is when we the students switched roles with the management and teachers for one day. Students were chosen to be teachers , staff, gate chokidar, principal, head mistress. . I remember I was an accountant I took Sir Pasha's place. It was an amazing experience!

Then I can clearly remember the Junoon concert which was a fun day. Students totally let go and had loads of fun. . Sigh!!!! Only if I could turn back time ‌ Not to forget the countless field trips. I give all credit and want to thank this school for taking me to several historical places in Pakistan on the field trips as it planted the seed of nationalism and culture in me which nurtured me to be a responsible citizen and to be passionate about our history.

I loved each moment in Beaconhouse Liberty due to the beautiful memories and wonderful friends that it gave me who still are there in my life. And I am proud to say that I have enrolled both my daughters in this institution as I have all my faith in it.

38

Articles A man's got to do what a man's got to do.

A woman must do what he can't.

Women Rights in Rural Pakistan Nimra Arshad AII-E

The National Assembly of Pakistan passed the “Prevention of Anti-Women Practices (Criminal Law Amendment) Bill 2011� in November 2011. Termed as a landmark towards the promotion of women empowerment in Pakistan, this bill is a show of collective determination by political parties to fight social taboos against women and deals with issues such as deprivation of property succession and forced marriages.

The passing of this bill definitely marks a new chapter in the history of women rights in Pakistan where by virtue of the patriarchal social system, women have been oppressed and subdued socially, economically and politically. Age old traditions and religious orthodoxies have allowed males to be the ever dominating force in all decision making in a family, society or in the country.However, this bill defines no mechanism to ensure that such cases are brought to light and reach a court of law, which is a requirement as these crimes often go unchecked.

Practices such as marriage to the Holy Quran, Vani (child marriage), WattaSatta and Honour killings are extremely common in rural areas. Women are treated as nothing more than objects and often are traded to settle personal, family or tribal disputes. Crimes against women such as sexual violence, trafficking, dowry abuse and acid throwing are also pretty rampant. Cynicism and biased attitudes against women's complaints of violence are common among public prosecutors, police officers and medical officials in Pakistan. So while the passing of this bill is a definite improvement and legal repercussions of heinous acts of cruelty against women might deter a few contemplating perpetrators, there is a much bigger task that needs to be carried out in order to actually deal with the plight of the rural Pakistani women.

The core of this problem lies in the deeply ingrained notions of Pakistani men that allow them to freely dominate and control the lives of their mothers, wives, sisters and daughters without having any sort of moral backlash. The fact that they feel there is absolutely nothing wrong with them doing whatever they want with a woman's life and they are born superior to the opposite sex is responsible for the dismal state of women rights in rural areas. Pakistan needs a widespread social reform in order to alleviate prejudice and elevate the status of women in society. A radical change needs to be brought about in the thought processes of Pakistani men so that they recognize women more than just objects of sexual gratification, child-bearing homemakers or pawns in their efforts to settle their disputes.

Women on the other hand also need to be empowered by way of providing education and making them aware of their rights and increased opportunities of financial independence.

Now, how this social reform is brought about is where we tread on thin ice. The rural setup in Pakistan is characterized by tribes and feudal lords who are in most cases responsible for the crimes against women. The government is often rendered ineffective when it comes to dealing with these authority figures because of their strong economic and political clout. A hard line approach with them will do nothing but harm the cause. Forcing anything upon these men who are fundamentalists when it comes to how their family operates and choose to stick to social norms will only encourage a hostile response towards the government. Therefore, the government needs to adopt a measured, effective and conciliatory policy whereby taking these people on board, awareness needs to be spread amongst men about how Islam has given women equal status in society, how the Holy Prophet (PBUH) advocated for women to be treated with respect and care and how it will help the society to progress by guaranteeing the basic human rights of these women.

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Another step that will go a long way in paving the way for women empowerment is by removing the stigmas associated with women education among these men and making female education compulsory. Most girls in villages, even in households who don't have affordability issues, are deprived of basic education and are unaware of the rights they ought to have just by virtue of being a human being. Awareness of their rights will allow women to raise their voice against oppression and subjugation.

In the end I would like to say that for a society to progress, human rights have to be guaranteed, with the assurance that rights are maintained without gender bias or discrimination. Gender-based violence reflects and reinforces injustices and compromises the health, dignity, and liberty of its victims. “No nation can rise to the height of glory unless your women are side by side with you.

Muhammad Ali Jinnah

A certain amount of opposition is a great help to a man; kites rise against and not with the wind.

- Anonymous

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My Inspiration – Imran Khan!

Amna Imtiaz AII-B

Back in sixth grade, I still remember sitting in my lounge doing my math homework and hearing my elders constantly discussing how Imran Khan had brought the World Cup to Pakistan in 1992. A thought to Google his pictures DID strike me but was not that persistent, hence I continued with my homework. They then moved on to talking about how cool he was but this wasn't good enough either so I once again continued with Math. So far, my family had undergone an indepth analysis of him when all of a sudden, my aunt said: “Mujhay yaad hai kaisay larkian uskay peechay pagal thi hamaray zamanay mein. Jawaani mein haseen tha.”

Okay so THIS took over everything. I decided to leave algebra alone for a while and immediately turned on my computer. Google, to images, to Imran Khan, to……… SIGH! I shall reserve my comments further before Aaisha Nisha kills me.

This was how Imran Khan took place in my mind. I was still ignorant of the fact that there was this hospital in Lahore which cured cancer patients for whom this expensive treatment was nothing but a dream, free of cost until one day when we were passing by Shaukat Khanum I heard my mom randomly say: “Allah Imran Khan ko zindagi day!”

By now, he did not just have a hold on my mind but also on my heart. From then till date, he is that one man who has inspired me like no other. The inspiration, however, elevated to its maximum when I got the privilege to attend the PTI Jalsa at Minar-e-Pakistan. I recollect how my brother-in-law kept on forcing me to stay back because he thought it just was not safe for girls to go but I was adamant that I was going to go no matter if somebody pushed me or pulled my hair. And when I say that, I mean it. I really did not care about the aftermath. I went to the Jalsa, got kicked by some huge man, had obese people stepping on my feet, had random hands kept on my shoulder but trust me, it was worth it!

I heard mixed views about his rally and to my astonishment; people literally called it a music concert. Nonetheless, it had a vast number of attendees and the “music concert” was very enlightening. He introduced to us his potential policies and showed how essential the principle of sovereignty of Pakistan was for him.

I can write like a hundred pages on this but summing up, Aaisha asked me to write something for the Mosaic and I couldn't have gotten this brilliant an opportunity to express my views about my inspiration. I hate those clichéd articles with all those fancy words so I obviously didn't want to write one. From the 1992 World Cup, to the emergence of Shaukat Khanum, to stepping into the road of politics, this man has played a potent role in my life. I've worked with his party but could never avail a chance to meet him which is why one of my cousins saw and ran into him somewhere and just to make me feel jealous, put up a facebook display picture with him. MAJOR HATE! On a much serious note, I strongly desire to make the Pakistani nation as glad as they were when he brought the World Cup to us, the financially deprived class as comfortable as he makes them by the existence of Shaukat Khanum and the politicians as embarrassed as he makes them in the talk shows!

IMRAN KHAN ZINDABAAD! 41

An Amalgam of Learning and Indescribable Awesomeness: Reminiscing NSTC Abiha Abbas AII-C

“Abiha! Get up! It's almost 6:00 in the morning,” my father banged the door for the third time. I sat up in bed, still groggy from the rude awakening, trying hard to remember the previous night's events.

Ah! Today was 9th January 2011, the dreaded day I had to take the National Science Talent Contest (NSTC) test.

So what exactly is this contest and why is it such a big deal? Well, it is a national competition to hunt for talented (ahem :P) students who can represent Pakistan in the International Science Olympiad. Trust me; I only took the test so that in case I was selected I could get a chance to see the famous HEJ Chemical department of Karachi University.

As I entered the examination venue, I saw hundreds of students lining up all set to take the test.

There were almost 3000 students just from Lahore! My heart missed a beat. It took me half an hour to finally get to my seat. My nervousness was augmented by the fact that students around me were still studying the sample questions given to us prior to the exam and I had just skimmed through them.

Ah! Finally there I was, telling my father that the test was a complete disaster and there was no way I was getting into the top 50 from Pakistan. This was the end of the NSTC story for me. Only it wasn't.

By the grace of Allah, I managed to get into the top 50 students and was called to the Karachi University to attend my first training camp in July 2011. Now here comes the best part of this story: the training camp.

On the first day which turned out to be highly depressing for the fifty of us, thirty-one boys and nineteen girls were provided accommodation in the HEJ colony. We were soon transported to the PCMD building where all my hopes and expectations were dashed. I was expecting the trip to involve a bit of studying (during school hours) and mostly, visits to cafes, restaurants as well as late night strolls in the university and spending our nights playing cards, ludo, chess, and basically having a gala time.

The reality was a horrible antonym.

We were handed out a time table and the lack of empty spaces in it along with the apparent enthusiasm of the students made me extremely nervous. I immediately regretted my decision to come to Karachi. The orientation ceremony only made matters worse. I discovered we were at the mercy of Dr. Khalid, our coordinator, who referred to himself as the 'butcher' of HEJ and was feared by one and all. He lived up to his name when he started to scold students with weird ('kewl' types :P) email addresses. It was at that point when the girl sitting next to me whispered “Oh crap!” and she was next on his list.

Next day started off with breakfast. The bread, butter, omelet, tea combination was a pleasant surprise on the first morning but it started to annoy most of us later on. The bread started to transform into leather and the omelet into rubber (maybe overheating?) so that by the end of the camp, most of us managed with Lays and Peki cakes.

Then it was time for the background test, a sadistic welcome gift by Dr. Khalid. It was perhaps the worst thing that has ever happened to me. And don't even get me started on analytical Chemistry!

Anyhow, my performance definitely got better as the tests progressed. I would have scored higher had 42

the photographer not barged in every time I was just about to solve a numerical and started snapping photos. There is a time and place for everything, Sir, and taking photos while I am solving my grand test is simply NOT COOL! Anyhow, after the daily test(s), there were classes of Physical, Organic, Inorganic, Analytical and Stereochemistry (varying combinations each day). Sometimes, we were free by 7 in the evening and sometimes by 9(no visits to cafe's ). 2:00 to 3:00 pm was lunch and namaz break though most people concentrated more on the former.

The NSTC chefs knew how to keep a balance. So the day I came out after taking a bad test, there was Chicken Karhai and Kheer. And the day I had a pretty good test, the chef cooked daal chawal.

Anyhow, jokes apart, the food was pretty good. Dinners were usually hosted by some director or chairman of the department. The part I loved about it was when they used to refer to us as “the brighter students of Pakistan.” That was the time I realized that this was my chance to do something for my country.

Now at 10pm, this is when the day ends for 'normal' people-NO! Not for us! From 10 onwards was study time. Studying all that was taught to us that day because the next day brought tests. Poor us!

Before I realized, NSTC was no more just a mere competition for me; it became a vital part of my life. It was my first time living alone with no one around me to iron my clothes or to bear my tantrums.

It was all me! It made me realize the importance of a family. There was no one to fight with and that is where I missed my younger brother for the first time. The friendships and the relations I made there were priceless. We all came from different cities, different backgrounds, yet we lived as if we all knew each other for ages. From telling each other what to wear the next day to trying to use that washing machine in our guest house, from passing notes in those boring classes to walking so many miles in search of a suitable canteen in that big university, we spent some valuable and unforgettable moments.

On the last day, we held our breath as the results were announced. I was extremely happy to find out that I had been shortlisted.

I am, in fact, still under training, through distance learning exams and will soon attend the next training camp in a couple of months. Whenever I feel low and pressurized and am contemplating on leaving NSTC (it's hard to manage A2 with it!), I imagine myself in that white shalwar kameez holding that green flag standing in front of the Washington Monument (our international Olympiad is in Washington DC :P ) and that is enough for me to gather myself and start working again with the same zeal.

As one of my NSTC friends put it, “Heated gold becomes ornaments….beaten copper, becomes wires….depleted stones become statues and TORTURED students become NSTC-ians!”

And trust me guys I am willing to take this torture all my life!

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Why Is It Wrong?

Hareem Fatima AI-D

“Newly married couple burnt alive in Faisalabad.”

“Couple from Sialkot sentenced to death” Every other day, this is what makes the headlines of our newspapers. What's wrong in living with the person you love? Is it forbidden in the Holy Quran or any other sacred book? Marrying a person of your own choice is a heinous crime or is it the society that poses this act as a crime?

Every other day, newspapers and news channels bring forth events that tell us of the new ways of punishing the youngsters who marry the person of their own choice. Addressing this burning issue is one of the most important tasks of the time. The question that arises is: why can't we let our children be with the person they love or appreciate. The elders need to realize that forcing the young generation into marrying the person of their choice won't do any good. It is about time that the elders realize- YOUTH IS NOT SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE RAPIDLY INCREASING RATIO OF SOCIAL EVILS IN THE SOCIETY. Permitting your child to discuss issues such as marriage and love would not only bridge the gap between the parents and children, but would enable the children to express themselves and their liking for a specific person. Discussing such a topic with parents would let the children be guided on the straight path and would prevent them from going astray.

“Marry in haste, repent at leisure”; before deciding to bond two individual souls in a lifetime relationship of marriage, this must be kept in mind. The innumerable divorce cases that come up every other day can be reduced if the youth is allowed to opt for a love marriage than to go for the traditional arranged marriage. The society considers polygamy to be a shameful act but is there someone who has ever thought of the root of this issue, which actually forces a person to remarry.

Children brought up in an ideal atmosphere (where moral and ethical values are passed on to the children), when asked to marry someone give in without any hesitation because this is considered to be obedience and respect for the elders. The sacrificial lambs surrender to their parent's wish and accept to live a restless life.

Such marriages do not remain for long, though exceptions are always there, and the couple goes for the only way out of the problem i.e. DIVORCE. The ones who dare to escape the brutality and go for a court marriage are not happy either. They are cruelly treated or are not accepted by the family members, just because we think of “what would people say” and not about what pleases us! Parents accept to kill their child's desires just to fulfil certain promises made with their siblings at the time of the child's birth.

It's considered to be a respectable tradition of a family to marry their children within their own caste. We criticize discrimination but at the same time, we are the ones who promote this caste system.

What is wrong if a Syed girl decides to spend her life with a Sheikh boy?

Why is she criticized and thought of as a juvenile delinquent when she is neither committing a crime nor is she marrying an organism of a different species. The society deals with the issue more strictly in case of women. A woman is suppressed after marriage and is not accepted by the in-laws just because she is known to love another man before marriage. Why is it that the woman has to suffer, for 44

Happiness Qainaf Najam AI

being obedient to her parents? Loving a human of the opposite gender but the same species is natural and totally justified. Girls have an equal right to marry the person they love and the society must accept this to avoid problems in the future.

Youngsters are forced to take such steps and are not at all pleased by being disobedient to their elders. This is what our parents need to realize before adopting an extremely harsh attitude towards the newly married couple. We are moving towards modernism in every aspect of our life, but in the case of marriages we remain obstinate and ultra-strict. Our girls are allowed to be friends with boys but are not allowed to marry one of their friends. Isn't this unjust and inhumane? Even in the case of boys, our parents are not lenient. The daughter-in-law should be from their family and should be the choice of the man's parents. Why don't the parents realize that their daughter-in-law would be their son's wife and the element that matters the most is their son's happiness.

A change should be brought in the society to achieve stability and contentment. The number of houses being constructed is continuously increasing but the percentage of homes among these houses is decreasing. A home is a place where people not only live together but love each other and the element that bonds them together is care. We need to ensure that every house is a home and not just a unit of bricks, concrete and wood. This can only be done if our elders learn to respect our emotions too, and if this is not done, they should be ready to be blamed for a society where the ratio of houses to homes is similar to that of the moon to stars.

I hope I've spoken out your heart, teenagers :P

"I am" is reportedly the shortest sentence in the English language.

Could it be that "I do" is the longest sentence?

-George Carlin

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Bitter Trials Are Blessings In Disguise!

Anam Naeem AII–B

After a long period of 4 years, finally the much anticipated year of the Cricket World Cup came.

Every Pakistani could feel the enthusiasm and the passion that filled the air throughout the matches. As the Pakistani team had failed to be competitive enough in the previous World Cup, this year the pressure was double and the nation was hoping for a fruitful result. I, being one of the passionate Pakistani fans, went through a range of different emotional phases as our unpredictable team passed each level successfully until the semi-finals.

The match was a much hyped event I must say. The media, the fans whether elderly or children, all were talking about the 'Pakistan vs. India' semi-final. Debates on talk shows and sarcastic comments between the rival countries were never ending. The Indian media did not leave a single chance of ridiculing the Pakistani cricketers and the team, and same was the case with the Pakistani media, though it was on a lesser level. Social networking sites were filled with either the Pakistani flag and team pictures or the Indian flag and team pictures. People were going crazy as if it was not a mere match but an Indo-Pak war, but then again it has always been like this. Whenever the rivals meet each other on the cricket ground, it is nothing less than a war between the two.

A special half-day holiday was announced by the government on account of the match. I had my mock exam on that very particular day and that too of Mathematics! The exam was not important to me (for the first time ever) as much as the match was, so it was just that I had to take it off my head and rush back home to sit before the television. As I came to school for the exam, it was wonderful to see almost all the students wearing either the team's kit shirt or green flags painted on their faces. I could feel the positive energy flow through me as I saw all of them so hopeful of victory. As soon as the exam was over (forget about the part how it went) I rushed to my car so that I could head back home. On my way back, the view was amazing. The roads were filled with cars covered with the Pakistani flag and people in green shirts. I could see unity amongst the nation after such a long time. All of us were together, standing as a nation, taking a stand for our team and praying for their victory with such warmth and zeal. The feeling was over-whelming. Special screens were set up in the public areas for people to view the match. A bus filled with university students was just beside my car and all of them were singing different national songs to boost up their spirits and ours too. By the time I reached home, my morale had really gone up. Without wasting any time, I hurriedly changed into the team's kit shirt, grabbed some eatables and sat in front of the television along with my eager family members.

