The Creatives Oct-Nov Issue

The

Creatives

Oct-Nov 2019 Issue 5 Vol2

Special Feature

Teen Depression

Inside the mind of a Depressed Teen

Young Poet’s Corner Exam Stress:

Blanked out Mood Swings Madness

Breast Cancer Awareness

An interview with an Oncologist Dr Samina Khokher

An Exclusive Teen Issue

Contents

The Creatives is a publication by Ray Academics for children and young adults.

Learn to Reimagine your Future 4

First Anniversary

14 Marital Issues

6

A Letter to Kashmir

15

7

The Journey of Self Growth

17 Blanked Out

8

Mood Swings Madness

20

9

Do Scars ever Fade Away?

22 Handwriting Analysis

10 Depression 12

Inside the mind of a Depressed Teen

24

The Unexpected

Young Poet’s Corner

Breast Cancer Awareness Month

An interview with Samina Khoker

Breast Cancer Expert

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EDITOR’S LETTER Dear Readers, It has been a year of great accomplishments for us here at Ray Academics. We are proud to announce that “The Creatives”, is officially one year old. We have not only produced a range of issues but we have also been able to put together a talented editorial team. All of the members of this team have worked relentlessly towards the perfection of each issue.

We have tried our utmost to give young adults and children an opportunity to express their ideas that they otherwise did not have a platform for. So far, they have spoken about many sensitive topics and in various issues. In this issue, you will find bold contributions addressing mental health issues like teen depression and even topics such as self-harm.

Nowadays, teenagers and their parents are overwhelmed by these increasingly common problems that have seeped deep into our society. We encourage young adults to express their concerns of this harsh reality that they are facing in their lives today.

On a lighter note, we are all geared up for some more creativity for the approaching year. We welcome contributions from everyone! Please do not hesitate if you have written something that you would like to share. We are always on the lookout for young writers!

We wish you all a wonderful year ahead!

Bushra Ehsan Editor-in-Chief CEO Ray Academics

Patron-in-Chief Parveen Akhtar

Editorial Board Editors: Amn Zain ul Abidin Zainab Imran Assistant Editors: Ryaan Mirza Maheen Salman Event Manager: Damia Nauman Contributor: Aaiza Zafar

Distributed by Ray Academics 21 Bank Square Market Model Town Lahore, Pakistan Ph: +92-302-8556771

Email: info@rayacademics.com

Printers RN Digital Printers

First Anniversary of The Creatives

by Urooshah Shahzad

About a year ago, a team of enthusiastic writers were brought together by one person, Ms Bushra Ehsan, the founder of “The Creatives”. The writers were given one task; to begin working on ‘The Creatives’. A growing editorial board, flaws and breaks, this is what it took.

And a lot of hard work and dedication was put into this project. This month we are thankful to say that our magazine is officially one year old!

This magazine wasn’t created as just another project for Ray Academics. It is what we are known for. This magazine is an insight into the minds of young readers, a chance for everyone to be introduced to someone else’s world. It is an opportunity for YOU to contribute whatever you want. It can be art, poems, stories or just your opinion. This magazine allows you to be yourself and to express your opinions with freedom.

Whether it would be the middle of our exams, the starting point of vacation, or just another nerve-wracking school day, our team has been there. We have stood our ground for an official 365-day rollercoaster of proofreading articles, fitting in submissions and compiling the final piece. And sooner or later this bundle of joy will reach your house.

By the end of the day, when we all get home, this magazine awaits your mind, to be devoured. It is the effort and strain put into it that makes it worthwhile for you to read. And it is the smile on your faces that makes our it all worth it.

So smile on! We are more than happy to provide you with more insight and more jokes. It is an opportunity to introduce you to the world of authors, artists, poets and influencers.

Hopefully, another year of beams awaits you, and us, as we carry onwards this mission of spreading the love for writing amongst our generation. And we faithfully live by this motto: ‘Creativity is contagious. Pass it on’- Albert Einstein Because we are not just another magazine. We are a group of young writers known as…THE CREATIVES.

