footprint-2012 english

F O O T P R I N T S 2 0 1 2

Dedicated to Dreams!!

Hold fast to dreams Life is a barren field

For when dreams go Frozen with snow Langston Hughes

2012 PATRON STAFF ADVISOR

Firdaus S. Almakky Fatima Noureen

STAFF ASSISTANTS

Saima Ali Sana Saleem Sameera Malik Muhammad Azizullah

EDITOR IN CHIEF

Syed Umair Faisal

EDITOR ASSISTANT EDITOR

Bilal Shahid Shehryar Sajid Khan

CONTENTS Topics

Writer

Editorial Board's Picture Message from the Principal Message from Head Mistress Message from Senior Mistress Editorial From the Editorial Desk Session 2011 - 2012 (Group Photograph) School Staff Senior School Middle School

Pg. No. 4 5 6 6 7 8 9 10 11-15 16-21

Paradigm Shift High Hopes Life at Peco Road... Soul Searching My blood's sun would then shine! School Life! The good old days Breaking The Illusion

" ALUMNI " Usama Afzal Saad Shahid Fatima Laage Aiza Islam Zoya Ashraf Gohar Kibria Talha Javed Shahab Arshad

23-24 25 26 27 28-29 30 31 32

The Conman Nostalgia The Ultimate Success Hair breadth escape Down to the beach A Terrible Experience And I was scared.... Thriving Spirit A Vampire's Legacy The Microwave The red light blinking The Day I Overcame My Fear Once I bunked School The Dark Room The Cursed Valley of Catonville The Cave The beginning of true friendship Man cannot play God Lost on the Planet Zero Looking Impossible In the Shadows of Death I can see You Embarking on the journey of life May Death do us apart... The desert of Chauvinism Curse of ELM Street

" STORIES " Umair Faisal 11 CB Ali Arsalan 9 CA Hamza Sohail X CA Mahan Sheikh 7 Purple Shahvaiz Zameer 9 CB Jahanzeb Ali Dogar 8 B Muhammad Jahanzeb Doger 8 Blue Ahmed Khalid 9 CB Taha Nadeem 8 D Usman Butt 7 Green Saad Arif Butt 11 CB Hamza yousaf 9 CA Muneeb Mirza 11 CA Muhammad Junaid Ali 8 B Adan Muhammad 7 Orange Tahir Qyum 8 B Shahveiz Zameer 9 CB Ali Ashraf 9 CB Danish Tariq 8 C Huzaifa Khan Suri 8 C Farhan 9 CB Ahmed Faraz 8 C Shehryar Sajid Khan 10 CA Aizaz Khan 9 CA Ms Humera Hannan Junaid Ali 8 B

33 34 35-36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 53 54 55 56-57 58-60 60

Forlorn For My True Friends... Foggy Love Hallucinations A friend like you Barbie doll Dreams have wings An Average Student Butchers Dark night, you have to go! An empty dream Complicated Free to fall in the FALL

" POEMS " Waleed Anwar 8 C Asad Pervaiz 9 CB Abdul Muqeet 9 CA Nouman Afzal XI CB Hamza Yousuf IX CA Faizan 6 Orange Umair Faisal XI CB Ahmed Khalid 9 CB Ahmed Rehab 9 CA Hamza Choudhry 9 CB Huzaifa Wajih 7 Blue Usman Amjad XI CB Furqan Ali 9 CA

61 61 62 62 63 63 64 64 65 65 66 66 67

CONTENTS Topics

Writer

When I will be old Facebook I wish I Met Her In The Winter Hello Me! My Future Self Lonesomeness Why does everybody go to sleep??? If wishes have wings You're Love: A Roller Coaster Love that never ends Mirror Serene Lover My awful dream The Chinese PSP My precious O, the youth of my nation My Soul was a Captive Number Train Someone like Me Sand In Hand What is Love ?? Seasons Trance Silhouette The last I saw of you...

M. Bilal Pasha VII Orange Hamza Hassan 9 CB Muhammad Bin Salman 6 Purple Mustafa Taqueer 9 CA Adnan 7 Orange Faizan 9 CB Asad Ali Dogar XI CB Anas Asghar 7 Orange Ammar Shervani 10 M Saim Awais 9 CA Subhan Amjad 9 CA Mustafa Bin Tariq 10 M S. Raees Imran 9 CA Anas Asghar 7 Orange Sarim Shehzad 6 Green Zain Amjad VII Orange Aizaz Islam IX CB Shahvaiz Zameer 9 CB Farhan Suri 9 CB Mehdi 6 Orange Abdul Wahab 7 Blue Daniyal Malik XI CB Hamza Aqeel 6 Green Muhammad Abrahim IX CA Shahzeb Suri 6 Orange Rayyan Sameer XI CA