The match started and our heart beats fluctuated with each ball. India was batting first and they were proceeding towards a competitive score. With each Indian player bowled out, there was a roar of applause in my house. Shahid Afridi was the highlight for taking the maximum number of wickets that day too. Our bowling side was always strong but the batting line was pathetically unpredictable and that was yet again proved on that day. As soon as we had to chase the score, our batting line started to fall like a house of cards. At the end, when a few overs were remaining and only 29 runs had to be scored to win, I could not bear the fact that we were losing a match which could have been won with such ease that I went to my room until the match came to a regretful end. All of us were expecting much more than this after the team had beaten the unbeatable Australians in the pool matches. We were just one step away from holding the glorious cup in our hands and from telling the world that 'Hum hain Pakistani hum tu jeetain ge han jeetain ge!'

The day was surely one of the saddest days for our nation as the expectations were extremely high.

However, considering the recent match fixing scandals and the restrictions on international cricket in 46 28

Pakistan, our team had to go through a lot but they still managed to reach the semi-finals which almost no one was expecting from them. For me it was one of the most memorable experiences as this trial in the form of cricket brought with it blessings in disguise as even after not winning, we were still appreciating our team and were welcoming them with all our heart, by not being violent towards them for a change. Pakistani nation is surely a nation different from all others, if there is one thing that can unite us in circumstances such as widespread terrorism and uncertainty, it is cricket. Funny but true!

Our cricketers are indeed our heroes who united us at a time when there was no hope and made us proud of our own identity. They showed the world that whatever the circumstances, whatever the restrictions, we were able to come to the front and be one strong nation with one agenda of taking Pakistan to the top in everything. We lost the world cup but we gained our lost unity, though not fully but still to an extent. It is rightly said that ' there are some defeats more triumphant than victories', hence God has much better things in store for us and a day will come when Pakistan will overcome all its weaknesses and will come head to head with the superpowers of the world, INSHA'ALLAH!

The one thing you know about Pakistan is that you have no idea what they will do - Ian Chappell

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Floods 2011 Hira Zahid

Hira Zahid is currently an O' Level English teacher at BLL. As if more than 1781 fatalities were not enough to quench the thirst of the water viciously making its way through the mountains of Khyber Pakhtounakhwa, the plains of Punjab and the tribal areas of Baluchistan in 2010; Sindh met with its share of destruction during the monsoon rains of 2011. A country still reeling from the disastrous effects of the previous floods faced yet another natural calamity.

August 2011 marked the onset of another heavy monsoon downpour which continued for four weeks. Record breaking monsoon rainfalls in Southern Baluchistan, some parts of Azad Kashmir and Eastern Punjab and areas of Sindh such as Badin, Mithi, Nawabshah, Mirpur Khas etc were the heaviest in a period of 40 years. Sindh cried for help as 37 million acre feet of water swept away with it 434 human lives and the hopes of 8.9 million people who lost their livelihood and their houses; and these are just numbers. One cannot even begin to imagine the emotional turmoil and mental anguish of homeless people fighting not only against the elements of nature but also battling the consequences of these horrendous floods i.e. hunger and illness. Gastroenteritis and Malaria struck adults and children alike, the diseases making sure to cement their presence even after the water levels go down.

The 2011 floods brought with them many questions along with all the chaos and ruin. While natural disasters are attributed mostly to nature itself, if nature managed to surprise us in 2010, should we not have been ready for the same situation in 2011? According to a research conducted by the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology the monsoon rainfalls over the subcontinent have been getting 'heavier' in the past 50 years. One of the reasons being global warming, which in turn has started affecting the weather pattern in general, the agriculture-dependent population of the subcontinent is the one most likely to be affected by any kind of change in the monsoon pattern. The scientists involved in this research have been examining daily rainfall records since 1951. They also reported a noticeable increase in the intensity of the monsoon rainfalls. Taking these findings under consideration and the fact that the 2010 floods in Pakistan were the worst in recent history, a citizen of a country led by leaders possessing 'foresight' and 'common sense' may have expected the government to be prepared for a similar kind of situation. And were we prepared? The statistics quoted above along with the heart wrenching sights of human suffering plastered on television sets across Pakistan tell a different tale.

If the 2010 floods offered us with a sneak peek into the inefficiency displayed the government authorities to respond to a natural disaster, the 2011 floods are a complete testimony to the lack of planning required to deal with such high profile issues. In a news report issued on 15th September 2011, Mr. Shakeel Qadir, director general of the Provincial Disaster Management Authority (PDMA) was reported to have said that the early warning system related to floods should be strengthened. He brought to light the fact that Sindh, Punjab and Baluchistan underwent the flood problems due to the absence of a strong early warning system in Khyber Pakhtunkhawa.

Other questions hanging in the air are: “What preventative measures need to be taken in order to avoid a similar situation in future? Are we in need of building more dams to accommodate all the extra water threatening the economic growth of our people and our country? Do we need to revamp the old river system which is as weak as it is outdated?

Aid efforts carried out on a national and international level deserve applause and gratitude. Being 48 30

a Pakistani I thank all national and international organizations that brought us hope during the floods of 2010 and 2011. However, being a concerned citizen of a country with a democratically chosen government, I will also exercise my right to question the government on the measures it is taking to minimize the flood related horrors of these two years and I ask the leaders to come forth with plans related to how they intend to not let history repeat itself. Hopefully the questions will receive answers and will not 'sink' into oblivion.

The Situation of Health Care in Pakistan Eman Fatima XIC-D

In the month of September, Pakistan and its people have grieved over the deaths of many citizens.

Whether it be the present reign of the dreaded dengue fever or the past horrors of bird flu, it has been proved that hospitals and medical facilities are not well equipped to cater to the diseased multitude.

Lack of medicines and inadequate space in hospitals are just some of the reasons why newspapers are full of depressing tales of people dying due to dengue fever. Mourning parents and tearful eyes of loved ones are plastered all over TV and the death toll keeps on rising. Why? I ask myself and the people in charge of healthcare in Pakistan. Silence or a slight shrug of the shoulders is what I get as an answer.

The health sector has always remained neglected. Increasing costs of medicines and private doctors' fees have made it impossible for the average man to avail top notch medical facilities.

Government hospitals are always short on funds and do not possess the required infrastructure essential in dealing with medical emergencies. This sector has also been deprived of its rightful share of finances due to which the issue is aggravating. Over crowded hospitals and one doctor present to deal with thirty patients portrays the horrific tale of deteriorating health care in Pakistan.

Timely measures, careful decision making, ample funding, and intelligent resource allocation may help get rid of the parasites that have infected our country. Doctors should be motivated by showing that they are an important part of the society. Government sector hospitals should be properly equipped with medicines and regular checks should be part of the government policy. However, efforts will only pay off if government policies are consistent and corruption in this sector is brought under control. It is high time that we pay heed and take action to bring joy to depressed faces and weeping eyes.

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The Intermediate Result- a Fiasco Maryam Ahmed XIC-A

We already know that there are all kinds of flaws in our education system, like corruption which is not an uncommon feature. However, the Intermediate exam fiasco that occurred in Punjab takes precedence over everything else. As if it was not enough that the results that came out were delayed, the fact which caused candidates even more anxiety was that the results were also incorrectly calculated and compiled. This was the first year that the intermediate results were computerized and the Punjab education minister blames this debacle on a single computer which apparently had gone crazy. Though it should be kept in mind that man controls computer and not vice versa.

When the results finally came out after numerous delays they ended up being faulty. In some cases children did not even receive any results at all, while in other cases those who did manage to get their results were allocated marks for subjects they did not even take!! A candidate was awarded marks in Biology whereas he was a pre-engineering student. To top it all, a candidate was awarded 52 marks for an exam that carried a total of 50 marks.

After such a faulty result children were furious and why wouldn't they be? It was obvious that this would be the case as they had been waiting for such a long time and had received such a faulty result. It was understood that the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education would receive such a violent reaction. Protests and rallies were carried out all over Punjab where students demanded that their results be cancelled or rechecked without paying an extra fee. The most violent reaction took place in Gujranwala where thousands of students set the building of the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education on fire. Although destroying public property is never the proper way to settle such issues, the rage of the students is understandable as their future was at stake. The Punjab government declared the results null and void and ordered the papers to be rechecked.

On a concluding note I would just like to say that it is high time that we work towards identifying and solving the problems present in our education system so we can compete with other nations in all fields of life.

In the first place, God made idiots.

That was for practice.

Then he made school boards.

- Mark Twain

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It's Time to Wake Up!!

Sidra Saleem

Ms. Sidra Saleem completed her O Levels from BLL in 2001. Currently, she is an Economics teacher for O Levels at BLL. No, it's not time to go to school or college. No, it's not time to wake up and go to office.

Just in case you're wondering, it's time to wake up and save our country!!!!

I am sure everyone of you reading this article would know that Pakistan is going through its worst state of affairs. In every way, be it social, political, financial or economic, our country is at its lowest plane. And sadly, when I look around, everyone is questioning each other; but unfortunately no one has the answers!

So, who is responsible for all this???

Most people spill it out on the leaders. Considering our history, Pakistan has never been led by a true leader. Let's not go into the details of who did wrong and who came as a saviour, because it all pins down to one fact; what have we given to our country; As an individual what was our role in making this nation?? We just can't continue to look at each other and wait for the RIGHT person to take charge. It's not a matter of how this country will survive; it's a just a matter of WHO will come forward to bring a change. It won't be wrong when we say that just as a human body needs oxygen for its survival, our country needs true and motivated citizens; people with the aim to revolutionize this country.

Unfortunately this country has been ruled by apathetic leaders. Even for all the previous governments it can be said that they were nothing but “one man shows”!! Taking this political tragedy in view, it's about time we realize that NO, and I mean NO leader will ever change the fate of this country. It's US, it's our generation who can come forward and make a difference. I know most of you must have heard this “theory” before. But how many of us actually came to the forefront to make a difference. How many of us even gave a minute of our life to think about OUR country?

Pakistan is a country with a very rich culture. People here are known for their hospitality, traditions, customs etc. Our cultural heritage is also an appealing factor for people around the world.

But have we ever actually paid attention to how everything has changed. We, labelled as “hospitable” people are the ones who are waging war against each other. We, the culturally rich nation, are now the ones who are no more even familiar with what the true Pakistani culture is. For us, our culture is partying, Halloweens, Holis, cafés, sheeshas, girlfriends, boyfriends and the like. Have we ever thought about our identity as a nation? What does it mean to be a Pakistani? Do we have an ideology like the “American dream”? Will we ever unite and act as dedicated citizens?

The answer to all these questions is indeed a “thumbs down”. We have failed as a nation. Yes, that's a fact that we all know, but fail to accept.

The new fashion of going to the “gora land to fulfil our parents' dream” has further added to the already grave situation. This “foreign degree” will add to your family pride, it will glorify your personality, it will promise you a safe future and hence a secure life ahead. However, do we ever realize what this degree will bring for the country? The motivation of going “overseas” is so strong that we completely forget how much our country needs us.

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Who is to be blamed for this; no one but us!!

As a nation we are nothing but a mass of people living together. We prefer to be “individuals” as compared to a “nation”. My future, my life, my prosperity, my security, that's all what we care about.

The country's betterment was never our priority. China and the East Asian tigers are the best examples for us to follow. They came into being round about the same time when Pakistan got its independence; but it's a shame that we are not even close to what these countries have achieved.

Instead of going forward, there is a backward trend in our development path.

Who is to be blamed; no one but us, no one but this so called “nation” which is busy sleeping.

Wake up guys; wake up before it's too late.

We, the young generation is the one who will save our ship from sinking. The increased ownership of cell phones, the number of local TV channels, the growing café culture, the inflow of foreign cars, the new YO! culture, is not what we term as DEVELOPMENT. What we need is a push, a very hard push which will change the fate of this country. We need to unite, we need to have positive thoughts, we need to think for the country, we need to wake up and play our role.

A patriotic song will not change our destiny; celebrating 14th August is not what we need to do; referring to the war of 6th September 1965 will no more suffice. We need a change within ourselves.

And this will not happen in a month or in a year. It will take decades before this country walks its path of development. Starting today, 20 years down the lane we may be on our road to success. This success will be in terms of our country not being labelled as a “terrorist state”, it will be in the form of a “true leader”, people living in it will be a “nation”!! Furthermore, this nation will not be sleeping. Its people will be wide awake, and will be referred to as proud Pakistanis!!

So guys, the decision is in your hands; whether to wake up or not. As someone has said: “Every accomplishment starts with the decision to try”

Few individuals significantly alter the course of history.

Fewer still modify the map of the world. Hardly anyone can be credited with creating a nation-state. Mohammad Ali Jinnah did all three.

- Stanley Wolpert

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Poetry

“Poetry is the rhythmical creation of beauty in words.”

A Land of My Dreams Zanira Ali AI-D

Do suck this out of me, the sorrow, So that my soul can rest serenely tomorrow, Wander carelessly in the valley of sweet dreams, Enchanted by beauty, free of agony and screams, Where my blissful laughter may echo down the hillsides, Nothing fake or feigned, where life doesn't hide, Free of hatred and malice, viciousness and hunger, A land of astounding aromas, fragrances and scents; Where I shall feel younger, Where the blinding rays of love bounce off all surfaces, A garden of lilies and roses, lotus and daisies, Yes! A land this beautiful will guard my love, Value my sincerity, my innocence of a dove, But such a magical land cannot exist, So I should save my temptations and learn to resist, My double faced life is trying to steal my soul, It won't be triumphant; I'll heal my hole, Once again I'll feel the soft wind caressing my wings, Flying high above the skies; in whirls and rings, Lighter than Cyprus, lighter than feathers, As fresh and euphoric as changing weathers.

Fire and Ice Mahnoor Irfan XM-B

Some say the world will end in fire, Some say in ice, From what I've tasted of desire, I hold with those who favor fire, But if it had to perish twice, I think I know enough of hate, To say that for destruction, Ice is also great, And would suffice!

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The Memorable Night Hareem Fatima AI-D

Staring at the star filled sky My imagination begins to materialize Away from the stressful worldly life The rampage for the lost solace begins Somewhere in the threadbare sky, The timid star struggles for its appearance Before the effort bears a ripened fruit The rapacious pole star represses what it desires On the other corner stands the tipsy dull star Gazing wistfully at the speedy shooting star With despair etched all over its face It succumbs to the supreme approaching power With contentment in its eyes The wisest star lies at the farthest end, Although all alone, with its brightness all gone It stands happier than the others on the farther end The thoughtful night flies like a humming bird I never knew when the stars disappeared, And the glowing fire replaced the calm light I never knew when it all happened!

Exams Aneeza Hameed VI-D

Oh God! Tell me what have I done, Why from tomorrow I won't have fun?

From tomorrow my exams are going to start, The first is so easy because it is Art The Second is Science, I have to learn it and just have to revise English and Economics make me mad, After this it's Saturday, so I'm glad Pakistan Studies is very boring, Studying it makes, my head start rolling Mathematics makes me cry, Because its concepts are so confusing and dry Computer and Urdu are evil forces, And run towards me like wicked horses Oh God! I am in such depression, After seeing my result, what would be my parents' expression?

Oh God! Tell me what have I done, Why from tomorrow I won't have fun?

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Power of Thoughts Fatima Muzaffar VII-H

Your thoughts are like a river, Flowing silently for life, Just the tiniest sliver, Of hope will make them alive My life has changed, So have my thoughts, Dreams have altered routes, Hopes have new paths Where there was no hope, I have found my strengths, When the world thought I had it all, My thoughts didn't make me fall, The power of thoughts!!

Yes! It was the power of those thoughts, They would take me far away, To the valleys beyond time, Where I would lie until the day I am supposed to die!!

The Good Hand Gull Fatima VII-I

In the hand of a gifted teacher, The classroom is a magical place, In the hand of a gifted teacher, There's a smile on each child's face In the hand of a gifted teacher, Creative energy is everywhere, In the hand of a gifted teacher, There is a catalyst who genuinely cares In the hand of a gifted teacher, Desire and wonder is awakened, In the hand of a gifted teacher, The child's imagination is shaken In the hand of a gifted teacher, Self management skills are modelled, In the hand of a gifted teacher, Gifts and talents are refined.

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A Tribute to the Flood Victims Simrun Saleem VII-C

A year of sorrow, A year of pain, A year of horror, Made us insane Hundreds of people swept away, Leaving their families alone to stay, Screaming children everywhere, Dead bodies lying here and there It was far too late to save them all, It's fate that chooses our rise and fall!

All we could do was shed some tears, Now that we had faced our greatest fears, The death toll rising day by day, The days of happiness going away A tribute to the dead, Is all we can pay, May their souls rest in peace, That's all we can say!

Consequence Hafsa Hussain AI-A

You don't seem to realize, When the rain splatters on your face, There's no place to hide, And there's no sun in the sky, And the wind that blows your heart away, And you know there is no world anymore, Beyond your gate, And there will be another day, In a hopeless way, When the people pray, For peace of mind, And for some piece of their lives!

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Everyday's a New Fairytale Safora Hassan VIII-D

Everyday's a new fairytale, The more fantasy the more tragedy Sometimes you're Cinderella, Waiting for Abracadabra!

Sometimes you're Snow White, Ready to give that poisonous apple a bite Sometimes you're Red Riding Hood, With an advice misunderstood Sometimes you're Sleeping beauty, Left with nothing but dreams.......

Because everyday's a new fairytale!

Longing For What Used To Be Maryum Alam VIII-I

Confusing years, Nothing is what it seems, Just when you think things are going one way, It all flips around, Leaving me on the ground, Unable to know what's happening next, Scared to say what might be right, What could be wrong, I wish I could know how it would all end, I want to have things my way, Selfish, I know, but I want to get back to normal, My days are filled with wanting, My nights are filled with waiting, I do miss how I feel my life should be, And the anticipation of tomorrow, Please let it go back to normal‌

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Incomplete Angelic Existence Aimma Warood AI-D

Beauty of my glorious carving, Unmatchable supremacy of my statue All so perfectly made, Diamonds of ethics flawlessly embedded Gems of morals so accurately chosen, My statue so adorable But from within I am empty, My soul is rusty I can sense a thunder, But not its direction I can dream of light, But the path is unknown I feel so incomplete, Though I am angelic My adorable carving is finished with glory, But the mystery in me remains unsolved There are blank walls, with no doors, A dark passageway with no end To my thousand questions, there is an answer, But the solution remains unknown My tangled thoughts clearly see, Darkness in your faultless existence It's simply because, You are spiritually hollow.