By Amn Zain ul Abidin 13 years old, LGS 55 Main, Lahore

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Photo Credits: Zain-ul-Abidin

Dear Kashmir,

A Letter to Kashmir

My hands tremble as the nib of my pen touches this paper. I write this letter, not knowing whether you will be alive to read it. For the past few days, I have only been thinking of you, my old friend, but failed to bring my emotions into words.

And today, here I am, wiping my tears and burying my fears. With every minute, thousands of precious lives are lost because of a petty war between long lost enemies.

I remember the day when the announcement for the creation of Pakistan was made, I came running to you and pulled you into a warm embrace. For finally, brother, both our dreams were coming true; we were gaining freedom. The same day, you made me promise that I would protect you with my life. And I replied, “Always.�

Now, it has been months since the lockdown took place. Uncountable days, since you have been barely surviving, or in other words, wailing in agony. The valleys which once oozed with sparkling blue water have now become red pools of misery.

The lullabies you once sang to your children are now deafened by the sound of firing guns. The snowy mountains once crowded with rosy-cheeked youngsters are now a picture of isolation and darkness. The air that once gave off a fragrance of joy and melody has now been coated with grief and melancholy. My soul is tormented by the thought of your youths, who leave the house in the morning and fail to find their way back home ever again. I am unable to sleep at night, as howls of innocent children, calling for help echo in the room; praying to God for a miracle which can change their life and help them find refuge from all the trauma. I mourn the death of every Kashmiri, who has given up their life because of traditional hostility. It kills me to even think about all of this.

Every day, at dawn, I kneel down on my prayer mat and ask my Lord to keep you safe; to keep your children safe. I am sorry brother, that I was unable to keep my promise to you. I was not able to become your companion, your supporter, I left you alone to fight wars which never concerned you.

But I believe in miracles and that tough times always end. And when they do, bliss takes their place. I have faith that the same will happen for you. Today, I am using my pen to warn the enemies, tomorrow I will be using my sword to finish the threat for once and for all. I will fight for you, Kashmir, and this time I will succeed in getting you free.

Remember brother, one day you will be saved.

Love, Pakistan

By Zainab Imran LGS 55 Main, Lahore

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The Journey of Self Growth Be yourself. Most of us have heard these two words almost all our lives. Sometimes they were said to us as words of wisdom and other times, as a revelation.

But I never really gave it importance. Usually, I would brush them off, just like any other rebellious and naive teenager, on a journey to find themselves.

And now I’m sixteen years old, more than half of my teenage life has passed by and I think it’s safe to say that I’ve matured as a person. My perspective of events that happened in the past is distinctly different from what it is present day. Words which would have hurt or upset me back then, don’t even affect me anymore. I’ve come to accept the fact that specific events in my life have shaped and moulded my thoughts and personality.

If three years ago, someone would have narrated these exact words to me, then I would’ve certainly laughed.

And thought to myself ‘easy for you to say, you’ve already been through it.’ I agree, anyone in my position would have done the same but during these years we experience different things and most of all learn. Every single day, we overcome new hurdles, which lead us towards the road of success. Thus teenage years can be looked upon as a staircase; with every year, we climb a step higher and higher. Until a time comes when we are at the top and from there we become free to discover, grow and learn.

By Najwa Moin LGS 55 Main, Lahore

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Mood Swings Madness When we are all reaching the verge of being tweens, or teens or maybe nearto-adults, we start getting moody. I feel that there are times when all 11 to 16 years olds reach a point that we don’t even understand our OWN emotions.

At times we are horribly angry and irritated at everything. Then again, we can be very happy for no reason, yet the pettiest arguments make us cry.

Own up. At least there is one time in a month when we all feel this way. I have mood swings just like this. So do my friends. All teenagers do.

Ask yourself these questions if you are a teen experiencing mood swings. IS THIS NORMAL? ARE WE GOING THROUGH SOME SORT OF DISORDER? DO WE NEED HELP? Answers: Yes. No. Maybe?

Mood swings for teenagers are perfectly normal. Everyone gets them.

I apologize but -as usual- science plays a big part. This is all due to biology.