Food Street Democracy is off the people ?? A Typical Teenage Boy Is humanity getting more violent ? Thank God for everything How To Combat With Drug Abuse Importance of the social networking websites Attention Please Procrastination The Flipside of Television Yes! I Can A Ruthless Killer Changing careers Aliens Letting My Heart Out!! Flash Forward ! How do I see myself in 10 years ? Glory of stardom Life without it!! Power of friendship Mystery of Aliens Save the Planet Triumphant Forever Uncountable Joys of Reading You Make Me Forget Everything! The story of "The Pencil" Give it a thought

" ESSAYS " Fayzan Abdul Wassey 11 CA Furqan Ali 9 CA Abdul Haseeb VIII Purple Bilal Shahid 10 CB Ms Rubeena Waheed Huzaifa Khan Suri VIII C Faizan Abdul Wassay 11 CA Umer Madni 9 CB Rayyan Sameer 11 CA Bilal Shahid 10 CB Saad Butt 11 CB Fatir Malik 11 CB Zahid Khan 11 CA Hamza Mughal VII Orange Oneeb Ur Rehman 9 CB Hamza Chaudhry 9 CB Shavaiz Zameer 9 CA Kazim Haider 8 D Ali Ashraf 9 CB Hamza Aqeel 6 Green Faheem Iqbal 7 Orange Talha Ashraf Zia 6 Blue Ms Rubeena Waheed Adeel Shah 8 A Furqan Ali 9 CA Sana Saleem Agha Usman Amjad XI CB

Pg. No. 67 68 68 69 69 70 70 71 71 72 72 73 73 74 74 75 75 76 77 77 78 78 79 79 80 80 81 82 82 83 83 84 85 85 86 87 88 89 89 90 91 91 92 92 93 93 94 95 96 97 98 99 100

" SURVEYS " A Tap at the Principal's Desk Fun things that our teachers should do Chinese Whisper!!1 You, I and Our BMTL Strange Facts The first four words you see describe you THE ART GALLERY

Teacher's Survey Students' Survey Shayan Faisal 7 Orange

101-102 103-104 105-107 108-110 111 112 113-116

The Editorial Board

Sitting from Left to Right: Bilal Shahid (English Editor) Ms Fatima Noureen (Staff Advisor English) Mrs Firdaus S. Almakky (Principal - Patron) Ms Rukhsana Amjad (Staff Advisor Urdu) Faizan Abdul Wasay (Urdu Editor) Standing from Left to Right: Sheharyar Sajid (English Sub Editor) Umair Faisal (Editor in Chief) Fazeel Asif (Urdu Sub Editor) 4

Message from the Principal Dear All: This year with a change in the school administration there is also a change in the editorial board for the school magazine. The new student body and teachers' advisory for the magazine editorial has been chosen with an aim to make this year's issue more vibrant, more visual, more invigorating and more colourful. Only your feed-back will tell us of the success of our endeavour. The theme for this year is: 'dreams.' I quote Harriet Tubman "Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, you have within you the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars to change the world.": How true, as without using our imagination or without dreaming, we pass through life without any goals, any ambitions.When we dream, we are in fact making plans for the future, our future, our family's future and thus the future of our nation. Disappointments seem to have touched the lives of each one of us in Pakistan, in different ways, during the course of the last so many years. Collectively we are all suffering from steep inflation and outages, outages of electricity especially in summers and outages of gas especially in winters. The national leaders are least disturbed by these issues, they have never tried an iota to address these problems Sadly, they forget they are the elected icons, elected to serve the people. The very same people whom they are supposed to serve, they are trampling, under their desire to fill their pockets with all resources available. The image of our country and its people has become a laughing stock all over the world. While travelling to other countries we get the worst treatment possible. Enough is enough, and we all have to stand up and demand respect. We need to bring about a big change all around, in our leadership, in our life-style. New leaders are the call of the day, the old ones are tried, tested and have badly failed, why should we want them or their protogees back in our lives every time? Maybe the new leaders will not be able to bring about an immediate fairytale change but at least the change will have begun and with the infusion of new blood, a different attitude will have started filtering into the system. The hope of any nation and more so ours, is the younger upcoming generation. So my dear students, we need you to act out your dreams, your high aspirations, your yearning to get out of this abyss of despair. You let go of the murky present and go for a better future. Go confidently towards the direction of your dreams, so that instead of migrating to a foreign country to live happily, you can live your life the way you imagined in your very own land. Thoreau puts this beautifully when he says "Let go of the past and go for the future. Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you imagined." May your dreams always come true!