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Hope Saman Adnan AI-D

Standing between possible and impossible is hope, It feeds my ever hungry soul, Heals my wounds of agony, When there is no reason to live, The reason to live is hope, To this whole world I surrender, Because I've got hope and need nothing more, Though it is unseen to many, Yet, it is powerful, Its power will help me rise again, To rise again beyond the limit of the sky, Let everyone do their mundane activities, For I am to rise again very soon, It is with me through thick and thin, It speaks for me through loss and win, And never loses its firm grip on my hand, It gives me courage when everything is sinking, Sinking in the wild of the ruthless ocean, I see it everywhere, In the rays of the sun, In the drifting dust particles, In the warmth of the fire, In the eyes of the helpless, It continues to be everywhere, Fear not for everything, Because in the midst of this world, It will come to your aid, And because hope will help you get past all hurdles, For hope and you stand side by side.

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Destined Love Shazmeera Waheed AI-C

I don't trust you, It's just I've forgotten how to rely on my own instincts, Because you lead me to an ocean in a dense fog, Where it seems as if tangible white darkness shuts you in, And the great ship stands...

Tense, anxious and helpless – My brain and heart brawling to rule my conscience, I can feel my body surrendering to the confusion, Fight that is indecisive!

No matter how misty it is, I can always see the awaiting plummet, And the appealing sounding-line, Which would lead me towards the peaceful shore.

Where I initially was, Unaware of the somber depths and restless turbulence of the ocean When darkness surrounds and I try to grope my way along it, A bright light shines on me, Obscuring my vision and instincts, Immersing me into a new world, Surging within me, I stand dumb, Poised, Silent…

I was taught a new language- the language of hearts, Flushed with childish pleasure, I was caught up and held close in the arms of he who had come, To reveal all things to me, And more than all things else, to love me I am filled with wonder when I consider the immeasurable contrast, Between my complacent life on the shore, And the persistent life in the ocean, I don't know what the future holds, Of marvel or surprise for me, But whatever it is, Now I know that this passionate struggle is succeeded by a hope – that this would end, Because the living world awakens my soul, Gives me gratification, And a hope that neither sorrow nor regret will follow us, Till our final destinies!

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My Crib Mariyam Yousaf Sheikh XIC-C

Another day, another night just passed by, And here am I, hiding from the night sky, So I take my wings and stare, At the lights at the county fair, Casting spells with my fingertips, Turning shadows into neon ships, And I poke them out of my crib, Casting shadows with my fingertips, The image on the wall's a sailing ship, And it sails right past my crib It's a new day, but the same old story, Look at the Queen, rising in her glory, Suppressing the folks under her weight, They remain silent; it's just too late, So I take my wings and stare, At the lights at the county fair, Casting spells with my fingertips, Turning shadows into neon ships, And I poke them out of my crib, Casting shadows with my finger tips, The image on the wall's a sailing ship, And it sails right past my crib And you know it's time, it's time for me to leave now, You know it's time; it's time for you to shine now, Without me...

Another day, another night just passed by, And here am I, hiding from the night sky, I'll stick my goodbye on your window pane, And you know that love always remains, Casting spells with my fingertips, Turning shadows into neon ships, And I poke them out of my crib, Casting shadows with my fingertips, The image on the wall's a sailing ship, And it sails right past my crib

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Believe In Yourself Amna Khan VII-A

Set your standards high, You deserve the best, Strive for what you want, And never settle for less, Believe in yourself, No matter what you choose, Keep a winning attitude, And you can never lose, Think about your destination, But don't worry if you stray, Because the most important thing, Is what you've learnt today, Take all that you've become, To be all that you can be, Soar above the clouds, And let your dreams, Set you free!!

Day & Night Zainab Shahid VII-D

When it's dark, it's night, When it's day, there is light, During daytime, there are kites, And at night, little lights At night, there is the moon, It really comes soon, In the day, there is the Sun, We run, that is fun We play with water guns, And eat lots of buns, At night there is no light, Sleep tight and don't fight.

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A Forlorn Moment Fatima Syed VIII-C

Tossing and turning, Stumbling and shaking, With no friend or companion, Where are you heading for?

A question I ask myself, Imagining the day, When my hair turns grey, Sitting by the blazing fire, What do I desire?

And suddenly I realize, Where the trouble lies, I want to be young again, Play with the children in the lane, Gurgle with peals of laughter, Smell the perfume of the flowers, Taste the syrup of sweetness and love, While I was engrossed in my dream, The clouds started thundering, Daylight was crowded by blackness, The children ran home crying, Amidst this crazy crowd, I slipped, And there began a hideous game, An evil witch trapped me in a cage, I became her slave and she hit me in rage, She frightened me day and night, My life became dark, Without a ray of light, One day as she went out, She forgot to put the latch, Shivering and quivering like a leaf, And to my heart's utter relief, I pushed the door and was free again, Never again did I play in the lane, Back in the safety of my room, Shaking with gloom, I am still calm and hopeful, But my youth is gone, I admit, It did not offer much happiness or glee, But today I've resigned to my life, Finally, I've made my peace!

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Wait a While Ulveena Aitzaz XIC-A

You asked me to stand there and wait a while, I stood there anxious, walking up and down the aisle.

My dress shimmering in the white light, I looked for someone dressed in a tuxedo, nowhere in sight.

The guests now, got up to leave, They said they would go before the time came to grieve.

I was spellbound, but I ignored every taunt, The lights dimmed, the music stopped, the circumstances began to haunt.

I sat on the steps waiting for a miracle, People passing by, laughed; they found my situation hysterical.

I hoped that you had a surprise in mind when you said "wait a while", Perhaps you wanted to make an entrance in style.

How long were you going to take, I did not know, How worried I was getting, began to show.

It seemed as if I did not even know you, As if unsure of what you wanted me to do.

I sat waiting still, time flew by and now came sunset, I took off the veil, you were not coming, I was upset.

I sighed, alone watched the sun go down, I remembered how you did not believe such stuff and how you would frown.

Maybe love is blind, I got up, letting my past stay behind.

Suddenly a woman in white appeared, Her feet off the ground; she smiled down at me while I stared.

She said "He isn't coming, you know", I nodded, whom I had trusted the most turned out to be a foe.

The wind had picked up pace and had began to blow, "Forget him, let's go".

She reached for my hand and into the air we went, I threw down the flowers he had sent.

Through the clouds, over the sun dial, I smiled to myself; it was he who'd have to wait a while.

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Fake Friend Rafia Azhar IXC-E

My heart is craving, For you on the other side, It knows not you're weaving, A web of disguise, You left me on the floor, For some chums at the door, You heard not my cries, Left without saying goodbye, I sat there staring at the door, Tear marks on my cheeks, and a throat so sore, Forlorn I have been, And seek no other friend, For a friend might turn into, A fake friend like you !

They Call Me‌ Maryum Alam VIII-I

They call me a liar, They call me a fraud, They call me crazy, Even call me a frog, Sometimes I wonder, How can they sleep at night?

How can they live?

Live with knowing what they did, To me and to you, They say I'm a fake, They say I'm weird, They say I'm not worthy, They say that I shouldn't breathe, But who are they to judge?

I mean, they don't even know me, They don't talk to me, And they surely don't even care for me, So they can say whatever they want, But what I know for sure, Is that it's not me, But actually it's them!

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Nature's Beauty Fatima Zaman VII-G

The sun first rises then falls once more, But do we sit and watch it doing so?

No! For it's something we have become so used to, That we cannot give a moment to Watch it shine as it rises high, The blood it sheds as it sets, These things happen every day, But we don't care anyway As we walk down the road Do we ever look around?

At the flowers that dance in the wind, The magic that they spread around, Do we ever hear the trees?

However, still might they seem, They whisper to us all the time, Swaying steadily to and fro, Ever noticed the stars that glow?

Even in the daylight The clear blue water that flows and gushes, Is filled with diamonds as the sun shines Nature seems to dance in front of you, But you seem too busy to recognize, She flashes her eyes and sings to you, But you seem to have a blind eye So open them, And look around, What God has given you, Life is short and you may not know, Which breath would be your last Appreciate what you have because, You will never get another chance!!

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On The Edge Sana Zaman VIII-G

Too much rain…

Darkness blankets…

Hopes in vain…

Vibrating rackets…

Her impassive gaze…

Scrutinized beadily…

The paths ablaze…

With questions and the unknown, Which she was to wander alone, Patterned with boulders and stones, And buzzing with the persistent drone, Of screaming silence, Pleading violence, Unspoken dreams, Visions unseen…

Just how to mend, The broken seams?

Unearthly shrieks, Like hell does speak, And all the fortune, fame and glory, Vanished with the ghastly gloom and gory, In a murmur… A whisper...

That scarcely spoke, Of the bullet, With a crack!

Aimed at the throat, As her tear-streaked eyes, Finally realized, From those destiny bowls, She'd groped for the wrong one…

Which endured the pricks, Longing sticks, Vengeful bricks, And then split asunder, Having made the blunder, That swore on life, She wouldn't strive, Would not survive…

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At least I'm Me! Aaisha Nisha Sikander Shah A1-A

What is life, if a loner you be?

An abandoned lock with a lost key?

But here is where the majority is wrong Where they make you sing a dreadful song “Collect!” They say, “-as many as you can Ignore their deeds, but judge their tan” Never do you realize that you've been harmed A friend you're not if the puppets are charmed Behind the smile if hides a smirk I know it's loyalty to me you shirk Yet I watch and wait for you to play To go on pretending throughout the day Watching knavery work at its best Amusing myself for you failed the test.

Amid the betrayal, I thank you no less For a lifelong lesson is worth this mess This broken trust, this maimed heart Will give impetus to a fresh new start.

One where acquaintances aren't comrades and trust seldom falters For true friends and humans aren't that easy to alter So fear not, dear readers, of what society thinks It doesn't do so often and usually misses out key links.

Be who you are, even if a loner you be Only then can you truly say “Hey, at least I'm me!”

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Short Stories

“The universe is made of stories, not atoms.�

Running Away Hafsa Hussein AI-A

Ayesha's swollen eyes stared out the window. She had bruises all over her face. The world outside the window seemed different from the world she was living in. Everyone was free in the world outside her house.

Ayesha was the only bread winner in her house. The loneliness in her heart gave life to the novels she wrote. She had been married for six years now and was not allowed to have any contact with her relatives.

Darkness began to prevail and Ayesha made up her mind to free herself from these chains of cruelty that had tied her down for six years. She stepped away from the window and began to prepare dinner. The whole time she thought about her destiny and future.

Seconds turned into minutes and minutes to hours, and it was bed time. She went up to her son's room to say good night. Tears welled up in her eyes at the thought that this would be the last time she would see her son. Flash backs of the previous years played in her mind.

She remembered the time, three years ago, when she had first tried to escape this life. Her husband had dragged her all around the house, pulling her by the hair, screaming that she should never even think of getting out of his sight, or even consider leaving this life behind.

These words were imprinted on Ayesha's mind ever since then and worried her the most. She ran her fingers through her son's hair, and then realized that it was time for her to leave. She wished him good night and went towards her room.

Ayesha lay in bed pretending to be asleep, waiting for her husband to go into a deep sleep. The cuckoo clock started making its usual sound as the hand struck twelve. Feeling the time was right, she got up and tiptoed downstairs. Her eyes caught sight of the metallic gun placed on the wall, which accelerated her pulse rate. She quickly grabbed her bag, which she had hidden underneath the pile of dirty laundry, while preparing dinner.

Ayesha's heartbeat got faster and adrenaline pumped into her body, as she put her hand on the doorknob and unlocked the door. She couldn't believe that she was actually doing this. Without looking back, she closed the door behind her and began to run. Tears of joy ran down her face as the reality of the situation sunk in. She was going to be free.

The silence of the night was broken by the thundering sound of a gun. Ayesha stopped and looked at the red stain that kept on increasing in size. She looked back in pain and saw her husband coming towards her with the gun in his hand. She fell on the ground, helpless. Her husband leaned towards her and whispered in her ear, “ You should have listened to me, Ayesha.�

The darkness in front of Ayesha's eyes vanished as she opened them. It was hard for her to believe that all of this was actually a nightmare. It was this agonizing truth that nothing HAD or WOULD ever change, and the only thing that could keep her going was Hope!

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Peace at Last Zeelaf Butt XC-B

“All is calm, all is bright…..”

A soft voice broke the silence that always hung about her. She hated that silence. It was so quiet, it scared her…

“All is calm, all is bright!!!”

Now she was screaming at the top of her voice, desperate to banish the silence. The darkness and silence seemed to squeeze the life out of her, pressing in, suffocating her. She scampered to the small high window and waited for the first light of dawn to come. She turned her huge, mad and wild eyes to the limited sky which was visible through the window. She cackled happily as the sky turned from midnight blue to amber. She rocked on her feet, crooning to herself. A bird chirped in the distance and that shook the girl out of her trance. She stood up and paced the small damp room in which she was enclosed. The walls of the room were made of wood and were covered with grime. The floor was littered with dirty hay that was her bed. There was only one door, only one means of escape but it had been locked and bolted since the day she had come.

Suddenly a feeling of desperation came over her, a burning desire to be free like a bird. To look down at the world and feel the wind ruffle her hair. She ran to the door screaming and banged uncontrollably on it. She screamed till her voice got hoarse. Suddenly the door opened and she scampered back to the end of the room and sat hunched in the corner, cowering. A woman in white uniform was standing at the door, with a haggard and worried expression on her face. She looked about 40 and her hair was pulled back in a tight bun at her neck.

“What is it Miss Doherty?” she asked inquiringly.

All of a sudden the grimy walls and dirty hay disappeared and a different room materialised in front of Susan Doherty's eyes. She looked around confused at the white walls, the clean carpeted floor and the window from which the sun peeked at her, filling the room with a brilliant light.

“Where….??” Susan mumbled incoherently.

The nurse sighed and came into the room.

“Have you been seeing things again?” she asked gently.

Susan set her mouth in a hard line and stared at the floor. She was still confused. The nurse went on.

“Why do you do that? Mind you, it will be the end of you someday!!”

“Come, your father and sister are here to see you….Don't you want to meet Lily?”

“Lily…..” Susan mumbled, vaguely remembering a dimpled smile and red hair like sunset on someone's shoulders.

“Yes Lily, come on.”

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The nurse took her arm and led her to the waiting room where her father and sister were sitting on the sofa, talking to a doctor. They all glanced up as she came in.

“Hello Susy!”

Her father greeted her and motioned her to sit between him and Lily. She obliged. Lily smiled at her. She was 12 years younger than Susan. Susan smiled uncertainly back at her and then looked back at her hands. Lily's smiled wavered and then disappeared. She could never understand why Susan behaved like this. Whenever she tried to interact with Susan, she never responded. The doctor was saying something to her father and Lily leaned forward to hear him.

“I'm sorry but Susan is not making progress. The event that you told me about how she was kidnapped at the age of seven and held captive for two weeks alone. All of this keeps coming back to her in the form of hallucinations. You see, this memory is very hard to erase from her mind as she saw other kidnapped children being killed in front of her. As a result, she has developed a phobia of everything associated with that event e.g. being alone even for a few seconds. As she grew up, instead of forgetting it, slowly, over the years,these images manifested themselves. Her imagination became more detailed and vivid. There is no denying she is schizophrenic.”

“Is there anything that can be done, doctor?”

Mr Doherty looked worn out and tired. His face had grown old with lines of worry and anxiety.

“Yes of course. There is the electric shock therapy which could be carried out. We could have done it earlier but Susan had to be strong enough. So now, we are going to wait for one week and keep Susan on a healthy diet. Please sign these documents.”

Mr Doherty after reading them thoroughly, signed them. The doctor got up and walked away. Mr Doherty patted Susan's head, “How are you Susan?”

“They are asking for my help Dad…..I want to help them!!” Susan muttered.

A pained expression spread over Mr Doherty's face and he covered his face with his hands. Before Lily could do anything Susan got up and started to leave.

“Where are you going?” Lily's voice had a ring of worry in it.

“To my room.” Susan muttered, avoiding Lily's eyes.

“Can I come with you?”

“NO!!” Susan said sharply.

Lily started and Mr. Doherty stared up at his eldest daughter.

“I want to be alone; I want to go to sleep. I'm tired.” Susan said in a normal voice.

She looked tired too. She had bags under her eyes and was very pale. Mr. Doherty nodded, unable 71

to speak as his voice was choked with tears. Susan walked away, dragging her feet. She came into her room and shut the door behind her. She leaned against it and took a deep breath. When she opened her eyes, two girls were standing in front of her, caked with mud and blood. One had dark hair and the other had fair hair. They reached out their hands towards her.

“Please help us Susan! We want to go home…take us home!!” the dark haired girl cried out brokenly.

“I cannot….” Susan's body was trembling. Her voice shook.

“Please Susan!! We promise we'll go away!” the other girl wept.

Susan licked her lips which had gone dry.

“How?” her voice was barely a whisper. Tears were rolling down her cheeks.

“Come with us Susan….come to us the way we came.” The fair haired girl breathed.

She slowly looked at the glass jug by Susan's bedside table and looked back at her. Susan understood her meaning.

“I cannot….” Susan was sobbing now.

“Please! It will be easy!! Please!!” The girls set up such a wailing that Susan covered her ears with her hands.

“Will it hurt?” Susan cried out.

“No Susan! Promise!” the dark haired girl said eagerly.

“Promise you'll go away!!” Susan cried. The girls instead of answering, came over to Susan and took her hands and slowly led her to the table.

CRRAAASSSHHHHHH!!!!!

The sound resonated through the quiet rooms and everybody was startled. A nurse ran to Susan's room and opened the door. The sight of the room made her scream and she staggered away. A doctor came running. The sight which met his eyes turned his very heart sick. His stomach lurched as he saw the broken glass and blood stained carpet. His eyes fell on the writhing body of Susan Doherty. She had stabbed herself with a shard of broken glass in the side of her neck. As he knelt down before her,she opened her mouth and spoke only four words with difficulty.

“They promised they'd leave….”