It isn’t our fault, or at least most of the time. When we all hit the stage of becoming adults, our body needs to create new hormones, in order to survive. Most days we just feel cranky because of a few chemical changes occurring inside our brains.

This isn’t to be considered as an illness.

Some of the time our parents don’t understand the changes in our behavior.

They love us more than ever, but they also start realizing that we are growing up, that we can’t stay tied with their apron strings forever. Now, this leads to a whole new chapter in our minds. Who am I? Why can’t I do this myself? What

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does life have in store for me? All these surges of independence are a sign of healthy adolescent behavior. Switching choices, for example, show that we are taking charge of our lives, and being unable to understand anything, identifies the chemical reactions in our brain, that make us cranky.

But this doesn’t mean we should be throwing ourselves pity parties all the time. There are still ways to overcome these mood swings. Exercising helps cool our minds. If we reduce our intake of caffeine, and eat regular meals, we might not have such a high boost, and then sudden drop of energy. However, mostly, we should definitely improve our sleeping habits, so we won’t feel tired or cranky the next day.

Moving on to the last question. DO WE NEED HELP? Watch it fellow teens. Don’t let your mood swings take too much control of your emotions.

Overcome them. Smile, be brave, and live through these few years. Because later onwards, severe mood swings can lead to depression, anxiety issues and health diseases. You definitely don’t want your age to control you. But if mood swings are way too frequent, talk to your parents, or maybe a child psychologist. They really can help!!

Au revoir for now!

Stay headstrong through adolescence…

By Amn Zain-ul-Abidin 13 years old, LGS 55-Main, Lahore

Do the Scars ever Fade Away??

Self-harm is something which is very common in today’s world. Not a day goes by and you hear yet another tragic story. From a teenager’s perspective, harming oneself seems not only rebellious but also a way of easing your pain. Some people leave it to God to help them with the rage that they feel, while others take matters into their own hands. About four years ago, I tried to fill the hollow pit in my heart, desperate to control some part of my life, whether it be a minor dilemma or a life-changing decision. A few days passed in relief until everything went downhill. That same satisfaction turned into shame that I wasn’t even able to look my parents in the eye; how could I tell them that their love and support was not enough to prevent me from harming myself. I was repulsed by my negative thoughts which took over my well-being like a beast, encouraging me to do something outrageous. I felt disgusted by my hands which had committed the very sin.

question my worth. Because I knew that this girl who was constantly battling with herself, was so strong that she wouldn’t abide by decisions that she would later live to regret. This girl cared about her parents who had invested all their energy, trying to provide a stable life for their child. She realised that her family never deserved this and nor did she.

This girl was so strong that no demon in her mind could convince her to be so reckless.

From that day, I learned that everyone in this world is always trying to fight different battles in different ways.

But what we all have in common is the courage, patience and most of all resilience to survive through all of it. My scars may never fade away but they are a reminder of my dark times and how I morphed into a strong and indestructible girl, who learned to fight for herself.

I felt weak. I felt destructive.

You see, all my life I have lived under this shadow of perfection; the daughter with the good grades and a bright smile. But who knew that under this facade there was a girl who had lost herself. Millions of thoughts paced in my mind, making me feel restless. So I did the only thing I could think of at that moment: I called my friend and told her everything. She helped me in an extraordinary way by giving the most helpful and practical advice. Doing everything as she said, I went and stood in front of my mirror and looked at my scars; the same scars that I designed myself, on my own skin.

In a soft tone, I took an oath to never harm my body, my mind or to ever even

Photo Credits: Damia Nauman

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We should remember, that life isn’t just about pain, it’s about counting the stars in the darkness of the night. So go, look for your stars, you won’t be disappointed

By Zainab Imran, LGS 55 Main, Lahore, Pakistan

Depression When we hear the word depression, we probably always think we know what it means. We might even use the word casually in our daily conversations with our friends, “Oh yeah, I’m feeling so depressed today. I don’t want to be here.” But do we really know what depression is, and how it affects people, physically and mentally?

What is Depression?