Firdaus Almakky

Message from Head Mistress I joined BMTL in August 2011, working in a boys campus is certainly a novel experience for me. Life is all about learning, observation and forging new paths to deal with a variety of situations and changing environments. In my perception I always consider school as a garden full of colourful, vibrant fragrant flowers. Each flower of my garden has peculiar characteristics of its own making it distinct from the others; yet an integral part of the whole garden. I hope to nurture each flower of my garden with great care, responsibility and affection. I strongly believe in the fact that achievement in life is not what you do for yourself real achievement means “what you accomplish for others”. I wish all my students and faculty a tremendous success in all walks of their life. (Amen) Ms Sabahat Jawaid, HM

Message from Senior Mistress Navigating the best path to a successful future is difficult. Sometimes you are forced to make crucial decisions about your future at an increasingly early age. So establishing a plan to help understand where you are going, why that direction is chosen, and how to achieve immediate and future goals, is imperative to success. Time is important factor to achieve success in life, it is precious developing time management skills is a journey that can begin now, but needs practice. The important thing is how you become aware of how you use your time as one resource in organizing, prioritizing, and succeeding in your curricular and co-curricular activities. Balanced utilization of time can lead you to fulfillment of your 'Dreams'. Harvey MacKay says and I quote, “Time is free, but it's priceless. You can't own it, but you can use it. You can't keep it, but you can spend it. Once you've lost it you can never get it back.” At the end I would like to wish my staff and students best of luck in all walks of life.

Ms Arifa Hassan, SM

Editorial Bowing outâ&#x20AC;Ś.. With Footprints 2012, I can imagine your curiosity coupled with your impatience to see your articles, pictures, stories, and poems come alive to the readers. One can envisage the happiness of a writer when he sees his work in printed form in a magazine and it is this feeling of confidence that ignites his writing skill. For many, it represents an opportunity to be celebrated. For some, it is a stepping stone to further literary endeavours. My belief is that young people can create works of astonishing power. For the successful publication of a school magazine, a lot of planning, compounded with team work is needed. I am thankful to all the blooming writers who have responded to my calls and penned their ideas for the magazine. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to our Principal, Mrs Firdaus S. Almakky, who from time-to-time awakened us when we had almost gone into the dormancy state. I also acknowledge my helpful fellow student editors, Bilal Shahid and Shehryar Sajid who have proved to be catalysts in mobilising the students to write their views. Last but not least, I owe a deep debt of gratitude to Ms Fatima Noureen and Ms Saima Ali who, in spite of their hectic schedules, assisted me and charged me with renewed vigour when I was almost daunted. Finally, from the entire team of Footprints I wish all the readers a happy reading.

Syed Umair Faisal Editor in Chief

From the Editorial Desk New Year dawned with new thoughts and promises. Teachers and students worked together for the common ideal, enchasing the future dreams. We peeped into the innocent hearts and displayed it through the new edition of Footprints 2012 .Our mentor, Mrs Firdaus S. Almakky, became a Beaconhouse for us and guided us to leap and ascend ahead. She channelized and streamlined our energies. Footprints, a youngster, was taken towards the glory of youth and maturity giving us vicarious feeling of your happiness. Trusting each other, sharing the load and working more systematically, we finally materialized images, feelings and experiences. We were lucky to have a team of dedicated students who played a proactive role in galvanizing their fellows into penning their ideas onto paper and also in the compilation of this magazine.We brought forward novel, genuine and original literature from our juvenile writers. Students practised their talents and made us relish the new style of writing of the era which is an integration of new trendy language, with truncate and colloquial style. This enjoyable and challenging yet flexible learning progression made it a milestone for our young laureates who gained confidence and sharpened their saws for their future endeavors. It is also evident that published student authors and artists can inspire other youngsters to write and draw, and sometimes their influence is more powerful than the influence of teachers. We also express our gratitude to our Head Mistress, Ms Sabahat Jawaid, who triggered the process and delegated trust to embark us on the journey of self actualization, exploration and unraveling the unknown self of ours. This year we all sailed with our new team working hard against the gust of challenges .Finally we are able to present the gems and jewels we found in our voyage for your view and appreciation. Hoping that you will enjoy reading. Ms Fatima Noureen Staff Advisor

Sitting from Left to Right:

Session 2011 - 2012

Raheela Tahir, Shaista Jaffry, Rukhsana Amjad, Saima Kazmi, Rubeena Waheed, Zahid Saleem, Almas Richard, Sher Afzal, Arifa Hassan, Mrs Firdaus Almakky