Sadly, these words proved to be her last…….

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Jim Robinson Mahnoor Rizwan XC-C

“…And Jim Robinson is hereby sentenced to life improvement for murdering Mary Anderson”, boomed the judge's voice across the court. “Jim Robinson, what do you plead?”

The booming voice of the judge was like the buzzing of bees for Jim. He had been sitting in this court hearing for over four hours. He had a grim and serious face throughout the hearing, but he never showed fear in his eyes. His parents had taught him better than that. He smiled a melancholy smile as he recalled that scene in his mind. His father, with bright green eyes, very similar to his, had been talking to his son, “…and remember Jim, don't ever be embarrassed by whatever situation you are in. Keep your head held high, and play a little smile on your face so that other people can wonder whatever is making you smile.”

Jim was a respectable man, who upheld his morality and teachings. He was a model citizen and a good natured person. But he was also black, and this was one of fate's merciless tricks played on an innocent but coloured person.

He replayed the four hours of court hearing in his head. All stood up as the judge entered. The hardlined face of the judge and his plump form were not as intimidating as his cold eyes; lacking all warmth and kindness. The hearing started. After an hour, the witness was called and the police general walked jauntily towards the witness stand.

He began his story by describing the scene of the darkness of the night. That very memory was etched in Jim's mind. It was an hour past midnight. Darkness engulfed everything, making it impossible to see. Only the eerie glow of the moon and the twinkling light of the lamp post were the source of light. Jim had been working overnight at the bank due to the workload his boss had put on him. He was exhausted, and the thought of his comfortable bed, was the only thing that kept him walking. As he walked by the lamp post, he saw a pale heap on the pavement. As his eyes adjusted to the light, the form's outline came into view and Jim's body responded involuntarily.

He ran towards it and saw the blood before the woman. She was drenched in blood, bruises all over her body, but she was breathing and was alive. He leaned over her inert form, and checked for other signs of injuries, so he could decide whether to call for help, or to take her to the hospital. During this time, blood got smeared on his clothes.

“Stay where you are, and put your hands where I can see them!” cracked a voice from the darkness.

Jim spun around and saw a policeman waving his pistol.

“She is hurt...” Jim started, but he was cut off by the man's reply.

“I know what you have done,” he spat.

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After that, no more protests by Jim were necessary. The policeman called his backup and he was escorted to the prison.

“It was obvious when we saw his face, he was definitely the one,” said the police general.

The grim expression on the General's face could easily have been a leer. As the only witness at the scene he could not be refuted or corrected, but Jim knew there was no point in having more witnesses.

He knew what would happen, and he knew he was doomed, when he heard the words from the policeman's mouth, “I know what you have done!”

Only Jim and his lawyer knew the truth. The so-called “honest” witness knew who the criminal was, as he had left signs the policeman knew only too well. He and the criminal were involved in drug dealing, and as long as the money flowed into his pockets, justice had no meaning. Morality and bravery were not his codes of conduct.

Jim knew it was no use. His lawyer had urged with him to plead not guilty, but Jim knew it wouldn't matter. Fate had made him a coloured man, and fate, a cruel mistress indeed, had decided this.

“Jim Robinson, what do you plead?” echoed the judge's voice.

“Guilty”, said Jim in a voice that was barely audible.

Don’t add to the truth. When you do, you’ll just subtract from it.

- Anonymous

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Painting Feet Sundus Javed AI-C

For the longest, loneliest time, I wondered if there was anyone on earth like me and whether there was any purpose to my life other than pain and humiliation. It felt as if tangible white darkness had shut in on me, separating me and my passion; painting. My emotions, my feelings stayed locked up in me as I was left with no means of expressing them. Being not much of a loquacious person, the only way I could convey my view point was through painting. But, can a person paint without arms? This thought kept killing me inside, smashing my dreams to smithereens. Life was not passing by me, in fact, it was running over me. Everything seemed monochromic and this is how it feels when a passionate painter loses his arms in an accident.

My hopes had vanished completely and it seemed as if the world would never again be vivacious for me. I had given up everything and sat dumb, expecting a miracle. Every now and then I went looking throughout the house for my canvas, watercolors, paint brushes, only to feel it all the more bitterly that I was physically disabled.

And then, the day arrived, the most important day of my life. On the afternoon of that eventful day, I sat on the couch as my sister switched through the TV channels. This particular news channel caught our attention. A special report was being aired of a child with no arms as me. And to my complete astonishment, the child was typing with his feet as swiftly as a perfectly normal person does with his hands. Tears leaked out of the corner of my eyes as I watched him, flabbergasted. That was when a ray of hope shone down on me. God granted me courage when I was absolutely hopeless.

The child, probably many years younger than me, became my inspiration.

I turned over a new leaf and began expressing my views again, this time, using my feet. The start was as per expectation, problematic. But, when the world around makes no sense, why should I paint pictures that do? I was just too blissful to let my feelings out. No matter how destructive they appeared. At least my world was full of life once again. It would have been difficult to find a happier person than I was as I lay in my bed at the end of that day and lived over the joys it had brought me, and for the first time since my accident, I longed for a new day to dawn.

We are limited, but we can push back the borders of our limitations – Stephen R. Covey

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Everything Was Going According to Plan When it Started Raining..

Hadia Waheed VIII H

It was my birthday and the whole family had planned that I would return early from work and then we would have my birthday party in the evening. While working in the office I could barely wait to sink my teeth into one of my mother's creamy frosting cakes but when the time came for me to leave, it started raining. In the beginning it was a light drizzle but with every passing minute it turned heavier and heavier. In minutes the road outside was flooded and all the cars had stopped moving.

My father used to drop me to work in the morning but in the evening I used to walk home myself as it only took me forty minutes to reach home and I regarded the walk as a good exercise. Today dad couldn't even pick me up due to all the flooding and traffic. I sent the office peon to look for a taxi but he too returned without any good news. Due to the traffic there were no taxis to be seen. After two hours of nonstop shower I thought that the rain might stop but it didn't. The news on the television indicated that the rain would continue for another four to five hours.

I couldn't let the rain ruin my birthday so I borrowed an umbrella and started off. My colleagues told me not to leave in these conditions but I didn't pay heed to their suggestion. The minute I stepped out of the protection of my office I realized that it was way too dangerous to walk in these conditions.

The sky looked as if a thick, black shawl had covered it although it was only four in the afternoon, a time when the sun usually shone its brightest. Today, however, it looked as if it was midnight! There was fog and mist everywhere. I could hardly see a foot ahead of me. Though I knew the route to my home very well it was difficult for me to walk. Even the umbrella couldn't protect me from the rain. I was drenched from top to bottom.

After ten minutes of nonstop walking I heard footsteps behind me. I felt that was odd since there was hardly anyone travelling by foot that day but then I thought that he might be a desperate person like me. However, I was soon proved wrong. After thirty minutes I could still hear feet moving behind me. I became a little frightened that this person might be tailing me or worse trying to kidnap me. I pushed this thought aside and started to walk faster but the sound of his footsteps grew louder.

As I turned on a deserted street the mysterious person walking behind me got hold of me, sending a shiver down my spine. I struggled to get away from him but to no avail. The person pushed me into a car which pulled up beside me. I screamed for help at the top of my voice but my voice was barely audible. The person who was completely garbed in black, tied my hands and placed a blindfold on my eyes and started driving. A thick black veil covered his face.

A whirlwind of emotions were running through me. I couldn't imagine that I was being kidnapped and worse on my own birthday! I silently wept at my ill fate. I didn't know who these people were.

What had I ever done to wrong these people who had kidnapped me? I thought about the cake my

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mother would have made which I would never get to eat. The thought of never meeting my parents and friends made me wish I'd die instead.

A phone bell rang and the person answered it said 'I have got her'. The voice sounded vaguely familiar but I couldn't recognize it. I still couldn't determine whether my abductor was a man or woman.

After fifteen minutes of nonstop driving the car stopped. Two people grabbed me and moved me into a dark room. The grab was surprisingly soft not harsh or rough at all. There they took off my blindfold and departed.

I started to cry. I didn't even imagine in my wildest dreams that I would be abducted by some very cruel people. My flow of thought was interrupted when the door flew open and the man who had kidnapped me beckoned me to come outside. I went outside and BANG!!!!!!

'Happy Birthday to you……! this chorus greeted me. I looked all around and saw family and friends hugging me and wishing me “Happy Birthday”. I felt like hitting them for playing such a cruel joke on me but when my eyes fell on my mom's cake it melted my heart completely and dispersed all other thoughts temporarily. It was the most beautiful cake I had ever seen. It was pink with a wreath of white roses made of icing. I cut a huge piece for myself and started eating. 'What a birthday surprise' I thought. I had loads of fun with my friends and family. Without doubt this was my best birthday ever!

Expect anything from anyone; the devil was once an angel.

- Anonymous

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October, 8th 2005 Ayesha Bibi AI-A

“She strained to open her eyes but the fatigue and dust were too heavy for her to bear. She tried to call for her Maa Gul, her mother but no sound escaped her throat. Silent, helpless tears began to wet her rosy cheeks as darkness once again overwhelmed her mind.

The day had started very beautifully, the birds were chirping away and the light breeze travelled from the peak of one mountain only to end at the foot of another. The light blue sky and the lush green vegetation sparkled under the golden sunlight , Hajra truly felt blessed to wake up on such a morning, to see yet another dawn breaking in her beloved city of Balakot.

“Don't forget today dada jan will take you to buy your clothes for eid ..” Hajra's mother whispered in her ear and Hajra glowed with pleasure. Shopping with dada jan was always fun despite his constant reminders to fully cover her little face, these rare trips to the bazaar always left her immensely happy. Hajra joyfully made her way to school oblivious of how that one day would change every thing in her life, everything that defined Balakot as a city of values, honour and strength.”

The author paused at this point and dramatically clearing her throat took a sip of water from the delicate crystal glass, sitting in one of the air conditioned auditoriums of Lahore's most prestigious library. I knew what would come next, without even the words being uttered from the writer's mouth I knew how the story would develop.

Hajra would lose an eye, a leg, an arm or even her memory in the earthquake that followed; she would be in obvious pain for some time but then lo and behold a foreign NGO would come into the picture, help the poor girl in trouble and everyone would be happy ever after.

This story was as predictable as all the others have been every year on the 8th of October, everyone would say how thousands of people lost their lives but not one of them would stop to think what is now happening in Balakot. They would never feel the sense of deprivation the locals of Balakot feel even after six years of that calamity, the feeling of being lied to about reconstructing the city which is still in ruins.

I slowly leave my seat to exit the hall and think for a moment, it is not just Balakot that we forget; it is every single tragedy we experience that gets ignored in our country. As I make my way out of the hall the last line of the writer's speech resonates in my ears…

“We will again meet next year to mourn the loss of lives lost on 8th of October 2005.”

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For the Last Time…

Mehreen Zaman XC-D

Ever since I was a child, swimming was my favorite hobby. My parents brought home a swimming pool and I loved diving in and out of the water and blowing bubbles in it, laughing gaily at the noise I made. Reading this, I am sure you would not be surprised to learn that the career I chose was…… scuba diving.

That's right. I decided to study oceanography to its greatest depth, and even though it was an extremely tiring work I never got fed up with it: I loved it and enjoyed every second with my team mates.

It was a cold and wet night, and I was hurrying down the sidewalk tightly pulling on my raincoat. I was exhausted after the day's work and wanted nothing more than to have a drink of hot chocolate and then retire to bed. I always walked home from work despite the protests by my fellow workers.

But I loved to breathe in the night's fresh air. Looking at my watch I was hurrying down the empty street when suddenly a truck came out of no where looking as if it was in trouble.

One second it was at the end of the road and the next second it was right in front of me. I stood transfixed in horror unable to move and the last thing I remember was seeing and hearing a blinding flash of light and the horn of the truck blaring at me to get out of the way. I was unconscious all through the ordeal and woke up to see the anxious face of my mother; who was sniffing and caressing my hair. I tried to get up and hug her but something felt terribly wrong with my left leg. I couldn't feel it; I couldn't move it. I was confused and angry and tried to question my mother. Her face was streaked with tears and her eyes blood red. Suddenly, it hit me like a severe blow: I wouldn't be able to use it for the rest of my life. At that point the world seemed far away. It was like I was separated from the rest of the people like an invisible barrier. I couldn't believe the truth that was trying to sink in: I would never be able to swim again.

“Just once……one last time” I pleaded with my mother. I knew I sounded like a young child but I could not help it. Could my mother not see this was important to me?

“Most certainly not. How could you even think of it? You know very well you won't be able to.”

“I can, I want to and even if you say no I will do it anyway,” steering my wheel chair away from the kitchen, I said stubbornly The day finally came. I was both nervous and excited. And I feared I could not trust myself with the task. What if I wouldn't be able to get out? Would I have the heart to leave? I was scared yet determined to show that I was not a coward. My body was covered in a special swim suit with extra covering on my left leg. It was a year since the accident, yet still the memory haunted me as if it were only yesterday.

My mouth was accessorized with a mask joined to an oxygen tank. I took a deep breath and slipped inside the water slowly until I was submerged in it. My eyes were closed till then as if afraid to 79

see what I might witness. I opened them gently and the sight in front of me made me freeze. It was a gorgeous view and seemed even more magnificent than ever. Maybe I had forgotten how it used to be but never before had I appreciated the beauty of the underwater as I did that day. The blue water blended perfectly into the background as different coloured coral reefs emerged from the surface like elegant structures. To my right, a blue parrot fish chomped on a fistful of lemon- yellow lobe coral. A couple of Achilles Tangs, with orange spots swam past, a few of them nibbling at the bright green algae. Snorkelling deeper into the clear warm water, I saw a school of silver fish swimming together close to one another. Suddenly a shadow engulfed me for one heart stopping moment. I realized it was a boat which meant that my friends were keeping a close eye on me. I swam further and soon it became more and more difficult as the pain became more intense, but I remained steadfast. I saw sea anemones and resting between one was a bright orange, black striped clown fish. Sea urchins of purple and black colour, which I called the pin cushions of the sea, were resting below. Further away, I could make out the sea turtles floating with the current in a line. Nearer, however, was a shallow cave and peering closely, what I saw made me gasp so that bubbles issued from my mouth and floated to the surface. I saw, a white tip reef shark sleeping in its home and daring to move closer, I saw bones of fish lying around its massive body. I swam away hastily and narrowly missed a bright pink jelly-fish moving its tentacles in and out. I swam the other way and saw a number of bright coloured polyps making a brilliant coloured colony. I was just smiling when I heard a loud horn. My hour was up. I sighed sadly unable to digest the fact that I might never see this scenery again. I did not want to move.

The underwater seemed to be my home. Leaving it was like abandoning the reason to live. A deep sorrow gripped my heart as I cautiously made my way up. I had an hour that seemed like moments but 'that 'I thought smiling despite myself, 'was what made it special'

I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody.

- Bill Cosby

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How He Rose From the Dirt……

Walija Ansari XC-B

Gulsher Khan shifted under the hot blistering sun. The air was thick with car smoke and nearby a man was frying hot tasty 'pakoras' which made his stomach rumble. He could picture them clearly in his mind, fresh out of the oil, crunchy and spicy. His hand automatically went inside his 'shalwar' pocket and he fingered the few notes wistfully. But he knew he must not waste his precious money on these luxurious things. He had to buy food for himself and his lame father. His father, who was now probably lying on the sofa in their one room hut, resting. He felt a deep surge of anger as he thought about himself frying under the hot sun and sitting by the roadside hoping for a job while his father was enjoying the cool air of the ceiling fan. He felt his green eyes narrow for a moment but then realized that his father could never rest or have peace within him. Not when his daughter and wife had died in the earthquake.

Seventeen year old Gulsher Khan felt hot tears stinging his eyes as he remembered that accursed day. His heart always ached when he thought about it, his heart got so heavy that it seemed to fill his chest and threatened to burst.

His voice got heavy and words refused to come out of his throat. Even now his chest tightened as he recalled that day. It was the 5th of October 2005 when their house had collapsed on them instantly killing his mother Farzana Bibi and his younger sister Kulsum Jan. He had survived. His father was screaming in pain as the wall had collapsed on his legs leaving him to a life of misery. A life which stretched, on and on, endlessly. Oh! How Gulsher prayed to Allah that this life would end and give him peace in the abode of Paradise, where he would be reunited once more with his mother and sister.

But whenever he thought of it, he would remember his father and feel guilty. How could he leave his father alone? His father, who had lost so much but still never complained and always put up a brave face. They both had suffered so much together that now he didn't want to leave him alone. Gulsher remembered the time when they had lived for a few months in a refugee camp but had left for Lahore as soon as it got more crowded. After all for how long could they live on the 'Imdaad' of others? With the little money his father had, they had rented a room in the dirtiest slum area of Lahore. A most damp and foul place to live in but they had no choice.

A lone tear ran down his cheek leaving a streak in the dust which caked him from head to toe. He angrily brushed it away, frustrated at his own weakness. Why could he not be like his own father? A 'rickshaw' putt putted past him, snapping him out of his reverie. He looked around and caught the eye of a fat ugly man whose teeth were red with 'paan' juice. A lump of tobacco produced a bulge in his cheek further worsening his appearance.

The man looked at Gulsher with vile eyes and slowly smiled tauntingly.

SPPLATT!!......A glob of red spit landed at Gulsher's feet. The man was provoking him to fight.

Gulsher ignored him.

“Hey! Pretty boy! Where are you from”. The man yelled jeeringly.

He got up and waddled over to him. He was standing so close, Gulsher could smell his foul breath.

“Hey! Get up! This is my sitting place!!”

Gulsher was amazed; the man was behaving most childishly. However, to avoid a fight, he moved to one side. The man was persistent; he poked Gulsher deliberately on the shoulder and told him to scram. Gulsher swallowed his anger and ignored him.

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Suddenly he felt a stinging slap on his face. The man who had hit him hooted loudly. Other men gathered around, eager for a fight, desperate to take out their frustration on someone else. They wanted a way to release pent up anger and they had found the perfect way; bullying. Blow after blow fell upon Gulsher. He felt warm blood running down his lips and tasted blood. He raised his arms to fend off the blows. A large crowd had gathered. The onlookers were shaking their heads disapprovingly but no one made any effort to help him. After all, why would they want to get their expensive clothes dirty, Gulsher thought bitterly.