While we may think being depressed means being sad, depression is more than just a normal emotion. It is actually a serious mental illness which affects how you feel, think, and act. Just like other illnesses, depression can happen to anyone and is cured with time.

Depression symptoms can include: -Deep feelings of sadness or grief -Loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyed -Changes in appetite, behavior or speech -Increased fatigue or unnecessary physical activity -Low self esteem (feeling of worthlessness) -Thoughts of suicide These symptoms continue over long periods of time in order to be ruled out as depression.

Reasons: People can undergo depression for numerous reasons. For example,the death of a loved one can cause someone to fall into depression. However, depression in teenagers has become a pressing and unfortunately very common issue all over the world. It is one of the leading causes of death in adolescents. About one in six teenagers withstand depression.

But why is this type of depression most common? This is because the world has expanded so much in social life and education. Adolescents are being pressured in

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schools and are expected to do more than they are up against.

Social media has a very strong influence in today’s world, thus people use the chance to post hurtful things about others behind their backs or often in their faces. These strains can be extremely hard to endure, especially when we are changing mentally and figuring out what we want to become in the future. On top of that, tobacco and drug abuse affects the developing mind and increases the risk of depression.

The Solution: So what can we do? How can we help the people around us? It is very important to understand and be able to detect the signs of depression. Teens in this world don’t always receive the help they need, and are being taken lightly when they ask for it. Having a healthy diet and getting enough sleep helps decrease stress. But most importantly, talking about our worries to someone we trust, is a great start to address mental health and making ourselves happier.

We may never know what someone is going through, so it’s crucial to be empathetic and kind towards others. Just being there to listen to someone’s worries can really help the person to understand that they are not alone. One should have courage and be compassionate.

Always remember: ‘Kindness is seeing the best in others when they cannot see it in their selves’ by Rahmah Waseem 13 years old Ashton, Maryland,USA

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Inside the Mind of a Depressed Teen Anaya, a bubbly 16 year old, trying to cope with social pressure, depicts the life of a normal teenager in today’s world. Many years ago, Anaya suffered from clinical depression and anxiety, but managed to pull through all of it. An interview with her was conducted, to help people understand mental illness and to remove the taboo around it.

Q) How old were you when you started feeling depressed?

Most teenagers get depressed when they are fifteen years old, but I became depressed at the age of twelve. It was a crucial time in my life, when nobody in my family really understood what mental illness was nor was there much awareness about it in Pakistan.

Q) How did you feel during depression?

I was in absolute chaos, my mind was cluttered with insecurities regarding my grades and appearance. The worst part was staring at myself in the mirror, which reflected an image of a girl with pudgy thighs, acne and a bulging belly. At school, I would feel conscious around my friends and at home, I would feel alone and isolated. There were multiple voices in my head, screaming and shrieking for help and comfort, but nobody could hear them except for me.

Q) How did you realise that you were suffering from depression?

I’ve always had a love for psychology so I used to read articles and books about it. And when I started feeling disturbed and distressed, I realised that it was depression which grew more and more serious, with the passing of days.

Q) How did depression affect your relationships with family and friends?

When I was depressed, I drifted away from my loved ones, which was a wrong thing to do because at the end of the day, they were the ones who were standing by my side, helping me through thick and thin. Although I kept a smile on my face all the time, everyone was still able to see the cracks in my facade. After overcoming depression, I became the person that everyone discussed their problems with because I could understand their pain. So overall, depression taught me more than I expected it to in a good way.

Q) How did you diagnose your mental illness?

I started to find peace in my faith by praying and depending on my God for a better tomorrow. All the while, I started therapy and it helped me overcome my fears and anxieties. I found comfort by believing in myself and slowly but gently, I started to heal.

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Q) According to you what does mental illness mean?

To me, Mental illness means the state of a person in which he or she loses their sanity and peace of mind. It’s when everything in one’s life appears in black and white, the perfect picture of dreariness. Mental illness is a very serious issue which is becoming increasingly common in Pakistan and should be treated immediately.

Q) What should be done to remove the taboo around mental illness?