Sabahat Jawaid, Shoaib Iftikhar, Adnan Gakhar, M. Azizullah, Nasreen Akhtar, Ayesha Nasir Khan, Tahira Khalid, Fareeda Kausar. Standing from Left to Right:

Adil Yaqoob, Khalid Yousaf, Fahd Mawahid, Bilal Khan, Saima Ali, Humera Hannan, Sumaira Ambreen, Ayesha Nasir, Fatima Noureen, Sameera Malik, Sana Saleem

Iffat Maqbool, Naila Mamoon, Safoora Saeed, Hina Arif, Nasreen Fakhira, Beenish Khurram, Riffat Fatima, Sohail Rafique, Amir Raza, Mirza Naveed, Majid Nisar.

School Staff

Admin & Technical Staff: Sitting:

Ms Sabahat Jawaid, Mrs Firdaus S. Almakky, Ms Arifa Hassan, Beenish Khurram

Standing: Wajid Hussain Khan, Mubeen Haider, Husnain, M. Akram, Abdul Haleem, James Gill

Supporting Staff Sitting:

Naziran Bibi, Mrs Firdaus S. Almakky, Surraya Bibi

Standing: Shoukat Hayat, Muzammal Hussain, Wilson, James Gill, Bashir, Nazir, Nayamat, Shehbaz Ali

Senior School 11 CA

11 CB

Senior School 11 CC

10 M

Senior School 10 CA

10 CB

Senior School 9 CA

9 CB

Senior School 9 CC

9 Matric

Middle School 8A

Middle School 8C

Middle School 7 Orange

7 Purple

Middle School 7 Blue

7 Green

Middle School 6 Orange

6 Purple

Middle School 6 Blue

6 Green

Art Gallery

Marble Activity

Ahmed Rehman VI-O

Anas Shahid VII-O

Moeez Malik VI-G

Muhammad Azizullah IT Teacher

Waleed Hassan VII-O

Zain Amjad VII-O

Zoraiz Haider VI-O

Ramish Majeed VIII-D

Osama Ramzan VIII-A

M. Ali VI-B

Abubakar Naeem VIII-A

Sketches

Abdul Moeez Hameed VI-G

Alumni

That some achieve great success, is proof to all that others can achieve it as well. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Abraham Lincoln

Paradigm Shift Usama Afzal

(Usama Afzal did his O' Level from BMTL , securing 8 A's. Currently he is studying at New York University Abu Dhabi.) The years of my Ordinary level weren't ordinary at all, courtesy of the school where I was. With a relatively small student body, it had a place for everyone. From marvelous writers to excellent runners, there was always somebody for something. Amidst the scene was I, an enthusiastic and joyful boy who was in charge of the entertainment department. With amusing words, magnetic flair, spontaneity and some nonsensical actions, I induced laughter. Receiving tons of attention for bringing smiles to everyone's face, I felt special and loved. It was something that I was prepared to do all the time. I was glad, for I meant something to the people there. This was only to continue till the end of my O levels, after which I 'advanced' to a new school â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Beaconhouse Defence Campus - to pursue my Advanced Level. From where I had come and the treatment I had had, larger campus and new people not only meant a transformation in experience, but a fresh challenge to counter. Like a pampered woman getting married, I was both excited and nervous. Except that I had a very little dowry. Three friends and that was all. I felt that with my formulae, all I would have to do is resume normal service and I would be able to make my presence felt. However the real picture unfolded when matters got regular. Students had come from various different parts of the city and that too in larger groups. We were a mere four. There were clusters and no sense of togetherness. Whatever you did was within your group, a concept alien to me. That wasn't how I operated. While I was in denial, strong opportunists worked their way to all crucial positions. Everything got underway, from social activities to other matters of importance, but I was as yet, nowhere in the picture. Days went by in disbelief and I continued to miss onto things, steadily drifting to the pile of 'the nobody'. I had no role. The only productive thing that I was able to do, was to study, but that was just for myself. I believed that I was more than just that. In corridors, assembly lines, classrooms and cafes, I earnestly yearned for the moment if somebody would turn their heads just to notice me. As it turned out, there was nobody. What mattered was bringing my capabilities to use. With zero practice and declining confidence, they were rusting. In class, I wasn't the same participant I used to be. There were several times I felt 'oh, I have a joke that would fit', but that joke would never come out. Quite foolishly, sometimes I would just stand and wait for somebody to approach me, but the question was, why would they? Who was Usama Afzal? I was nothing despite my prolific academic record, and this nullity dented my confidence. And this was to go on until a corrective mechanism could be developed. I realized I needed to reform my comprehension of the condition. Words alone weren't enough. I had to go beyond my comfort zone and win hearts. After deep contemplation, I decided to spend more time alone to introspect and reflect. From watching parliamentary style debating championships on YouTube to delivering speeches in front of the mirror, I indulged in activities that could produce the Desired effect- Effect that would reignite my confidence and aid me in getting a name for myself. In all that I realized, debating produced maximum fulfillment. I wasn't new to it. I had been doing it since three years but I never took it seriously. We neither had a formal coach nor a consistent team. This time however, it had a whole different sensation. I began to give it more time. The more I debated, the more I wanted to learn. From style to a