Suddenly someone, some good soul pushed the man aside.

The newcomer was wearing a crisp white suit and seeing his aura everybody turned meek and dispersed. The man who had been hitting Gulsher put on a pitiful face and turned to the newcomer.

“Sahib, this boy has been hitting me, I'm his father's age and he has been hitting me mercilessly!!!”

The man whined. The newcomer glanced at Gulsher and then looked at the man with a steely gaze.

“Judging by the amount of wounds on your face and the boy's face, it seems to me that the opposite of what you just said has been happening!” The man said tartly.

The other man turned on his heel and walked away quickly before the newcomer could call the police. The man guided Gulsher to his car which was parked nearby and helped him in.

“Are you all right?”

Gulsher nodded numbly.

“Who are you? Why was the man hitting you?” the man asked kindly.

Tears poured down Gulsher's face and with a heavy heart he related his miserable story to the kind stranger. The man's face softened as he heard his heart wrenching tale of woe. He embraced Gulsher.

“Look son, I want a junior clerk for my office……I am willing to give you this position if you promise me that you will be honest and hardworking…plus you will also continue with your studies..”

Gulsher's heart exploded with pleasure.

He had been dirty, hungry and completely without hope. Now there was a chance of a new life.

How could he miss this?

“Pakistan…would be a much better place….if there were more men like you sahib!”

Gulsher Khan choked out to his benefactor and turned his face towards a prosperous life for himself and his poor father.

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A Memory Iman Ejaz XC-E

She looked at him with surprise but the words were stuck in her throat. He seemed almost fragile as if about to shatter into pieces, into shards of only…memory, but his face was as handsome as ever, his hazel brown eyes held the message of peace and love.

It had all begun two months ago, when he had come rushing towards her in his brown and green army uniform, with colourful, bright badges shining on his chest, and among them gleamed a dark green badge which represented her, which was her identity, which was her Pakistan. A tear trickled down his cheek, “I'm going to miss you Sarah, and I will be back as soon as the war ends,” he said with a wide smile. As she stared at his handsome face, she felt proud, proud to be his daughter, proud of his bravery. And then a few seconds later he went out of her reach.

She waited for him for one month in anxiety and unrest, hating the fact that he had left her here with her mother protected while he fought out there unprotected. A few days later the mail arrived and Sarah found a yellow envelope addressed to her mother. She rushed to her and tore it open, reading it aloud: "To Mrs. Farzana, We are sorry to inform you that your husband, Mr. Abdul Karim, is missing in action. We will keep you informed if we find out about his whereabouts.

Sincerely, Major General Ishaq Khan".

Sarah and her mother burst into tears. Her mother immediately arranged for transport to Khem Karan, where her father had been posted. It was an extremely difficult journey; protests everywhere and military people patrolling the streets. At Khem Karan they went to the police station where Mr. Rajeev led them silently into a room. The plate on the door read “Mortuary”. Sarah and her mother lost control, their agony pouring down their faces in form of tears.

Mr. Rajeev opened the door leading to a dull, large room lit by a few electric bulbs hanging low from the ceiling. In the room lay hundreds of bodies on wooden tables, covered from head to toe with plain white sheets. Sarah could not walk; she could not believe that her father, the person she loved most, could be dead. She clung to her mother, whimpering softly. Then was the time that Mr. Rajeev revealed from under a cover, the body of her father.

And now she stood here, staring at his blood stained body, his handsome face, which had smiled at her when she had last met him. She held back her tears because she knew that he still lived, within her.

He still survived…..as a memory.

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Trapped In a Chairlift Hadia Waheed VIII-H

“Oh my God! It's wonderful!”I exclaimed. I was in Hawaii enjoying my vacation with my family and cousins. The sight of the mountains fascinated me so very much that I felt oblivious to my surrounding. My attention was only for the range of mountains which were coloured red, blue, yellow and every hue of the rainbow. I had a special love for nature. This sight was worth watching and could mesmerize anyone who didn't even pay heed to nature's magic and beauty.

My cousins and I were hiking on one of the mountains. We had a lot of fun. It was tedious, but full of fun and excitement. One time I slipped and was going to fall when my father caught me. When finally we reached the top of the mountain we were informed that we had to go down by chairlift as the way down through the mountain was very dangerous and only very skilled mountaineers took such a risk.

If I had known that we had to come down by chairlift I wouldn't ever have climbed it in the first place as I was afraid of heights. Climbing a mountain was fine but coming down 200 meters on a chairlift was frightful enough to send a shiver down my spine. Even dreaming about it would make me sick but here I was in reality doing the thing which I had feared all my life. I sat on the lift with my dad after a lot of protest. My dad advised me to shut my eyes. He said “we will be down in a jiffy. You will not even feel anything. You are my brave little girl.”

The chairlift started to move but after a while stopped, suddenly. I was very happy that we had reached the ground but as my eyes were shut I didn't know that I was trapped on the chairlift in midair.

As I opened my eyes, my worst fear became reality. I started to cry wildly. My father comforted and soothed me and told me that the chairlift would start working after a few minutes, but fate proved him wrong. Two hours passed but the chairlift didn't even move an inch. I was thirsty and hungry as all our bags were with my elder brother. Every minute I was reminded of the story my friend told me when her aunt was trapped on a chairlift for twenty-three hours only an hour less than a day. She had no eatables or drink with her and that day was hotter than usual.

Three hours, four hours, five hours, passed but to no avail. I was drenched in sweat from top to loe. My father who was always very optimistic and enthusiastic had also lost hope. He was sitting there with an expressionless face wondering when the chairlift would move.

The tenth hour arrived which was unbearable. My stomach growled with hunger. My throat was dry as not even a drop of water had touched my lips for the past ten hours. I was going to howl in agony and misery when to everyone's relief, the chairlift started to move. I thanked God because now I would be able to enjoy a huge meal. I was not a big eater but once I reached down I ate as if I had not eaten for months.

The chairlift team gave us a free meal for this inconvenience. We learnt that the electricity transformer of the area had broken down due to which the chairlift stopped. I admired my friend's aunt's strength of being trapped on a chairlift for twenty three hours without food and water. I couldn't even tolerate ten hours. The lesson I learned was never to sit on a chairlift. NEVER!

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Liberty Primary “There can be no keener revelation of a society's soul than the way in which it treats its children.�

Little Raindrops Bareera Zaighum V-C

Oh, where do you come from?

Little drops of rain, Pitter patter, pitter patter, Down the window pane They won't let me walk, And they won't let me play, They won't let me go, Outdoors all day!

They say I'm very naughty, But I've nothing else to do, But sit here at the window, I would like to play with you!

Butterfly Fatima Hassan V-C

Butterfly Oh! Butterfly!

With the prettiest wings you fly, The design of your wings, Looks just like tie and dye, Oh dearest little Butterfly!

I wish I had wings, To fly and do many things, As your pretty wings shine, I wish they could be mine, This is the hand of God, That you should applaud, The prettiest creature you know you are, And I like you just the way you are!

My School and I Tayyaba Tanveer IV-B

My school is the best, My teacher prepares me for the test, There is a big playground, I see pretty bees and butterflies all around, We study all day; hoping not to stop, So we can do well and reach the top.

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My New School Fatima Jamal IV-A

After grade three was done I moved to grade four which is fun My teachers are really nice I often win in competitions- a prize My friends are really friendly and cool Because they don't make me look like a fool And we study in school the whole day long And play games all round I love to go to school every day Cannot wait for the start of the next day.

My Grandmother Zaha Asim III-F

Nice, loving, caring and sweet Having Grandmothers is surely a treat, Sometimes when I am sad, Grandma makes me feel glad.

When mama scolds me Granny is there to hold me.

No one else could ever be that smart I love her with all my heart

Love,Love,Love Avizeh Atif V-A

Love, love, love, Let me tell you about love, It's the most important thing in a family My mother says she loves me, My father says he loves me, Ooh! What a lucky girl am I, Everybody loves me!

My cousins say they love me, My friends say they love me, My aunt and uncle love me, Ooh! What a lucky girl am I, Everybody loves me!!!

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When I Go Out Wafa Zaheer V-B

When I go out, I see many clouds, Trees filled with bees, Bees making honey, Sold for money, I don't think that's funny, I just love honey!

When I go out, I see the sun shining bright, With all its might, Kids having a fight, For a burger bite, I just love this sight!

When I go out, I see bright red roses, Getting water from hoses, Kids taking pictures, Making different poses, I love roses!

When I go out, I see lovely flying birds, Hairy spiders and poisonous lizards, In sandy hot deserts, Shepherds grazing their herds, I'm oh so scared of lizards!

My Sweet Sister Sarah Naeem III-H

Some people are very special to you Because they do so much for you For me it's my sister When she goes away I miss her.

I fight with her over little things But then we become friends and together we sing She always listens and gives me advice Which is useful and extremely wise I love my sweet sister, she is the best With her on my side I feel blessed

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My Doll Hibaa Hassan IV-F

I have a doll and I call her Belle.

She is beautiful and can sing as well.

She wears a pink and white frock.

After dressing her I take her for a walk.

She has white earrings and a matching necklace.

She puts them on with grace and elegance.

She has long, blonde, curly hair.

I comb them thoroughly with love and care.

I bought her from a big shop.

On the best-sellers list she was at the top.

Healthy Teeth Umm-e- Kalsoom IV-G

Brush your teeth twice a day They should be clean before you pray I clean them with a good toothpaste While preparing for school I do it in haste.

Then sitting with someone is not embarrassing Clean teeth and the breath is quite refreshing.

Healthy teeth are our great wealth They are important for our health

My School Aliza Nazkat III E

A place where we learn with fun A place where I forget what I've done A place full of great fun A place where I let go of all my tensions A place that provides me with all the solutions A place where I easily avoid my annoying sisters A place where I meet all those wonderful teachers A place which is so totally cool Is the place that I take pride in calling my SCHOOL!

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Chocolate Syeda Hafsa Azim IV-C

Chocolate is sweet And so good to eat I like it whenever I need a good treat In brownies and cookies And chocolate cake, It adds extra sweetness To everything you bake.

White chocolate, dark chocolate And milk chocolate galore, I know I can eat A hundred pieces or more!

Peace Maniha Inam IV-C

Peace, peace, We want peace, We want no wars, All we seek is peace, Peace is the thing we like, Peace should be a part of life, Peace, peace, We want peace!

A Day Full of Fun Tayyaba Tanveer IV-B

Yesterday, the day was full of fun, There were bees, butterflies and the sun, I saw hummingbirds on the big tree, Everyone was feeling fresh and free, My garden was looking very green, The air was fresh and the place was clean, My flowers were looking very colourful, My garden was looking nice and beautiful, I wish everyone could enjoy the weather so peaceful, Which will keep everyone all year joyful.

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A Trip to Murree Hiba Atta III-D

I miss your snowy peaks, That many a tourist seek, I miss that paradise on earth, I miss you Murree.

I miss the orchards made with love, I miss the chairlift and the sweet songs of the turtle dove, I miss the apple and plums trees sway, To the rocky ridges up the highway, I miss you Murree.

I miss those pretty embroidered shawls, Over which women brawl, I miss the silver jewellery stores, And their wooden doors, I miss you Murree.

It's May Fatima Isaad IV-C

It's May! Hooray!

It's school trip day, What do you think we'll see today?

We'll see the sea, We'll see some fish, Everyone has a special wish, Leela wants to run on the shore, Jack wants to see a dinosaur, Hassan wants to see a shark, Lily wants to know if a dogfish barks, And the children have another wish, They all want to see a jellyfish.

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My Story on Inspiration Maneha Amjad V-F

Just as the clock struck 4 pm, there was a huge shout in the house! The electricity had gone. I had to study for my upcoming exams which were two months away, grandma had to watch her favourite television show, and Mama was in the kitchen and had to make a chilled mango shake for me as I needed energy to study. What was to be done now? It was a really hot and sticky day. The temperature outside the house was 30째C and the air conditioner was not working on the UPS. The fans that were working on the UPS were giving out hot air. I thought I would just faint! How could someone have expected me to study?

I announced to my family that I was not going to take my Primary Board Finals without an air conditioner. If they wanted me to study, they should get a generator so that my room's air conditioner could be used 24/7. Exhausted, I went to the lounge and sat on the fluffy Italian couch my dad had bought so that I could watch my favourite movies and cartoons on the sixty inch LCD television comfortably.

Suddenly I heard the voice of Shazia, the daughter of our maid. She attended a low-grade government school and her mother worked really hard to save money for her education. I never liked interacting with servants and felt I was superior to them. She had no sense of style or clothing. After school she used to help her mother. She used to mop the floor with one hand and hold the textbook with the other, always with a smiling face. Her mother told mine that Shazia was also taking the Primary Board Finals with me.

I never understood why Shazia was always smiling. Her father had died when she was little, and she used to live in our servant quarter with her mother. She had no presentable shoes or clothes to wear. What was she so content with, and always happy about, God only knew. As the days went by, my father bought a generator, so that I could study easily in the cool breeze of the air conditioner, even when there was load shedding.

I was never good at academics, rather I never liked studying. I had some of the best teachers in town who used to come to my place in the evening to give me extra coaching. They worked hard to teach me but I never used to complete my work. I had the best notes to study for the paper. Whereas, Shazia only had the textbooks my parents had bought for her. The servant quarter was not connected to the U.P.S or generator, so when the lights were out at night, she used to sit outside my bedroom window from where a little light used to pass through because of the improperly closed curtains. She never used to get disturbed by the heat produced from the air conditioner or by the small amount of light. Since, her mother could not afford any extra tuition money, she used to eavesdrop on my evening tuition sessions, and used to sneak into my room and have a look at my notes, when I wasn't around.

I got the flu a month before the exams, because of my daily supply of chilled drinks to boost my energy. It was a tough time. For three days I couldn't study. Time passed and the exams started. My target was to just pass the exams, what more did I need?

One day it was raining heavily, and Shazia got all wet, because she was sitting outside my window.

The doctor said she had pneumonia and needed bed rest, but she did not give up and kept on studying, and even took the papers.

Two months later, the result came, and Shazia got second position in the entire board. On the other hand, I failed in four subjects. My parents were very disappointed with me and for the first time my mother cried because of me. Shazia's mother also had tears in her eyes, but those were the tears of joy. That moment was an alarming signal for me.

From that day onwards, I started studying hard. The next year, I retook the exams and topped in the board. Shazia's lifestyle changed my point of view about studies. We are now good friends, and I know I have made my parents proud. A real inspiration can change your life completely. It sure changed mine!

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Winter Aimen Tahir IV-C

As November arrives, the weather turns freezing cold. Exams start and the school uniform changes. Sometimes, snow falls when it rains. Icicles can be seen everywhere, and sweaters, blazers and coats are often worn. Dry fruit stalls are common and the holidays start. Families pack their bags and travel to Murree. Eatables like fish and drinks like coffee, tea and soup are seen on the table more often. People plan picnics and have fun, but when summer comes, we all miss and remember the winters.

Think Before Praying Muhamadah Khalid IV-D

Once there lived an old man and his wife. They were very old and very poor. They always wished to be young again and to be able to live a better life. One day, the old man saw a stream and the water he tasted from the stream tasted very sweet. He took a sip and felt very energetic. He ran back home and told his wife about the stream. His wife went towards the stream. She also liked the sweet water, so she drank it all. She did not return for a while, so the old man got worried. When he got there, he saw a little girl crying, who was actually his wife. He felt ashamed and prayed that she would be as old as him again.

Candy Aghnia Sarwar IV-D

Yum…we tempt ourselves by eating candy. But do we know how these things are made? Do we know who makes them and are we familiar with the ingredients used to make these things? The people who make them don't care about washing their hands before making the candy. So it's time that we stop eating these things and start living a healthy life. I would advise you to visit a candy factory once and see it for yourselves.

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Friendship Ayesha Rehmat V-B

Friendship is a beautiful relationship which assures you that all your burdens are not yours alone; every little joy becomes a celebration, and every accomplishment receives appreciation.

A friend is like a shadowy tree. It is friendship that becomes the dawn of hope in gloom, lightens up your life, when everything seems to be falling apart. It is a feeling of bliss to know that whether your days are good or bad, someone out there will be there for you no matter what happens.

Friendship acts like an antidote to loneliness. It comes in our lives in different faces. A friend may be found in the strangest of all places. A little boy may find a great friend and companion in his little pet dog. A grandfather may find a wonderful friend in his grandchild. Friendship is not always bound to happen between people of the same age group; it can come into our lives in any form, at any moment.

During times of loneliness, when one feels there is no one to share joys and sorrows with, in happy and tragic moments, friends are a blessing for us. A friend acts as an umbrella on a rainy day, warmth in freezing cold-encouraging you to move forward. They provide light in darkness and I think friends are more precious than gold!

Snacks Fatima Siddique III E

Snacks are made all over the world. The world does not stop eating them. It is my request that people should start making healthy snacks. I am not asking them to stop making snacks or stop eating them. I am saying that they should make healthy snacks so that all of the world can enjoy them. Then the children who do not eat snacks can also eat them. Thank you.

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Near a Beach Fatima Saif III-D

I always find it exciting to visit a place near a beach. I cannot explain the atmosphere in words.

There is a beautiful view of the blue sea and a non-stop cool breeze. There is ultimate fun in visiting a place near a beach. When I visited one for the first time, I found lots of fun things to do there. There were lots of sea shells in different shapes and sizes. They were of different colours like purple, yellow, red and white. I started collecting them and used them to decorate a sand castle that I had made near the sea.

After that my daddy and I surfed on the sea. I saw some people riding water scooters and some people playing volley ball. I also took a sky ride in a boat balloon. When I was up in the sky I felt like I was flying like a bird. Later, I went for a walk along the beach. I also saw a lot of the famous cafes, coffee shops and hotels near the beach. I had a lot of fun!

Toothache Shamama Mehdi IV-D

Why is that when you have a toothache, you get a candy after the check-up. I mean the dentist says, “Clean your teeth�, and then gives you a giant strawberry candy. This is very weird, because the reason why we HAVE toothaches is because of candies. If I were a dentist, I'd hand out free toothbrushes. Whenever, I go to the dentist, I never take the candies he gives me, because I actually care about my teeth.