Everyone should start sharing their experiences on large platforms with huge audiences or on social media. Mental Illness Organisations should conduct seminars in schools and universities and make sure that their best therapists are available for service at all times. People should not shy away from the fact that they need therapy or are visiting a therapist. Parents should start taking their child to the therapist (if needed) the same way they take their child to a physician.

Always keep in mind that a disturbed mind is just as worse as an aching joint.

Q) How did you change after going through depression?

I changed in so many ways that it was insane. My mind matured so much and I started to understand the saying ‘Time is the best healer.’ I began to accept life with all its happy and unhappy moments. After depression, I was finally able to identify myself as a strong, resilient woman who could overcome anything. I would look at the mirror once again and smile at my appearance instead of flinching like I used to.

Q) Do you have any advice for people to help others in depression?

The best thing that anyone can do for a person in depression, is to help them heal by giving them time and by being patient. Sometimes even holding their hand makes a world worth of difference. Or even whispering a few kind words can help uplift their spirit.

Q) Do you have any advice for people going through depression?

I would tell them to hold on and fight with all their might. And to remember that this hard time that they are going through will also end and when it does then they will finally find peace.

By Zainab Imran 16 years old LGS 55 Main Lahore, Pakistan

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Marital Issues?

How are they affecting your child’s mental health?

It is quite normal for parents to argue, but their impact on a child’s mental health is quite extensive. Although parents try not to have a row in front of their adolescents, sometimes, it is, in fact, inevitable.

In a research, it was deduced by the University of York that the children whose parents are divorced are most affected by the arguments that led to the divorce, rather than being affected by the annulment itself. Furthermore, in the research, it was concluded that by witnessing a fight at home, the children are 30% more likely to develop certain behavioral issues than those children with happily married parents.

It is healthy and normal for parents to sometimes argue with each other. What harms the child’s mind is the part where the argument is left inconclusive .

Children learn from this experience and sometimes are unable to have constructive arguments. This affects their ability to resolve conflicts in their personal life.

As unbelievable as it may sound, children as young as six months show corporeal symptoms such as having a higher pulse rate being in front of parents fighting, whereas, their pulse rate is lower when any other adults are arguing.

These symptoms get worse as the child grows. An adolescent may show external changes such as sudden waves of aggression and by becoming hostile and violent.

Some of the internal changes that take place are that children begin to suffer from anxiety, depression and having low self-esteem. In extreme cases, however, the child may also have suicidal thoughts.

To prevent taking multiple trips to the therapist, it is important for the parent(s) to recognize the noticeable signs of mental instability. In a blog-post by National Alliance on Mental Illness, it was said that the signs the children of different grades displayed, required psychological assistance. According to the post, students from kindergarten till the third grade blame their own selves or their misbehaviour for the divorce. More signs include complaints of headaches and stomach pains. With students from fourth to sixth grade, multiple signs can be observed, concerning the abrupt rise in conflicts with peers and the sudden occurence of anger, embarrassment or frustration. Moving towards older students until the twelfth grade display extreme mood swings and demonstrate a lack of interest in schoolwork and extracurricular activities.

By Damia Nauman 16 years old LGS 55 Main, Lahore, Pakistan

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The Unexpected I sat down at my desk and sifted through the mail that had been placed in front of my computer. All junk of course. I was about to dump it all in the recycling bin when I saw my favorite magazine at the bottom of the pile. Tossing the rest aside, I snatched it but something unexpected fell out from between the pages- divorce papers. The smooth white paper suddenly felt heavy in my hands. I dropped the bag in the bin with the silky paper still in my hand. I adjusted my glasses to make sure I was reading it carefully. As I once again read the title on the paper: “Divorce filed” written in bold and underlined.

Shazia and I have been married for over five years now, and we have a two year old son, Abdullah. It seemed absurd for her to file for divorce, we have been a happy married couple, and I’ve always tried to be a rational husband, straying away from the conventional depictions of a desi husband. We never quarrelled over unnecessary issues, and tried to make the most of our little time together, as she was a full time neurosurgeon. Although I had observed that lately Shazia had been taking advantage of my leverage. She disliked spending time with Abdullah and on the weekends she had started to become too occupied with her friends. I pointed that out on multiple occasions, and I remember her being argumentative about it and calling me, “narrow minded”. But I never expected her to file for divorce.