content, I just wanted to make sure no part remained unpracticed. I would stay after classes for hours with my team debating several practice rounds just to ensure perfection in every aspect of debating. Months passed, and the only thing on my mind was to become a good debater and be a part of a team that would perform decently in the National championship. After taking part in a few privately organized debating competitions before the Nationals we were able to further improve our weak areas. It is imperative to mention that my team didn't even make it to the knockouts in all the competitions before the Nationals. Despite being the 'underdogs', I prepared my team and myself to unveil our talent at the National level. The first five matches in the preliminary round of the nationals were relatively easy wins. A real challenge was ahead of us once we reached the Octa-Finals. We had to beat SISA – a team coached by one of the oldest and most acclaimed debater – to get to the top eight teams of the championship. After a really tensed preparation hour, my team and I headed to the debating room with trust in our ability and reliance on our passion. We knew what we had to do. Audience wanted to have a good time. Judges wanted a good debate. My team wanted a win. I, on the other hand, had greater motives. I wasn't debating just for a win. Above all, I was debating for myself. Speakers from both the teams laid down their respective cases and primary arguments. I was the second speaker from my team. When the announcer called me out, I felt as if she'd said "Usama Afzal is out of Usama". Loaded with passion, I gave it all I had. I wouldn't say that I delivered a speech that changed the entire course of the debate but I was definitely able to recognize reasonable number of loopholes in the case presented by our opposing team. I was delivering exactly what I was thinking. I hardly missed out a link within the arguments. I probably delivered a speech that wasn't only cohesive and coherent but also easily comprehendible for non-professionals. The response from the audience was over whelming. The debate ended with the third speaker from my team. The decision was exactly what I wanted it to be – we won! Dozens of compliments flew by within 5 minutes once the judges delivered their decision. Our winning streak continued till the semi finals where we lost against Karachi Grammar School – the team that went on to win the National debating championship that year. With no coach, and minimal experience, our performance was commendable. Reaching the semi-finals and making it to the list of top 50 speakers of the country was a huge achievement. The entire debating team was congratulated by our school administration and a special assembly was organized in our honor. Once the details of our performance in the Nationals were unveiled, it was as if the entire school came to greet us. I headed the debating club in the following year and organized and won several competitions for my institution. Student interest in my debating club increased exponentially and by the end of the academic year I was heading a club with more than 60 members! I was wrong in just waiting for things to happen. One has to make things work and when I realized it, everything restored to order. I don't claim that people here worship me. It's just that there's a change in general regard. People know who Usama Afzal is. And significantly, I had to work for it. It didn't fall in my lap like it did before. Otherwise, it would have only help grow the hint of arrogance that seeped in me after all those years of excessive pampering. Now I can safely say what it feels like to have lived life in the two extremes. The dip only made me stronger. Attaining better debating skills isn't what I just achieved. I remained true to myself in fighting for who I was. Contrary to what it seemed, it was a battle within. I fought with my own demons. That I won. And the prize is dear to me.

High Hopes Saad Shahid

(Saad Shahid has done his O' Level from Beaconhouse School System Peco Road. He is currently studying in F.C. College.) “ All of us failed to match our dreams of perfection. So I rate us on the basis of our splendid failure to do the impossible". (William Faulkner) Aristotle's views were that man is a goal seeking animal. His life only becomes meaningful only when he struggles for his goals. Many people fail in their life goals because they fail to organize their energies and focus on their objective. I believe that we should set our goal and then we should try our level best to achieve it. The progress and prosperity of dedicated men is due to having high ambitions in life. There are many ambitious men with differing perspectives and views. Some want to be doctors, others to be engineers, some crave to be civil and military officers, others to be poets and novelists. My ambition in life is to become a successful businessman. “ A teacher effects Eternity” (Henry Adams) I want to be a businessman, no matter how strange it may sound to others. Then after acquiring certain amount of experience and prospective, I want to teach. Teaching is very different and important. It is of supreme importance to influence those who are going to grow up and matter to the world. “ If you think in terms of a year, plant a seed; if in terms of ten years, plant trees; if in terms of 100 years, teaches the people. (Confucius) Teaching has been the profession of prophets, philosophers, scientists, poets and great men. I think the best people are those who teach others. Engineers build grand buildings, doctors treat the patients; civil officers run the administration; military officers defend the country, but it is their teachers who make them the person they are or hope to be one day. My experience in Beaconhouse has taught me a lot of things and it is thanks to this I now have the courage to pursue my ambitions, meet new people and avail new opportunities. I give my sincerest thanks to all my teachers who helped me progress through my short stay at Beaconhouse. Please remember me in your prayers. I advise the students never to give up their ambitions even if they fail to achieve it they should at least be grateful that they tried. “ Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars.” (Brian Littrell)