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Life @ Liberty

I'm not going to buy my kids an encyclopedia.

Let them walk to school like I did.

In Juliet's Garden Sarah Mir AI-D

So the signups for the school's annual play went up and I, the loser that I am, didn't bother to put my name down. I didn't think of even considering the option, but on the Saturday that the auditions were taking place, on the insistence of Hiba Ali, AND as a dare by my friends, I went for audition, thinking of myself as nothing less than a daredevil. Girls were coming out of the auditorium saying, “The director's cool” or “He told me to act like a boiled egg on a tray” or the worst, “He made me sing”. *shudder* That really crossed the line, but as I was about to back out, my name was called out, and the moment I entered, there was no turning back.

Our amazing director and directress Mr. Omair Rana and Ms. Karen David, and the school administration gave us two amazing months we can never forget. I can safely speak for all the cast and crew here that, as Bryan Adams would say, “Those were the best days of our lives” They really were. Staying at school till five in the evening really didn't seem so bad if you could just see what went on during our three hour rehearsals. We got off to a not so good start with the selected girls “backing out”, but after a few “daant” sessions, everything got back on track. A proper schedule was made, and we were told to research on the main female leads and their background stories, because we HAD to make our performances believable, and if WE didn't know anything about our character, why would anyone else buy it?

For those who don't know, our play, “In Juliet's Garden” by Judy Elliot McDonald, is basically a mash-up of a few heroines from Shakespeare's different plays Romeo and Juliet, Othello, Hamlet, Merchant of Venice and The Taming of the Shrew. The heroines come together to discuss some issues they have with their respective plots, at Juliet Capulet's place, and have the audacity to even invite the Bard (Shakespeare) over, but he chickens out and instead sends over his representative, Ms. Jacqueline de Boys, who with the help of Juliet's Nurse (me), tries to convince them all that their storylines are as amazing as they are, and changing the plot would be like changing a part of them. The catch was, that the sweet and motherly Nurse turns out to be Shakespeare himself at the end. (This amazing twist was added by Karen). You had to be there to get it. Also, we had amazing mimes who acted out the background stories of the heroines, so that people who hadn't read the plays (which was practically, everyone), could be helped out in understanding the storylines.

Take this story, seventy- seven hours of rehearsals, eleven teenage girls, huge support from the school, two very talented, professional and enthusiastic directors, and you will get an amazing play, with everything you could wish for. Every day, at two-thirty, all of us tried to rush to the school auditorium and wait for the directors, or else, there was a late fine ofRs.10 per minute, and by the end of the two months, our tardiness had resulted into Rs.5,810, paid mostly by Ikra Saleem, due to her being fashionably late. The amount was then donated to a needy family. Every day, the rehearsal started with interesting energizers, which included everything, from running back and forth to the gate (an overweight teenager definitely doesn't enjoy that), playing games like Zip-Zap-Boing, something kind of like musical chairs, and other random games that really used to “energize” us.

Then, came the vocal exercises and we were made to sing 'do re me fa' and shout at the top of our voices, because the concept of microphones doesn't exist in theatre (say theeataah). Also one time, we had to sing out our dialogues throughout the rehearsal. I kid you not.

We all tried out for different roles, in rotation, and after many reading sessions we got what we 95

fitted into best. Then came memorizing the lines, which after weekly sessions (yes, even Sundays were on), we not only remembered our dialogues with perfect enunciation (credit goes to the directors), but also other cast members' as well.

The fact that we had gotten a break from school's monotonous life, made the whole thing worthwhile. However, since our school had not done a play for seven years; the pressure was really on us. Mr. Rana and Karen were simply amazing. They took out all the hidden talent and creativity from within us, (which we ourselves were unaware of).The endless support, encouragement and direction we got from them was so remarkable, that by the end of it, we became our own directors/ critics. We look away so much from this experience, that even now, writing about it gives me nostalgia!

Not to forget, the production team, lead by our Art Director, Mr. Zain Adil, the Production Head, my bestie, Aleezeh Shahid and the Head Coordinator. Those guys really worked hard in getting the props, costumes, stage, play programmes all set, so that we didn't have any regrets on the big night.

They did everything, from getting the juices to put in the glasses on stage, from getting costumes made and altered, to sending invitations to other schools, to cutting off a tree from our ground to finalizing our make-up. They were a huge support and played a vital role in the success of this play.

We spent the last two days in Ali Auditorium, from eight in the morning till eight at night. Oh God, there was so much to do, and so little time. Getting our make-up finalized, to getting the stage set, to making last minute changes in costumes, etcetera etcetera. On the big night, we were all pumped with adrenaline, and the actors went off to get their make-up done from the parlour, courtesy Mr. Rana's sweet mother. The matinee show was for our O' Level students (most of them didn't even show up), which was great, but the final performance was beyond amazing. The audience was great, and very generous with their applause and laughter (at the jokes and not at the play), which was not less than an Oscar for us, and made us even more excited than those stay-at-home Aunties who are just about to watch the next “Humsafar” episode. The response was beyond our expectations, we did make minor mistakes like amateurs, but our improvisations were as good as any professionals. The acting was great, our costume trains didn't rip (Thank the Lord for that), and we were successful in making our school proud. What else could a girl want?

In the end I would like to thank our incredible Principal for putting this feather in our cap. Our Administration (Ms. Romana and Ms. Farwah) for facilitating us so much ( keeping in mind those yummy lunches). I hope we made you proud because we sure put in a lot of hard work, and for those who came to watch, I hope you loved watching it as much as we enjoyed performing it.

Sarah Mir-The Nurse/ the Bard: Since I am known to be very “motherly”, I really had no problem fitting into the role of Juliet's sweet Nurse, which no one will admit, was the most amazing role of them all. Especially owing to the fact that Karen gave my character a nice twist, which required me to jump off the stage (which was almost as high as me), and run into the audience, while holding my really really huge dress-which I must boast, I managed to do without a hitch, AND, not to forget, I got to balance myself, standing on the very rickety balcony, with a brave smile on my face. I discovered different aspects of my personality in the 96

Sarah Mir

course of these three months; I patiently bore that huge dress, which I thought was absolutely ghastly, but well, I made it work, I became close friends with people who I was only acquainted with, and I proved to myself that I am not only a nerd, but also a nerd who can kind of, sort of act too! Ha! Aleezeh Shahid- Production Manager: Being the Production Manager of annual play “In Juliet's Garden” was the most awesome experience ever. After school sessions, calling Miss Farwah Mukhtar, Sir Zain Adil and Mr. Rana and bugging them (Mr. Rana will never forget that “frantic” phone call and he even mentioned it on my play programme while signing it), running around the school to get things done (getting the tree chopped for the play was a huge task and would not have been possible without the support of Miss Humaira and Miss Farwah), roaming in shops and markets for props, visits to Ali Institute (cutting their 'Sera Aleezeh Shahid bails' with scissors without their permission and getting caught by their security guard and how can I forget their cafeteria), texting the cast and the crew for the play like crazy, skipping classes at school, every single thing was TOTALLY worth it! Even the mini heart attacks that I got when things went wrong (still can't get over the fact that somebody stole the apples right before the play). This play was seriously the most important thing in my life from the minute I started working for it till it was staged and I would not trade this amazing experience for anything in the world. I still remember that on the day of the play I was feeling on top of the world because the feeling that you get when something that you have worked so hard for is finally happening is so overwhelming. And after that to see that the audience loved the play was a cherry on the top. And how can I fail to mention the wonderful after party at Salt and Pepper, Liberty. The pictures that I took with all the directors and their autographs on my play programme will never let these extraordinary memories fade away.

Noor Imran Butt- Production Manager: From staying in school till 6pm to my managerial duo with 'the dude' Aleezeh Shahid, from watching the rehearsals and actually witnessing the magic happen to walking from school to Variety Gift shop to buy the props, from all the trouble over the transportation of my 'jhoola' to my nagging Miss Farwah over sending it back immediately after the play and from going to Ali Auditorium at 9 in the morning to coming back home at 9pm.Exhausting, tiring, fun, exhilarating, mind boggling all in all a very unique experience and one that makes me smile every time I think about it.

Mishaal Sulhri-Mime: Although taking part in BLL's Annual Play was a tough decision for me, in the beginning, but what happened next was totally unexpected. When I, and three other girls (now my best friends) first got the roles of the mimes in the condensed version of Shakespeare's play, we had no idea what we had gotten ourselves into, but I can tell you, that is when the FUN BEGAN! We started our rehearsals with the best director ever. Fast forward and you will get three hour rehearsals after school, playing theater games, getting scolded by the directors and parents (which became fun, eventually). Being a newcomer in BLL, this play helped me in making new friends. Finally after three months of Mishaal Sulhri 97

rehearsals, the day came. However, the worst part was that just before the day of the final performance, my knee got badly bruised; I couldn't even walk properly. The best moment was when people commented after the show, how the CV Girls (the mimes) had stolen the show. This put me up on cloud nine and the amazing after party made me cherish these memories even more. This play has helped me adjust here so much, and so many people have taken a place in my heart, during this whole experience.

Aaisha Nisha Sikander Shah-Portia: What? Fellow I-have-OCD-and-I-am-proud-of-it people (Mr. Rana and Karen)?

I can't even begin to write how much I enjoyed playing my character, the prim and proper, Portia. From the moment I read up on the “The Merchant of Venice”, after we were asked to read up on the six main characters from the Bard's original plays, I felt I simply HAD to play Portia, and thankfully, Mr. Rana and Karen gave me this very opportunity. I had often heard that theatre Aaisha Nisha binds people in its own unique way, and this play gave me this opportunity to Sikander Shah experience just that. It was a wonder to see how seventy-seven hours of rehearsals, dance practices, vocalees, energizers and theatre exercises turned people I barely knew, to people I shared some of the most fun and memorable times of my life with.

How all this tremendous fun accumulated into the final performance of “In Juliet's Garden”, and the applause of the audience is something I shall probably never forget. Opening the play, that too by sitting amongst the audience made me realize how an actor connects to his/her audience and the beauty of theatre lies in the reality of the moment which creates it. The mimes, the leads, the production team; everyone was brilliant to work with and I hope this culture of meaningful theatre, continues to thrive at BLL.

I love acting. It is so much more real than life.

- Oscar Wilde

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Beaconhouse Liberty Kasuri Cup 2012- A Dream Realized Aaisha Nisha Sikander Shah AI-A

There are a few things you need to know if you're talking about the Beaconhouse Liberty Debating Society: earn what you get, strive for perfection, don't stop until you've optimally utilized available resources and debate like there is no tomorrow!

Yes. It was all of the above, fulfillment of a very politically correct and professionally just prerequisite set out by our coach, Mr. Ali Hannan Malik and the tireless efforts of the Directors which culminated in the Beaconhouse Liberty Kasuri Cup 2012 (BLKC)! Plus, of course the wonderful management team and committee members The weekend of the 24th, 25th and 26th February 2012 saw the debating circuit of Pakistan enjoy a one-of-its-kind mega debates event, courtesy BLL (you had to be there to know the worth of this one line, seriously). For the first time in Pakistan (or anywhere on our beloved planet Earth as far as we know), three of the most popular formats of debating were combined under one banner-BLKC. The tournament kicked off with the 12th Annual Bilingual Declamation Contest on Friday and had the innovative Orators Challenge as its last competition. In between of course, stretching out over the whole weekend was the English Parliamentary Debating Championship attended by 24 teams and over 120 people associated with the debating circuit! What made BLKC an even more prestigious event was the participation of several of Pakistan's most credible adjudicators and we're grateful to them for gracing our tournament with their presence.

So let's just rewind to how it all started, rewind to almost two years ago- one simple sentence “Sir hum ne bhi Parliamentary tournament karwana hai!” and the famous prerequisite that Sir Hannan set out. You must be aching to know what the condition actually was, right? Sorry no can do, it's something few people can relate to and understand where Sir was coming from. After all, it takes time setting out high standards, wondering why you set them and then patiently waiting to achieve them.

Plus, you need a coach like Sir Hannan!

Days of wording the proposal, weeks of finalizing the initial details, months of following through with rigour is what manifested into BLKC being warmly received by participants, adjudicators and spectators alike. By the end of December, we all kind of got used to the idea of Nimra and Hirra running around trying to get all the initial logistics right but those of us who thought they were saved from the running around were in for quite a surprise. Just weeks before the tournament, many of us were forced to hop on the “Sponsor-searching brigade” and well, like Oscar Wilde says “Experience is the name people give to their mistakes,” I'll share one such experience with you. Actually no, make it two.

Number one was when one of our Directors (middle height, always on the move, fond of khussas) was busying calling a list of over fifty sponsors. Some picked up the call, some didn't. As she exited the common room holding a pile of official papers and a very famous file, an unknown number flashed 'calling' on her mobile screen. (Rightly) Assuming it to be from a sponsor she picked up the call but failing to recognize who was calling she …well let's just say she found herself in an awkward situation.

And then there was a call made to a contact person at Wateen who very courteously replied “Well, 99

the thing is…the whole office has caught fire. So you know….” (Yes sir, no sponsorship. Got it.

Thanks!) However, our dilemma was solved when the head office very graciously approved the budget that the society heads had prepared and that made us all heave a big sigh of relief. BLKC was so ON! :D If you think I'm going to fast forward to 24th February, you couldn't be more wrong. The two weeks prior to the event were just as vital as the months before it. Workshops for training BLL's own Elite Panel of Judges (Nimra Arshad, Ayesha Bibi, Hirra Faisal, Meher Mehtab, Rania Sohail, Mehruun-Nisa Khan and I) conducted by Sir Hannan, logo and banner making (*high fives Nimra and Hirra*), finalizing the design for the exclusive BLKC folders and certificates (which personally I really enjoyed doing), making and then printing over 500 logistic sheets (yes I counted and no, you won't believe the actual number), Directorate meetings till 7 pm, after-school meetings with the management committee and hundreds of trips to Ms. Romana's office were just a few behind-thescenes essentials. For the declamations it was mostly the guidance of Ms. Rehana, calling up the judges and the debates heads which helped pull off a smooth event.

The Orators Challenge was a bit more complex. Round one was a motivational speech round where each participant was given three minutes to contemplate on the situation they were given; round two was the Absurd Philosophy round; round three was an interview round where participants had to submit their resumes for employment in either of the three posts: PCB Chairman, Principal of their school in 2020 or manager of a new KFC branch in Baltistan which might potentially be frequented by the Taliban. Days priors to the event, we realized that we needed to make the Orators schedule more time efficient. Though we were highly successful in managing fifteen participants completing all three rounds within the given time limit I can never forget the “experience” I got by suggesting that Round 2 (the Absurd Philosophy Round) be formatted as a rapid fire round wherein participants would answer as many questions as they could in two minutes. As fate would had it, Sir Hannan put me on the hot seat for a demonstration and courteously asked me questions like “why is hard not easy?”, “how do you define define?”, “why doesn't your right shoulder meet your left one?” etc etc. Fortunately for the audience (my fellow Directors) and unfortunately for Sir, the idea of rapid fire was parallel to the actual concept of the round as the wit in my answers overshadowed the absurd philosophy. But hey, at least I can count on winning the Koffee Hamper!

All in all BLKC was a huge event to organize, especially for first timers. We are indeed grateful to the Almighty, the school administration, the students, the debating alumni and especially ourselves (Sir and the whole Beaconhouse Liberty Debating Society :P) for ensuring it was a success. I do not wish to boast but the response from the participants and adjudicators has alhumdulillah been overwhelming and well, when guys draw <3s on the Facebook events page you can well imagine how well it went. Aitchison College emerged as the best institution in the competition bagging runners up and second runners up positions in the Orators Challenge as well as being the two finalists in the parliamentary championship (AC-A vs. AC-B), with City42 providing live coverage of the finals!

Mr. Najam Sethi graced the event as the Chief Guest for the parliamentary finals which was also honoured by the presence of Mrs. Nasreen Kasuri and several members of the BSS Regional office.

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By now you can well have concluded one thing if you know the basics of parliamentary debates: this article is being written by a debater who loves case prep, gives reply speeches and won't mind badgering the opposition with POIs/interjections if the rules allowed! Yes, I can write tons of pages on BLKC for it has been THAT special for all of us, especially the Directors. Nimra Arshad (President) and Hirra Faisal directed the Registration and Socials Committee (compiled the results, were tested by the school laptop's antics and what not..PS: I was there too :P). Aaisha Nisha Sikander Shah (Vice President/me) and Rania Sohail were Co-Directors Logistics (yes, yes…water, stationery, toolkits, folders, managing the ushers etc…which we'll never take for granted now that we know how much effort goes into it. Or maybe it was just BLKC…). Ayesha Bibi and Meher Mehtab were heading the Media and Publications team (very creatively named 'L.A.M.P.S' by Meher). They published two editions of perhaps the most well-written newsletter in recent debating history. Point to be noted: people asked the management to scan and post the newsletter online! Last, but in no way the least, the Security (read: securitaaayy) Team was guided by Mehru-un-Nisa Khan and Amna Imtiaz, their motto being “party like wooah!”

Before I start another super long paragraph, I'll shift my focus to one of the myriad stances I personally believe in “Don't be afraid to use your mind. You have it for a reason.” This is exactly what Team BLL believes in too (hey, you can't win a debate from GIKI on THW build a McDonald's in the Pak Presidency that easily!). Thus, the motions for the parliamentary debates were unique and quite different from what you'd usually expect. No redundant and repeated motions. No boring coeducation debates. And even though participants often sighed out a “yaar topics kis ne banaein hein” they did appreciate the refreshing viewpoints of the motions, some of which were THB in the joint family system, THW privatize PTV, THBT parents should not be allowed to indoctrinate religious faith before the child reaches maturity. THW allow prisoners with life term without parole to opt for the death penalty and THW allow politicians with dual nationality to contest national elections in Pakistan.

I hope this article doesn't appear as one which is boastful of the achievements of the Debating Society, for we are humbled by not only the overwhelming positive response to BLKC but also by our achievements in the debating circuit. Since we don't talk much about such things, I felt coverage of BLKC in the school magazine would only be complete if the people who made this possible were properly thanked and their efforts appreciated. We have been fortunate to have had this response at our inaugural edition of the tournament and we hope to only get better here onwards. “Unity, Hospitality, Discipline and Enthusiasm” was our motto and coupled with the trade mark fake smiles we surely achieved our goal! ;)

“Dignity does not consist in possessing honors, but in deserving them.”