Just like any other couple we have had our share of problems. I also have my own set of issues, but there was nothing that can not be resolved.

I refuse to let my son grow without the affection of both, his mum and dad, he is a two year old. I can not put Abdullah through the misery of having divorced parents.

I took him in my arms, stroking his face lightly, and brushing his auburn colored hair from his face, he looked so peaceful as he sucked on his pacifier, so tranquil even in times of utter chaos. I pressed him against my chest, gently cradling him. What have I not done to be a good husband? What do I have to pay the price of being a bad father?

I clenched the divorce paper and grabbed the car keys from the coffee table. I called out, “Ruqayya! Stop washing the dishes and please look after Abdullah, while I go run some errands.” Ruqayya immediately catered to Abdullah. Ruqayya was a maid that had been working at our house for a year and a half as Shazia was always too busy with work to look after our child.

Grief stricken, I started the car, breathing heavily as I steadied my hands on the steering wheel. Yes, Shazia had been busy, but she had never been disrespectful.

She was humble and loving, this seemed out of character. I was overwhelmed with rage, as I slammed the sheet of paper on the passenger seat pressing it down from the center.

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Eventually I reached the hospital. I stepped out of the car as apprehension took over me. I was fidgeting with the paper, unknowingly tearing the top of it. I took slow heavy footsteps to her office. Without feeling the need to knock, I barged in. I did not mutter a word, but waved the page incredulously, as if it were a red flag.

She straightened her back, and stood up. She pushed her chair back, and approached me.

“Oh this? I had been thinking about talking to you about this for quite a while now.” I felt sick at heart by what she had just said, my mouth went dry and turned bitter. It felt as though my heart was throbbing in my throat, as I murmured, “Why?” She let out a nervous laughter, her eyebrows arched as she exclaimed, “Why? Taimur are you asking me why? Have you forgotten about your bad drinking habits? Do you remember slapping me twice this week while you were drunk?I do not want Abdullah to grow up in such an environment.”

All the color from my face drained as I heard the harsh truth. “Shazia we can change that. I can change,” I pleaded. She shook her head vigorously while rummaging through her drawers only to pull out a brown manilla envelope. She replied, “Taimur, this has been going on for far too long, and on multiple occasions I’ve tried to stop you, but you are stubborn and strong.

You said this then, and you are saying the same thing now.” She pulled out the signed divorce papers and handed me a pen. “I’ve signed mine, please do me a favor and sign yours.”

I knew I had put her through a lot and there is no denying that I had hurt her on several occasions. Swallowing my pride, I tightened my grip on the blue pen. And that was that. She had divorced me.

By Rija Naeem 14 years old LGS 55 Main, Lahore

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Blanked Out My hands were trembling out of angst; I was most definitely not prepared for this exam.I had been known to top most subjects all my life. Yet I sat there, doodling with my pen still without a thought processing in my mind. I had already thought of the vile repercussions I would have to face in this moment of failure. I spent my whole life, devoting all my efforts and time to this particular moment. I was bewildered by how my mind had gone blank, as if I had appeared for a different subject altogether. My heart began sinking as it dawned upon me; I was going to fail. This would be one of the defining points of my entire career, one of the most crucial initial steps for success.

Unfortunately, I was already failing at that.

I felt suffocated by the eerie silence that filled the room. I looked around, meeting the gaze of few other candidates who also seemed perplexed by the paper in front of them. The rest were hurriedly writing down answers. This seemed to be a common phenomenon that a student would forget all the information that they had prepared. Up until now, I was fortunate enough to be immune to ‘blanking out’. But there I was, blank as a slate. The invigilator announced that out of the two hours allotted for the exam, one hour had already passed.

The candidates around me were clicking their pens fervently showing how fast solutions were pouring into their minds.

This ear piercing sound made me feel more inadequate than ever before.