Life at Peco Road……. Fatima Laage

(Fatima Laage did her O level from BMTL in 2008 she gained 5 A's and is now studying at FAST university.) What's the best part of school life? Some would vouch for the great education, the great learning experience, the knowledge sharing, and other such scholarly pursuits. But many would admit that the best part of school life is all the fun one has. I believe you are never successful until you live it to the full. I am doing software engineering from FAST University now. I never expected this to happen as my set goal was towards NCA, continuing with the interiors but now fate has brought me here and all is destined. 10 things I would always remember about the Peco Road Campus…. •

• •

•

• • •

Best of best were the elections. I think our time at Peco Road was a beautiful one. We had loads and heaps of fun during the elections. All the colors, banners and hooting. Though candidate speeches were boring..... I as a president of Arts Society, for me, my last year of O- level was the most charming one. I was the president and used to roam around everywhere (as if I were the queen). A bundle of thanks to all of my teachers. My teachers were throughout encouraging, supportive and helpful. I would like to name them. Ma'am Sajdah, Ma'am Arifah, Ma'am Uzma, Sir Athar, Ma'am Tahira, Sir Almas, our library teacher, Ma'am Attia, Urdu teacher and our principle Ma'am Farida Shahid. Peco Road gave me a chance to boost my confidence and enjoy more than any other student's school life, specially when we went to India for a competition I would suggest all of the Peco Road students to always take part in such activities. They'll help you a lot when you'll move ahead. How can I forget the Canteen. The best canteen. We loved to sit there and spend our time making jokes and teasing each other. I think student life is all about fun, achievements, friends and especially bunking classes(just kidding…teachers, sorry for making you all angry on our silly stuff). The Art room, the place where I could stay for hours and hours but won't get tired. Though if I was made to sit in the classroom for such long I used to sleep literally but the Art room was something which reflected the real me. Parties, funfairs and farewells. All were extreme fun. All of you should go for them and enjoy your life to the peak till you are here at Peco Road.. Our library…it's written throughout on the walls with bold letters “keep silence”. I think we never followed that. Something crazy used to run in our blood that made us laugh. Celebrating parties with friends and hiding in the free classrooms...

And finally the last point....The last day of school. We celebrated it with colors, threw water balloons on each other, and sprayed the walls. Took autographs and lastly we cried as this was the end of our school life. “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” - Mark Twain We lived, we cried, we laughed and yes we achieved alot. Never let the time go but live it as it won't come back and you'll miss your days when you were carefree. Thank you.

Soul Searching Aiza Islam

(Miss Aiza Islam did her O level in the year 2006, she secured 5 A's. Then she joined the Madrassa for girls of Jammia Ashrifia and completed a four year course qualifying as an Alima.) Right from the advent of human race, Allah continued to provide guidance to human beings by appointing some from amongst them as His Messenger and revealing scriptures containing His Message. This process continued upto some fifteen hundred years ago. Finally Allah appointed His Last Messenger Hazrat Muhammad Sallallahu Alaihe Wasalam and revealed His Final Message – The Quran. This message has reached us through many generations and is yet to reach many. Every being has an obligation of further spreading it. For this purpose, we, in our own world have made Islam, the Quran and its teachings a compulsory subject in schools. Islamiat is taught to all levels till High School and some of the very best books are issued as part of the syllabus. From day one, every student reads it, gains this knowledge, learns it by heart and is even assessed on it. Many score top grades and master the subject every year. However, sadly, that is where the deal ends. We have unintentionally brought Islam and Islamiat to a platform where it's no more than a book like all others. Islam has long been changed to Islamiat, a mere subject. Even after providing top quality religious education, we have failed to bring out the Imaan in Muslims; restricting our religion to a course book. 8-10 years of learning such a beautiful and humble religion leaves no impression on a student's brain. Further more, our students develop the habit of reading any religious content, then sleeping on it. Their minds do not ponder over what they read and bringing it into action; this goes on until it's too late and a student, then grown up just cannot follow the commands. Students studying sciences, Arts, Maths choose these subjects as a part of their educational and professional future. Why not Islamiat? Our educational system doesn't promote Islamic studies so that high a level as other subjects. As a result, students rarely opt for this field. Our environment and our society are not religious friendly. We spread the teachings everyday, part with the religious knowledge, but somehow fail bringing it to life, hence it's taken but not expressed. We lack convincing and encouraging students to follow the taught concepts. We fail to emphasize their importance. We do tell them all the do's and don'ts, the common beings say prayers, read the Quran, do good deeds, don't tell lies, be gentle but since they are like all other do's and don'ts and we are not bothering to follow them. Simply saying, an elder saying his prayer, asks me to do it, then comes back and questions again and again is more likely to get a positive response than a person just coming, saying and going. Only teaching and telling is not material, proper coaching and urging, convincing and encouraging is essential. We have to give life to our words, give them enough force to get the desired results. We teach, they learn but it never becomes a part of their nature, not a habit, not a code, not an obligation just a book, just a subject – and we are back to the start. Only handfuls from us are lucky enough to understand and perform the duties of a Muslim at a young age. They too then have to face the sneers and jeers of friends and family for being a “Maulvi”. This may not seem as important issue, but it is a serious fault and flaw in our system and society.