- Aristotle 101

The Liberty ISSI 2011 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Science is nothing more than a refinement of everyday thinking.â&#x20AC;? - Albert Einstein The Science Society of Beaconhouse Liberty thrives on these words. Keeping in mind the socioeconomic and geopolitical situation of the country and the lack of solutions to the challenges faced by our nation we felt a that there was a need for a platform to be made available to the youth where minds could interact and at the same time develop a spirit of competition while discovering innovative and feasible solutions. Hence, came to life, the Liberty ISSI 2011.

Two months of continuous efforts, constant delays, looming deadlines, frantically calling up sponsors, bickering among of the organizing committee, staying back late trying to come up with questions and obsessing over small things is how I remember the pre-ISSI days. As the pressure mounted there were times when we felt that this idea would never come to life and it would be better to just give up entirely but our perseverance paid off.

Thirteen teams from schools all over Lahore participated in the event. The task set to the participants in the first round, 'Model Making' was to design such a container that when an egg was placed inside it and the container was dropped from a height of 8 feet, the egg remained unbroken.

This task was to be completed with the materials provided in the time limit of two hours. Participants came up with some really unique ideas and an assortment of different models could be seen.

Beaconhouse ALGC Team C was crowned winner of this round.

In the second round, 'The Battle of Ideas' participants presented their solutions through presentations and working models to pertinent problems facing Pakistan that were assigned to them beforehand. The solutions were judged on their practicality and economic viability. Beaconhouse Defense Team A managed to come up with an impressive framework to resolve the problem of disposing of nuclear waste and was declared the winner. This exhibition was visited by Mr. Ali Raza, Regional Director Center Beaconhouse, Mrs. Roohi Haque, Director Studies Beaconhouse, Mrs. Riffat Shahid, SGO III Head.

The innovative skills and ideas of all the participating teams were again put to test when in the 'Problem Solving' round the contestants were handed a map of a city and they had to redesign the city to help prevent flooding. The team from SISA managed to impress the judges with their effective short term solution and took home the trophy.

The event was an equal mix of competition and entertainment. A scavenger hunt fulfilled the entertainment quotient on the first day. Contestants were provided a task list that contained a set of items and tasks that they had to find or complete in the time span of one hour. Everyone including the management committee had great fun during this activity where participants could be seen running all over the campus trying to decipher who Afzal Khan (gatekeeper) was or where they could find a red button. The girls from Kinnaird College managed to beat all other teams and won the gift hamper. The second day brought with it the quiz round in which each team was asked 5 questions relating to different fields of science. The teams performed fairly well and at the end of the round the top 5 teams were short listed. These top 5 teams were then put through the litmus test of the Rapid Fire round and the top three teams that emerged were Beaconhouse ALGC Team A, SISA and LGS Paragon.

After rigorous questioning in the Knockout round, Beaconhouse ALGC Team A was declared champion of 'The Liberty ISSI 2011'. The chief guest for the evening, Mr. Aziz Munir, brand manager NEXT Pakistan, gave away the trophies and gift vouchers worth PKR 70,000/- in total to the winning teams. A formal dinner was arranged at the end of the event for the participants and everyone enjoyed a good meal while rejoicing over the conclusion of a productive and pleasurable event.

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Debating Society â&#x20AC;&#x153;It is better to debate a question without settling it than to settle a question without debating it.â&#x20AC;?

This quote by Joseph Joubert seems to have become the unofficial motto of the Beaconhouse Liberty Debating Society. Before we know it normal conversations with friends become full-fledged Aaisha Nisha Nimra Arshad arguments as the debater inside us wakes up and we Sikander Shah President try our best to prove the other person wrong. Now I Vice-President know what you are thinking but please stop right there. We are not a bunch of pretentious know-it-alls. We do give others a chance to speak as well. :P Jokes aside, the debating society, one of Liberty's most active societies has grown by leaps and bounds in the past one year. With the constant support of the school administration especially the Principal and the dedicated training of our coach, Sir Ali Hannan, this society has managed to make a mark for itself in the debating circuit.

Undoubtedly, the highlight of this year was when our team managed to lift the Shalimar Cup held at City School Shalimar after defeating SICAS in the finals and remaining unbeaten throughout the tournament. Aaisha Nisha Sikander Shah received the 'Best Speaker Award' for the tournament. This first victory for Beaconhouse Liberty in the arena of parliamentary debates will remain a cherished memory for all of us. :D Our other achievements include qualifying for the finals at the 9th Annual Shahjiwana Debating Championship at UCL and breaking into the octo-finals at the Sheikh Raziuddin All-Pakistan U-19 Nationals and the Sondhi debates held at LACAS. The society's crowning achievement was organizing the Beaconhouse Liberty Kasuri Cup 2012!

BLKC'12, a mega debates event which incorporated three different styles of debates, hosted around 150 students from prestigious institutions around Lahore over the course of three days. The society received a highly positive feedback for its first attempt at organizing such a grand event. I really hope this tradition will live on and BLKC will continue to become bigger and better each year and more and more students will see the positives of debates as an extracurricular strengthening the debating culture at Liberty.

This society means the world to me and was one of the primary reasons why I chose to stay back at Liberty after my O Levels. The four years that I spent in this society have not only given me confidence and an ability to critically analyze different situations but also great friends who have over the years become pillars of support in my life. So as I prepare myself to bid adieu to this society, I only hope that this society continues to thrive and bring more laurels to our school!

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Sports Society The Sports Society is one of the foremost societies of BLL which is active throughout the year.

Not unusually, BLL has yet again shown an amazing performance in the sports arena proving this year to be another successful one for sports. The first event hosted by BLL was the O-levels Intra-regional Momina Imran President

Basketball Tournament for the year 2011-2012 in which teams within the central region participated

Zarina Khan Vice-President

and once again Beaconhouse Liberty Campus bagged the first position by defeating Beaconhouse Johar Town Campus in the final. BLL then participated in the Inter-collegiate Forman Christian College Basketball Tournament in which 8 of the best colleges participated. Our team came second against Kinnaird in what proved to be a very close match between two very tough teams. Punjab Olympics 2011-2012 then followed in which Beaconhouse Liberty Campus performed outstandingly at both college and school levels in various sports. In Table Tennis Sameera Aftab won the gold medal in the singles event and was declared the best player of the tournament, also receiving a cash prize of RS.5000. Sameera Aftab, Amna Arif and Zainab Asim together lifted the first position trophy in table tennis. In the netball event BLL bagged the second position receiving the silver medal and in basketball BLL got the bronze medal. In Athletics BLL bagged 12 medals, 5 gold and 7 silver, standing first with maximum points thus lifting the team trophy for the the athletics event. As a result of the victories in all individual events held in the Punjab Olympics, BLL lifted the second position trophy in the overall girls category amongst 288 other participating schools securing 315 points. At college level BLL bagged the bronze medal in basketball. In athletics a total of 4 medals were won, 2 gold, 1 silver and 1 bronze.

A Basketball Tournament was organized by Punjab Junior Sports Association held at Sacred Heart School in which BLL won the runners up trophy against Sacred Heart school, securing the 2nd position out of 6 teams. The next event in which BLL participated was the Intra-regional Athletics meet which was arranged by BGTL at Punjab Stadium. BLL won the gold medal in the relay race in which the runners included Aisham Tauqeer, Laiba Shoaib, Khushboo Zahra and Fareena Azhar. Two more gold medals were won by Khushboo Zahra in the long jump event and the 400m race. Two silver medals were won by Aisham Tauqeer in the 200m and 100m races. A bronze was won by Laiba Shoaib in the 100m race. Two silver medals were won by Yusra Malik in the discus throw and the shotput. The bronze was won by Mahnoor Moazzam in shotput. Together the team lifted the first position trophy with the maximum points. The Intra-Regional Badminton Tournament then followed which was held at Wapda Complex and was hosted by Beaconhouse Peco Road Campus. 15 teams participated and BLL secured the second position and was awarded the silver medal. The team comprised Fatima Jawad, Sameera Aftab and Iqra Tahir. Fatima Jawad was unbeatable in the tournament and was declared the "Best Player" of the tournament.

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Lums Sportsfest 2012 then followed, hosted by LUMS, in which BLL participated in the basketball event and won securing the first position by defeating Beaconhouse Defence Campus in the final. The team comprised Shizza Shahid, Momina Imran, Rihab Chaudhary, Rabiya Razzaq, Mehak Sajjad, Umaima Saud and Sharmeen Shahid. The A-levels Intra-regional basketball tournament was held at BDC in which BLL bagged the runners up trophy.

The first Inter-regional basketball tournament was held at Wapda Complex in which teams from the Northern Region, Southern Region and the Central Region participated. The Southern and the Northern region teams were flown in from Karachi and Islamabad to stay in Lahore for 2 days. BLL hosted the 30 day camp in which players from BLL, BDC and BJT trained and 10 players were then selected to be a part of the Central Region team. Sharmeen Shahid of BLL was declared the captain of the Central Region team. Four other BLL players were selected which included Mahnoor Moazzam, Yusra Malik, Umaima Saud and Iqra Ayub. The event concluded with the Central Region team defeating both the Northern and the Southern Region teams on the first day by a huge margin thus lifting the first position trophy. A dinner was also hosted at Canal Side Campus in which all three teams were invited to enjoy a pleasant evening.

Beaconhouse Liberty Campus enjoys victories in a wide variety of sports every year and it is no surprise that each year the victories are greater and grander than the previous ones. The rivalries, the drama and the fierce competition is what makes sports one of the most exciting endeavours that is experienced by the students of BLL and shall be for the coming years

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BLL Science Society The Liberty Science Society was established in 2008 and has climbed the ladder of success, step by step, in a surprisingly short period of time. I know when most people hear about the science society, the first thing that comes to mind is a group of bookworms droning on and on. Most people would think that this is one of those societies where nothing interesting happens, but to tell you the truth, the Sana Rehman Malik science society is perhaps the most exciting and President innovative society. It has always played an important role in polishing young minds and developing a competitive environment for individuals.

Mariya Sami Vice-President

Added to this, the science society has enrolled itself in various competitions. We were among the top five teams in LUMS PsiFi over the recent years. Moreover in 2010, we bagged the first prize at the 11th Annual All Pakistan GIKI Science Fair, while in 2011, at the 12th Annual All Pakistan GIKI Science Fair, our school was ranked third in the Science Exhibition. Our innovative project, “Hydroponics in Pakistan” promoted the introduction of hydroponic technology in Pakistan as a key to sustain agriculture in water stressed, urban environment.

Science itself is an art and like every other form of art, it knows no limitations. This form of art possesses a unique force which grasps the interest of everyone. The BLL Science Society, however, is not a one-man show; our motto is to reach the stars through mutual hard work and harmonious cooperation.

Apart from being prominent in participating in competitions, the Science Society has been successful in organizing one as well. The first Annual Liberty Innovative Scientific Solutions and Ideas (ISSI) 2011, science festival was organized by the science society on 27th November 2011, and proved to be a huge success. The purpose of the event was to encourage participants to use their imagination and creativity to come up with innovative and economically feasible solutions for the multiple socioeconomic problems that our country is facing.

As the pioneers of the first ever science event held at the Beaconhouse Liberty Campus, we received an affirmative response from various schools who actively participated in the event, providing the possible solutions to the current problems. A total of thirteen teams from different schools all over Lahore participated in the event.

The event comprised different rounds, starting from the “Model Making” round to the “Battle of Ideas”, and finally the “Problem Solving” round, after which a Scavenger Hunt fulfilled the entertainment quotient on the first day. The Quiz, Rapid Fire and Knock-Out rounds took place on the second day. The two day event ended with a formal dinner and everyone enjoyed a good meal, while reflecting over the conclusion of a productive and pleasurable event. After vigorous questioning in the Knock-Out round, Beaconhouse ALGC Team A was declared the champion of the First Annual Liberty ISSI 2011. The Chief Guest, Mr. Aziz Munir (Brand Manager, NEXT Pakistan) presented trophies and gift vouchers worth PKR 70,000 to the winning teams.

Hats off to everyone who worked hard to make this possible. I hope that in next year's Mosaic more victories will be mentioned!

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Model United Nations Society The MUN society of BLL, though barely a year old, is one of the busiest and most happening societies on campus. Not only does it have various achievements to its credit, but also the ever increasing membership proves the success of this newly formed society.

Model United Nations (MUN) was an area formerly addressed, under the umbrella of the Hirra Faisal Ayesha Bibi debating society, but the importance this concept President Vice-President holds, demanded a full-fledged society to accord it due significance. In this era of global change and transgression, staying informed is absolutely vital for the young population; therefore, MUNs provide the desired platform to such vocal participants to voice their opinions.

Here at BLL, the MUN society has won laurels for the school. Be it the Aithchison College MUN, City School MUN or LUMUN, our ambitious delegates have made us proud on all occasions. Bagging one best delegate award and two honorable mentions at ACMUN, and again two honorable mentions at CSMUN, the MUNers have proved their might. To top it all, Aaisha Nisha Sikander Shah won the Best Delegate award, and both, Ayesha Bibi and Meher Mehtab bagged Honourable Mentions at LUMUN! MUN society of BLL has a bright future, because students of Liberty Campus are keen to pursue the in winning streak and make a niche for themselves outside the school arena.

All that is required for a successful MUN is research, hard work and of course, a certain tendency to socialize thus by sticking to these basic rules, a delegate can win and enjoy the experience to its fullest.

BLL MUN society is open to all new members, what we only ask for is a strong delegation.

Business Society The Business Society of Beaconhouse Liberty Campus is one of the most active societies. The main aim of the society is to provide the students with a good exposure of the corporate world. This year the students of A 'levels participated in the SICAS Entrepreneurial Summit (SEC).

It was a great event where our students gained considerable insight into the business world. Our girls Aniqa Zohair Laraib Kamal also took part in GEC. It was a seminar where many President Vice-President leading businessmen of Pakistan came and gave their insight of the corporate sector. Students also took part in various business competitions held in Atchison College, Beaconhouse A'levels Gulberg Campus, Beaconhouse Garden Town etc.

Overall the society had a good year and hopes to continue being a help to those students who are interested in business and entrepreneurship.

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The Nature Club Shouldering the momentous responsibility of being the president of an active society like the Nature Club is not a piece of cake and this was soon realised by me.

As the new term commenced there were a lot of goals for us to accomplish. I cannot claim that we have achieved all of them, indeed there is much more to be pulled off. At the outset I would like to mention Mishmal Adnan Mariya Ayub the exquisite addition to the nature club family, President Vice-President Maria Ayub as the Vice President of the society.

Following the legacy of last year we started out with the 'No litter week', a campaign that aspired to create environment protection awareness through keeping the school premises clean.

Like always it was greeted by the enthusiastic Beaconites in a fervent way. Again it turned out be a great success. For this I would personally like to express my gratitude to our equally zestful A1's .Then came the project organized by The Environment Protection Fund (TEPF) in which we, alongside other schools, cleaned the Zafar Ali road thus promoting the noble cause of environment fortification.

A special mention here of Sumbul Natalia, who contributed to form the bedrock for the society greatly alleviating things for us. Talking about future ventures we are working day in and day out to organize the 'Nature 360' and promise to leave no stone unturned to make it a glorious triumph and hence set a benchmark for our juniors.

Media Society The Media Society is one of the most happening and busy societies in BLL. Not only do we help the Event Management Society in the school with our behind the scene crew which ensures the publicity and hi-tech work but we also provide coverage to every seminar and event held within the school, be it the Innovative Scientific Solutions and Ideas (ISSI) or the AI Welcome Party.

Farwa Hassan President

Maryam Waqar

This year the Media Society has made the Vice-President school proud, yet again, by achieving the second position at the LGS Paragon Fashion Runway. The team comprised Zainab Shahjehan, Iqra Saleem Khan and Raiha Hussain as models and Maryam Waqar as the designer. Iqra Saleem bagged the Best Model award as well. Apart from this the Media Society also sends teams annually to esteemed events such as the LUMS CARMA and Grammathon where our contestants make the Liberty flag soar high with their intellectual abilities.

The Media Society is always open to new members and constructive criticism as this is a society which believes that student response is the only way to achieve success. We hope that future members would keep the winning tradition of the Media Society in mind and work for its betterment.

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Law Society Law Society at BLL has always remained active in initiating new ways of learning and exposure for not only the law students but also for those who have not opted for this subject.

Zainab Bukhari President

After participating in different Law Moots last year held at various branches of LGS, this year the Law Society successfully arranged a school trip to the High Court, which was a useful experience for all those students who visited it.

Meher Mehtab Vice-President

Such visits enhance the practical knowledge of the students so that they can apply their knowledge to real life situations along with finding relevance between what they learn in class and how courts work in everyday life.

In addition to this, the seminar held by Ms. Zartasha Mumtaz was also quite informative since students came to know why law, as a subject, is particularly important in today's world. It indeed made them think regarding this matter so that the possibility of having more law students in future could increase. Moreover, the Law Society would be working in the future as well in order to contribute its part towards the welfare of the students as a whole.

Movie Club Movies are one of the most popular means of entertainment among the youth these days. The movie club at BLL strives to do the same; to provide entertainment to the students in an effort to lighten their studious and hectic school routine.

With the start of a fresh academic year, we arranged a movie afternoon for the A'Level students on October 27th showcasing 'Zindagi Na Milegi Izza Farooq Hafsa Hussein Dobara' and even though the majority had already President Vice-President seen it before on television, watching it on a big screen alongside their friends had its own charm.

Owing to technical problems, the event did not proceed as intended, causing resentment amongst the audience. However, the problem was soon solved and the students enjoyed an evening of relaxation and relief and all the waiting turned out to be worthwhile.

Also, we would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone for bearing with us and you have our assurance that future events will be better planned and managed.

In the near future, the club plans to organise more of such afternoons and hopes to put up a better show for you. Any suggestions to further improve the club will be gratefully accepted.