As I accepted my fate as a failure, I slumped into my chair and let all the disappointment engulf me. I walked through all the conversations that I likely would have to encounter. My

heart ached as I visualized the disdain on parents’ faces. I looked through my half-answered paper one last time and as I was about to hand it in; a question popped at me. Suddenly, I was struck by the influx of information that I felt I had forgotten completely. Afraid that I would forget it again, I grabbed my pen. It felt as if my pen could not keep up with the thoughts racing through my mind.

As time was winding down I began answering all the questions in an attempt to finish my paper onS time.

My mind was overwhelmed with all the information which was pouring in all at once. I tried my best to organize my thoughts and to answer all the questions as precisely as possible. I could feel my stiff body begin to relax as I neared the end of my paper. I finished my exam moments before time was up. I glanced down at my hands and saw how swollen and sweaty they were after completing the paper.

The hall erupted in chatter as candidates were instructed to exit. As I walked out of the hall, I became even more aware of my convoluted thoughts.

The built up anxiety of exam preparation and performance had almost pushed me to failure. Once I had faced my fears, I relaxed and could recall all of the learned information. I made a mental note to never let fear overcome me and make it difficult to work on the task at hand. I walked out with the firm determination to never allow this to happen to me again.

By Ryaan Mirza 14 years old Learning Alliance (Gulberg), Lahore

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Winners of Harry Potter Competition

d r Ahme Namwa Main LGS 30 ize First Pr ory t Ca eg Junior

Rayyan Ras LGS hid Th Junioirrd prize Catego ry

Hassan Raza S hirazi Learnin g Allia nce DH A Second prize Junior Catego ry

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Khan Shanzay ain M LGS 55 e iz r First P gory te a Senior C

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Nawaal S Learning A hirazi lliance (DH A) Second pri ze Senior Cate gory

Ahmed Eja z LACAS Third priz e Senior Cate gory

Young Poet's Corner Her Hidden Pain To the world she shows only happiness, Whether at life’s worst or best.

But behind the mask is endless pain, When she sees where her father was once lain.

Now, he’s forever gone, She says it feels like there’s no dawn.

It unbearable, the pain, the grief, Shaking hard in the wind like a leaf.

I hold her close, try to soothe her, And realize there’s no one I know who’s stronger

By Maheen Salman Ahmad 12 years old SCIL, Lahore

From the Eyes of a Teenager

I Don’t Know it Myself!

Screams and cries, arguments galore, I want to howl, don’t want this anymore, My emotions are scattered across the room, I’m shrieking, trapped in a depressing gloom.

Wish my world was as organized as my shelf, Ask me the cause, I wouldn’t know it myself, Now I look at today, I’m all smiles and laughter, Yesterday’s mood hanging from the rafters, The world is great and my life is better, Forget all those tears, burn my devastating letter, I feel like jumping for joy and dancing like an elf, Ask me the cause, I don’t know it myself, But now, here I am, crying in the shower, My mind is blank, before my own self I cower, Don’t want to go on, just want to stay here, My independence is crushed by this world full of fear, What is my fault, that I was amazing the day before?

And the day before that, wanted to bolt, wanted to roar?

I’m confined in this body, for God knows how many years Ask me the cause, I don’t know it myself.

By Amn Zain ul Abidin, 12 years old, LGS 55 Main

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Handwriting Analysis Have you tried Graphology?

The human mind remains a mystery to us till this day. It is as perplexing as ever despite all the advances that have been made to solve this mystery. Handwriting analysis has intrigued many people and they speculate why two signatures do not look exactly alike. There are many questions.‘Why is everyone’s handwriting unique?

Is it because of a connection between the mind and body?

You must have heard about instances in which the handwriting of suspects are used as evidence in a crime investigation. This study of handwriting is called graphoanalysis; which allows analysts to prevent forgeries and investigate crimes etc. Graphology, in other words, is learning to identify the psychological state of a writer and evaluate their personality. It is usually considered a pseudoscience (a collection of beliefs or practices mistakenly regarded as being based on scientific method). Many people believe that one’s personality cannot be described by solely looking at their handwriting. They believe graphology falls in the same category as palm-reading and astrology. People who take up graphology as a profession are called graphologists. However, if you are looking for some fun then you can sit with your friends to have a look at each other’s handwriting! Who knows? There might be some truth to it.