My blood's sun would then shine! Zoya Ashraf

(Zoya Ashraf Completed her O level in 2009 and secured 3 A's. She is currently doing her MBBS.) From the customs of this era From the leadership and premiership Which are born due to cruelty Which feed on blood Which are the pillars of hostility Which are the fertilizers of blood farms I am fed up….. I am fed up Whatever cruel act you may do to harm me! From those twitching of lips From those blinking of eyes Laws get changed And the criminals are saved From these the leaders of gangsters From such law protectors I am fed up….. I am fed up Whatever cruel act you may do to harm me! From those who force woman to dance And then in sorrow of the degradation Go on strikes and lead rallies From such inhuman adulterers From the promoters of this evil I am fed up…. I am fed up Whatever cruel act you may do to harm me! From those who act to cry for the country But spend from the state's money From those who live in palaces And talk of poor and needy From such corruptive protectors and thieves Such unkind leaders and rulers I am fed up……. I am fed up

Whatever cruel act you may do to harm me! From the religious leaders and scholars Who are the deadliest diseases? Apart from those who think all are idolaters Those who claim to have religious scholars From such liars and cheaters Fraud religious preachers I am fed up… I am fed up Whatever cruel act you may do to harm me! Where restrictions are imposed on breathing Where there are distorted fates Where there are sectarian differences Where there are seeds of hatred Where there are biased and mean thoughts From such an unhealthy society I am fed up…… I am fed up Whatever cruel act you may do to harm me! I hold the flag of truth I have weapon to kill evil I am not afraid of dying But live to one day, be dead My bloods' sun would then shine And everyone will voice and whine We are fed up……… We are fed up Whatever cruel acts you may do to harm us We are fed up……… We are fed up

School Life! Gohar Kibria

(Gohar Kibria is currently studying in FAST University to become a successful engineer. He has sent an essay to tell you about his times in school. We wish him all the very best.) As we grow up we have many different lives. Though each and every day of my life is exceptional and memorable for me, but still there are some unforgettable memories which would always remain at the back of my mind and those are associated with my school life. I believe it is the most wonderful and cherished time as it marks your whole life. It used to be the time when we had big dreams and free imagination without any apprehension about the materialism and pragmatism needed to succeed in our life. The true terror used to be waking up early in the morning, reaching school with eyes half open and shoe laces undone but as soon as I used to see my friends immediately the torture ended. It was the innocence, honesty and the carefree nature that led to relish each and every moment of school life. And how can I forget my teachers who always gave a helping hand, always ready to listen and to be a friend and had played a pivotal role in building my personality and self confidence and taught many things about life. Apart from widening knowledge and learning in both social and academic spheres school also meant to me about developing friendships, emotions either happiness or sadness and relationships as well. As I look back I realize that â&#x20AC;&#x153;the time and tide waits for noneâ&#x20AC;?. My school life gave me a multitude of chances to experience positive change and I learned to adapt to all kinds of situations.