Happy reading! :)

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The Social Welfare Society Working for the welfare of the students at B.L.L and for those outside B.L.L is the main objective of the social welfare society. The social welfare society also aims to educate students, promoting in them love of welfare work and the responsibility of caring for others so that in return they benefit the whole community. Furthermore, its aims include organizing events and trips which give students a chance to serve the society.

Reesha Arshad President

Saman bint-e-Adnan

I have seen people doing welfare work but I Vice-President experienced it for real for the first time when I became the Vice President. I remember going after Reesha, my president, in order to get her advice and guidance so that I could arrange my first trip to the S.O.S village. It was a joint effort made by all in donating money, collecting clothes and making 150 beautifully packed goody bags. In the end we got the reward for our effort in the form of beaming smiles and happiness which was obvious on every child's face, This was the place where I learned a lesson to live for others.

Following the trip to the S.O.S village the welfare work continued and funds were collected which were then given to the needy. Also, the society has been quite successful in educating our juniors not to litter during recess as it affects us negatively in the long run.

Then came the visit to Dar-ul-Kafala which is an old age home. This time we took fruit, chocolates, juices, cakes and milk packs along with us. What we saw at Dar-ul-Kafala was immensely depressing, people abandoned by their families presented a gloomy scene. Each individual had a very sad story to share about his past. We were satisfied to have achieved what the society expected out of us i.e.an awareness of social issues and a soft corner for old people in our hearts so that we can collectively reduce the number of people we neglect and abandon only for monitory reasons.

My mates and I have learned a lot through these experiences and in my case specially I have polished my multi tasking skills by gathering all the funds and arranging trips. Now I really hope that we pay a visit to Shaukat Khanum and the Rising Sun so that we learn more and get a chance to save our community.

Book Club “Books are the quietest and most consistent of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors and the most patient of teachers”Charles W. Elliot One lives several lives while reading a single book. The Book Club is there to make sure that this feeling doesn't fade away in the time demanding and frantic world of today. The Book Club organized an “Old Books Exchange Programme” last year. In this Saadia Aqeel Hubashia Khan programme, the students were asked to bring their President Vice-President old, long- forgotten books which were then sorted through. The ones in a suitable condition were handed over to underprivileged students in less welloff schools. We received a variety of books ranging from Archie Comics to O' Level past papers to old editions of “Time” magazine. Our programme was received with ample zeal and enthusiasm not only by the A- level students but also the middle and senior school students. Moreover, an educational trip to the Quaid-e-Azam Library was organized by the Book Club last year. The students were astounded by the amount of high profile research and reference material available therein. This year's trip to the Quaid-e-Azam Library is due soon and plans for the visit are already in the pipeline.

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Round the Block Compiled by the Editors

1.

How many apology letters have you written in A levels so far and for what?

Shiza Fatima, Mehak Sheikh and 20 others: One. For celebrating the head girl's birthday in the common room.

Areeba Malik and Shizza Shahid: Three. One for entering the art lab through the window. The second one for shouting loudly and the last one for celebrating the head girl's birthday in the common room. :P Shazmeera Waheed Zaman: One. Yes I preferred watching 'zindagi na milay gi dubara' over a Chemistry class! Kyunke zindagi waqai dubara nai milni! :P Zarina Khan: Three. For entering the art room through the window, celebrating a birthday and being generally happy.

Maira Nasir and Uniza Naveed: Two. One for wearing coloured clothes and the second one for celebrating Arooj Asif's birthday.

Meher Mehtab, Hiba Ali and Rania Sohail: One each for sitting on the table after class.

Sarah Mir: Zero, because I'm awesome!

Aaisha Nisha: May I copy Sarah's answer? :P Aleezeh Shahid, Maliha Bangash, Nida Nadeem & Aminah Amjad: None, because hum cool nerds hein! *New term*

2.

Who from the current A levels batch is likely to become famous and for what?

Shazmeera Waheed Zaman: Mahnoor Amjad. For playback laughter in humorous plays. :P Areeba Malik: Ayesha Mir for having the world record of talking the most on her cell phone.

Zanira Ali: Amna Ashraf for the world record of excessive socialising.

Uniza Naveed: Ghanya Shoaib for starting World War 3!

Nimrah Iqbal Butt: Iqra Saleem Khan for modelling.

Maheen Asim: Maheen Azeem Pasha for her PURE English accent that everyone LOVES! (coughs*Sarcasm*) Rabab Babar: Shazmeera for acting Hiba Ali: Maheen Asim for becoming the next Begum Nawazish Ali.

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Maha Haider and Iqra Saleem Khan: Shizza Shahid for being the first Pakistani female player to join NBA. Sarah Mir: Aaisha Nisha as the next President of the Debating Society of Pakistan Mehr-un-Nisa Khan: Marukh for being the world's best beautician Hafsa Hussain: Aaisha Nisha for having distinctions in every subject that exists!

Aaisha Nisha: Hirra Faisal for making last minute (awesome) Computer projects!

Aleezeh Shahid: Nida Nadeem for being a famous fashion designer.

3.

One phrase, word or sentence currently circulating in BLL that annoys you the most.

Maryam Waqar: "Laval ho gia hay!"

Shazmeera Waheed Zaman: (On Saturdays) "Itna tyar ho kay kyun ai hooo? Konsay 'Bwaye' ko milnay jana haaay? Hmm.."

Shizza Shahid: "Shashkaa hay yawr!" and "Yeh cheez!"

Areeba Malik: "Aaaaatcheson!" (Aitchison) Azka Aqeel: "O-M-G!" Fiza Tauseef, Aleena Shakeel and Fatima Daud: "LUMS, LUMS AND LUMS!" Rabab Babar: "Bachay down karo gi" Hareem Fatima: "Hot" Meher Mehtab: " BLL jail hay" (Nai hay yar!)

Hiba Ali: "Buwayes!"

Khadija Masud: "LCAT" Mehak Sajjad: "SAXY" Najaf Shah: "Yaar Miss Romana nay phir baisti kardi!"

Rabia Razzaq: "Yaar Basketball practice kay liay ajao!"

Sarah Mir: "IZAWN!" Abiha Abbas: "Tyari kaisi hay paper ki?"

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Nimra Arshad: "Sir agaye?"

Laraib Kamal: "Scene izawn!"

Mehr-un-Nisa Khan: "Ao gee" Maria Zakir: (This being addressed to me) "Moria's Booty Polor!" (Maria's Beauty Parlour) Umber Nadeem: "Yar idar kuch nai hota" Saman Bint Adnan: "Yar menay koi tyari nai kee...(then gets an A*)" Mahnoor Amjad: "Oi dekho usnay zayn adil walay jootay pehnay way hain! Bot yaad ara tha?"

Noor Imran Butt: "TUM NAHA KAR NAI AI!" Aaisha Nisha: “Mujeh BLKC ki management mein daal do” Nida Nadeem: Yaar miss karao…

Maliha Bangash: JD (jis din-by Aleezeh Shahid) Aleezeh Shahid: Yaar naraz ho mujh se?

4.

One thing you would like to change in BLL.

Areeba Malik: FAROOQ THE PEON! Mehak Sajjad: Farooq blind folded during school hours :P Mahnoor Qadeer: The common room and Miss Romana's office to be far away from each other.

Maheen Asim: Uniform Anonymous: Ex-CSC students in A-levels.

Warda Naveed Dar: There should be Wi-Fi in the common room Rania Sohail: The crowd Iqra Saleem Khan: Security System Sarah Mir: A-levels should be co-ed and less wanabees.

Umber Nadeem: More holidays!

Hareem Fatima: Bandaaaay!

Aaisha Nisha: The obsolete computer lab!

Nida Nadeem: Less buildings, more ground.

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Aleezeh Shahid: Better quality and variety of chocolates in the canteen.

Maliha Bangash: Racists should be kicked out.

Ghina Naveed: Better Food Aminah Amjad: Separate A'Levels building.

Eisha Nasir: An AC and heater that works, in every room

5

What do the science students have that the management students do not.

Shazmeera Waheed Zaman: Good chemistry! (H) Mishaal Sulehri: Burden of work which results to dumbness although I myself am a science student.^_^ Noor Imran Butt: Miss Romana ka pyar!

Maryam Waqar: Favouritism from Miss Romana's end.

Mahnoor Qadeer: A Biological mind that knows the way to control Miss Romana's mood.

Anonymous O-level Student: Good teachers!

Maira Nasir: Having the exceptional talent of being teachers' pets!

Zanira Ali: Level hota hay yar hamara!

Azka Aqeel: Over-efficiency Maheen Asim: Events Rabab Babar: Science students have no life!

Warda Naveed Dar: Shokhian Hareem Fatima: BRAINS! Saman Bint Adnan: Sense of humour Rania Sohail: Relationship with their books.

Najaf Shah: Common Sense Zoya Hussain: Braces and spectacles Sarah Mir: A reliable future (Not as desperate housewives!)

Abiha Abbas: Beauty and brains 114

Laraib Malik: Poor sense of humour Mehr-un-Nisa Khan: Male obsession Umber Nadeem: A deeper analytical approach to life.

Hafsa Hussain: Scarfs!

Zara Iftikhar: Weirdness Shizza Shahid: Extraordinary tendency to whine.

Aaisha Nisha: An unjustified superiority complex!

Aleezeh Shahid: Glasses.

Aminah Amjad: Better reputation.

Areeba Irfan: More events.

Nida Nadeem: Sir Saad Hameed

6.

If you were in Khirad's place what would you have done in response to Asher's false accusations?

Namra Arif: Killed him Reesha Arshad: Slapped him and asked him to look at the character of his mother first (that alcohol case) :P Hafsa Hussain: Kill him Rania Sohail: Slapped him until he started bleeding.

Nida Nadeem: I would scream at his face....then hug him! He is adorable!

Maliha Bangash: Would have slapped him, hard!

Aminah Amjad: Maaf kar deti, aisa banda baar baar nahi milta.

Sarah Mir: Humsafar is overrated, I'm too cool to watch the show.

Aaisha Nisha: Maintained my self-respectâ&#x20AC;Śtalking to an insecure husband who has cotton balls stuffed in his ears wouldn't have done me any good!

7.

Best memory in A Levels so far?

Hafsa Hussain: People begging me to vote for them as Head Girl

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Nida Nadeem: when Sir Akhtar said “Beta jitni meri ankhen choti hain utnay meray kaan taiz hain!”

Aminah Amjad: Guard ko ullu bana ke baahir nikal jana.

Ghina Naveed; Teachers not showing up.

Nida Nadeem: Food on loan from the canteen.

Sarah Mir: Bunking classes and not getting caught.

Aleezeh Shahid: Bunking classes to secretly celebrate a friends' birthday.

Aaisha Nisha: Winning at LUMUN and the Shalimar Cup, plus the assembly thereafter! Patience is indeed a virtue :D

8.

Worst memory in A Levels so far?

Reesha Arshad: Arrival of AIs Hafsa Hussain: Getting a 'U' in Math, twice Shiza Malik: When I wore coloured clothes on week days Rania Sohail: I think worse is still to come, but the moments in office where you're told " YOUR SASH WILL BE TAKEN AWAY" :P Sarah Mir: Having lost the whole magazine content when our USBs got corrupted on the school's computer, and not having a backup file.

Nida Nadeem, Aleezeh Shahid: Being forced to attend each and every seminar.

Aaisha Nisha: Sarah totally read my mind again !

9.

Math isn't boring because of the teachers, it's boring because....

Amna Ashraf: but it's NOT boring :P Reesha Arshad: because i dont think it is Rania Sohail: because its MATH. Enough said!

Maliha Bangash: because it's meant to be boring.

Sarah Mir: Maths ko kuch nahi kehne ka. Ek hi tou subject hai jis mein A aa jata hai.

Aleezeh Shahid: I love maths. Once my facebook password was “I love maths”. True story.

Nida Nadeem: 1+1 will always be 2.

Aaisha Nisha: you have to wake up at 7 to learn something Add Math already taught you in O Levels!

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10. If not taking up Science subjects is a wise decision, who is the wisest person in A Levels?

Reesha Arshad: Amna Abbas Laraib Kamal: Aaisha Nisha :P Hafsa Hussain: Azka Aqeel and Aaisha Nisha as always Maliha Bangash, Aleezeh Shahid, Aminah Amjad & Sarah Mir: Eisha Nasir, because she believes jhak maarna is top priority.

Nida Nadeem: Ikra Saleem Khan

11. If taking up Science subjects is an intelligent decision, who is the most intelligent person in A Levels?

Namra Arif: Of course ME! :P Hafsa Hussain: None.. they are just people with high hopes Rania Sohail: umm, science students? Rarely seen. this question can be answered well by books I suppose.

Sarah Mir: ME, of course, ye koi poochne wali baat hai?

Aaisha Nisha: Saaaaraaaaaaaaaaaah!

12. If all the king's horses and all the king's men couldn't put Humpty together again....

Amna Ashraf: then Zanira sure will :P Laraib Kamal: we should definitely try :D Hafsa Hussain: then maths will surely have a wicked formula to do it...

Rania Sohail: so what? It was just Humpty Dumpty, not me!

Nida Nadeem: Have him for breakfast.

Maliha Bangash: Stop and stare, then walk away. *Oof. Burn Humpty* Aaisha Nisha: it serves as a testament to monarchies being inefficient!

13. What personalized version of "twinkle twinkle little star" would you dedicate to the editors of Mosaic this year?

Laraib Kamal: Same version 117

Hafsa Hussain: Aaisha Nisha.. she's a star but not that little Rania Sohail: How I can't wonder what you areâ&#x20AC;Ś Reesha Arshad: Editing this magzine-e-salana, might be a pleasure working with Ms. Rehana, up above her feet so high, her temper is likely to touch the sky

14. Anyone who undermines BLL's potential should....

Amna Ashraf: be the perfect candidate of dumbness accolade Namra Arif: be aware of US! :P Reesha Arshad: come and meet Aqsa Babar.

Laraib Kamal: go and die (wanted to say something else but it would have resulted in inappropriate language) Hafsa Hussain: go get a life..

Shiza Malik: be Hanged!

Rania Sohail: know the school is too good for people who themselves have no potential. They don't deserve BLL in that case.

Sarah Mir: be taken to Amna Imtiaz; she will give an emotional speech aur who banda khud hi maan jaye ga.

Nida Nadeem: be in BLL. Aminah Amjad: meet Sarah Mir Aleezeh Shahid: should worry about their own institute.

Maliha Bangash: should open their eyes.

Aaisha Nisha: debate with me!

15. "Lahore Lahore 'ay" because...

Namra Arif: ASII LAHORI AANN!:D Reesha Arshad: 3 bajay bhi gol gappay milte hain!!!

Hafsa Hussain: because people like me were born in it ;) Rania Sohail: uss mein tum aur mai hain, golgappay aur meera jee k fan hain. Oh and har cheez total extreme hai. In short, Lahore Lahore aye kyun k vo zinda shehar hai!

Nida Nadeem: you cannot find BLL in Karachi, now can you?

118

Aleezeh Shahid: jinne Lahore ne takya o jamiya nai.

Sarah Mir: it doesn't have Pindi boys.

Maliha Bangash: because nothing here makes sense.

Aaisha Nisha: it's the best amalgamation of East and West!

16. Behind all the support Imran Khan has, the main reason is....

Anonymous: the way his face lightens up when he smiles.....ooof!

Reesha Arshad: Adaaen!!!!

Laraib Kamal: people think he's good looking (I do not agree) Shiza Malik: the youth Rania Sohail: HE BEING THAT, I MEAN THAT GOOD LOOKING. Oh and he himself being that amazing a person and leader. We see the change in him.

Nida Nadeem: those concerts in his jalsas...plus he is cute :D Aleezeh Shahid: teri jaan, meri jaan, Imran Khan, Imran Khan.

Maliha Bangash: ishtyle.

Sarah Mir: he's Imran Khan, need I say any more?

Aaisha Nisha: that he's the only captain in this cricket-crazy country who has won a World Cup. Oh and yeah he's a good orator. Period.

Common sense is the collection of prejudices acquired by age eighteen.

- Albert Einstein

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BLL is a place where...

Where biology class is the perfect place to take a quick nap

Where every girl has her own fairy tale fantasy

120

Where juniors stare at you in awe when you're doing your art work

Where party hats are essential for a sucessful birthday surprise

121

Where sensational victories in sports are never ending

Where the stairs are as comfortable as beds

122

Where we transform gates into monkey bars

Where the A-level co-ordinator's old photograph is the highlight of the day

123

Where the party never dies

Where you reach kung fu heights to get a good photograph

124

Where elegance is not unheard of

Where people with badges often discuss work

125

Where talented peons are easy to find

Where we love to debate

126

Art Gallery

Areeba Malik AI-A

Areeba Malik AI-A

Nida Nadeem AI-E

Khushoo Ajmal AII-C

Shiza Malik AI-B

Areeba Malik AI-A

Sehrish Mustafa AII-B

Sehrish Mustafa AII-B

127

Art Gallery

Safa Khurram VI-G

Maryam Zaheer VIII-F

Maryam Tahir VI-B

Gull Fatima VIII-I

Laraib Khattak AI-B

Sehrish Mustafa AII-B

128

Rameesha Noman VII-F

Shiza Fatima AII-E

Art Gallery

Fareeha Muazzam AII-E

Maleeha Bangash AI-D

Maleeha Bangash AI-D

Sana Swaleh Khan AII-B

Maryam Tahir VI-B

Nageen Ather AI-B

129

Art Gallery

Hira Zahid V-B

Sakina Khan AI-A

Wasia Wasim VII-I

Maleeha Bangash AI-D

Nageen Ather AI-B

Maryam Tahir V-B

130

Maryam Tahir V-B

Momina Naveed AII-A

Art Gallery

Wasia Wasim VII-I

Maleeha Bangash A1-D Sara Malik VI-G

Natalia Ahad VII-F

Sana Swalleh KhanVII-I A2 Yomna Javid

Aroma Saleem VII-F

Fizzah Tabassum VI-I

Mehak Ijaz VI-G

Mehak Ijaz VI-G

131

Art Gallery

Haiqa Ansari VI-F

Mehak Ijaz VI-G

Aneeza Hameed VI-D

Fatima Mashal Khan AII-A

Fatima Bashir AII-A

Maheen Awan V-E

Aneeba Malik A1-A

132

Rubab Agha V-F

Areeba Malik AI-A