There are still many people who believe that this science can help you read the mind of a person. Graphologists look distinctively at your slants, angles and letter spacing. They observe the three main elements of handwriting: movement, spacing and form. A graphologist would study these aspects and associate them with psychological interpretations.

Look at some of the general handwriting analysis tips:

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It is an amazing phenomena, right?

However, this does not mean that we discriminate each other based exclusively on their handwriting. Remember that this analysis is highly generalized and does not apply to every individual. We must learn that every person has their own personality and unique qualities.

What’s yours?

By Damia Nauman 16 years old LGS 55 Main, Lahore, Pakistan

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Breast Cancer Awareness Month

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An Interview with Dr Samina Khokher An Expert on Breast Cancer Dr Samina Khokher, MBBS, FCPS, PhD Introduction Dr Samina Khokher topped Lahore Board in FSc and graduated from King Edward Medical College in 1982. She chose to specialize in General Surgery and qualified FCPS in 1987.

Later she had training in Plastic Surgery from Malmo General hospital Sweden and took Breast Surgery as Super speciality. She was awarded the first PhD in Surgery by University of Health Sciences Lahore for research on Breast Cancer. Currently she is practicing as “Breast Surgeon” at Faisal Hospital Lahore and is actively involved in the Breast Cancer awareness activities in the various educational institutions.

What is Breast Cancer, in the view of an expert?

In simple terms, cancer is the uncontrolled growth and spread of cells in any part of the body.

So, to be specific, breast cancer is the development of cancer in the breast. It can develop in women at any age after the age of 18. Maximum number of women are affected between 40 to 50 years in Pakistan. Breast cancer consists of four stages: In the first, it is barely even there and with treatment it is easy to completely eradicate. In stage two, it has increased in size but still there are high chances of cure with treatment. With the correct treatment, it can be cured and the patient can make a full recovery. In the third stage, however, it has spread locally in the breast and also to the armpits. At this stage the chancestage chance of full recovery is less. In the fourth stage the cancer has spread beyond the breast to any other part of the body, like lungs, liver or bones and chances of cure are negligible. All we can do at this stage is to ease the patient and relieve them of pain. We help them as much as we can to help them live the remainder of their lives surrounded by their family and friends in a happy environment.

At what age should girls be educated about breast cancer awareness and begin evaluations?

As breast cancer starts to appear at the age of eighteen, girls should be made aware of it around this age. They should be instructed on how to examine themselves once in a while, as well as when to go to get a professional opinion. It is safe to get clinical evaluation once every three years, and self-examination once every month till the age of 40 years. Advanced countries like America and England have developed a system called ‘screening’ which is based on periodic X-Ray of breasts called “Mammography” and this contributes greatly to the early diagnosis of breast cancer.

What is the incidence rate of breast cancer in Pakistan?

Pakistan alone has the highest rate of Breast Cancer than any other Asian country as one out of every nine women develops breast cancer in her lifetime. It is the commonest cancer in

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women as it accounts for 48% of all cancers of women and it is also the commonest cause of cancer related deaths of women in Pakistan. It is extremely common, in simple words.

It is mainly because of unawareness. Women do not know how to pick up on it. Illiteracy has a big part in this. When it is not identified, it grows until ultimately, it is fatal.

Should teams of doctors and nurses visit schools and offer free sessions and free evaluations at their clinics?

Yes, but not exactly at schools more than colleges. Schoolgirls are a little too young to know the details of breast cancer. Early overexposure can lead to trauma and fear, so we avoid making that negative impression on such young minds. In colleges, however, girls are old enough to be made aware. Free sessions and evaluations should not only be offered at colleges but also to uneducated, poor women in order to lessen the biggest hurdle to early diagnosis of breast cancer. If we raise breast cancer awareness, we could lessen the frequency in which breast cancer is diagnosed at late stages in Pakistan, and with appropriate treatment these cancers can then be cured.

By Maheen Salman 11 years old SCIL, Lahore, Pakistan

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