Life was so beautiful, From morning to evening, We enjoyed the road to school, Birds chirped and Peace lingered. We were free to roam the city, From every nook to corner, All were friends- birds, animals And we humans Peace was gracious. The minds of the people were clean, The children played without fear, The world was calm with no dangerous threats Peace danced. What gorgeous days, I hope they had stayed. - Anonymous

The good old days Talha Javed

(Talha Javed did his O level from BMTL in 2009 and is currently doing his A level.) Going back in the day if I recall the days of my O level in Beaconhouse Model Town, What a time it was I must say. From getting late for school, begging Shaukat (the guard) to let me in, and being late in Miss Nasreen's Urdu class, trust me you really don't want to be late for that, the amazing impression she made out of disgust to see you late in her class; to Sir Fahd's (Accounting teacher) heavy voice calling out for you â&#x20AC;&#x153;BACHAAâ&#x20AC;?; to staying late at school and requesting Sir Almas; to sing a song until you start grooving with his melody to running in the corridors making noises and everything related to this school is missed by me. I had a great time I hope you do to.

If you don't know where you are going, then how will you get there? VISUALISE! Make pictures in your mind. See the destination. Imagine your arrival. Dream in perfect detail. See yourself the way you want to be when you arrive. See yourself arriving. Make yourself a road map and study it every day until you know the way and the destination by heart.

~ Bryce Courtenay ~

Breaking The Illusion Shahab Arshad

(Shahab Arshad, a meticulous student of Beaconhouse (session 2010). Life is but an illusion. It is merely a depiction of your mental status, ability, your wants and your needs. At the end of the day, you see what you want to see, you hear what you want to hear, and you believe what you want to believe. BUT not always is an illusion self-created, sometimes it is an environment brought into existence by those around you, INTENTION, consequences, inevitable and painful. As I look back through time I realize what an illusion I used to live in. Fun, joy SHUGHAL and play, but all that changed as soon as I stepped out into reality, stepped out from a place I used to call HOME( Well, I didn't, I called it school of course ). The subtle environment along with a feeling of comfort is no more. The loving and warm hearted teachers to the light hearted and carefree friends, everything was in my hands. But it's quiet a common observation and saying “YOU CAN'T HAVE EVERYTHING IN LIFE” same is the case here. In order to attain something new I had to let go of teachers and peers that are hard to find anywhere (and I say this with utmost honesty and from the bottom of my heart). I feel a certain sense of sorrow and grief as I write, all those months it took me to forget my loss were just shoved aside as I mentioned my friends and UNIMAGINABLY LOVING TEACHERS. But it was about time I moved out into reality and stepped into the cold world, regrets and sorrow don't achieve anything in life, neither do memories, but you still have them, cherish them and remember all those people who made you feel happy, feel special, feel wanted and feel like family. As I end, I would once again like to thank my teachers, ones that I would certainly NEVER BE ABLE TO FORGET because of all the affection you gave me, friends who were what you expect them to be ( A compliment) and ummm.. NOTE: Not everything I said is true, actually I am a guy quiet imperious to what's around me. What is thought to be true or not is what I leave up to the readers (if any) discretion. BUT I truly thank and miss ALL my teachers for all their time, whole hearted love and affection and my friends for…………… Never mind!

Stories

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Imagination is the beginning of creation. You imagine what you desire, you will what you imagine and at last you create what you will. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; George Bernard Shaw

The Conman Umair Faisal 11CB

'Excuse me, I need help. Can you tell me where I am? I haven't the slightest idea what I am doing here too!' I was approached by a young gentleman in his late twenties while I was seated on a bench at a busy street. I had an appointment with Ahmed to visit the museum and was waiting for him. What a shocking statement! I was taken aback when the well dressed gentleman with a dark complexion and a thick moustache posed me those questions. Could he be a lunatic? Or possibly someone was acting for a candid camera? I took a quick glance around me and having convinced myself that there were no hidden cameras around, I took a good look at him again. He was holding a wad of five hundred rupee notes in his hand and there was a red handkerchief showing from the pocket of his leather jacket. He was obviously a foreigner, probably a tourist who had perhaps suffered from a sudden attack of amnesia. I proceeded to ask him what his name was and where he was from. He told me that his name was Usman, a tourist from Islamabad. That was the only information that he could remember for he had a paper in his pocket which read 'Usman from Islamabad'. As he had no passport with him, I had not the slightest idea about what to do. Usman went on to say that perhaps, after a rest, his memory might return again like it did a few days ago. He stared blankly at the ground and turning suddenly towards me, asked that if I had some small notes to change him with. He explained that all his money was in the five hundred rupee denomination and it would be difficult for him to take a cab later. I took out my wallet and gave him notes of hundred in exchange for one five hundred note. He then asked if I could direct him to the nearest money changer. Just then, Ahmed arrived and saw both of us talking together. It was such a relief to me to see Ahmed. He was intelligent and usually knew how to cope with moments of uncertainty. I told him briefly about Usman's plight and waited for his response. Instead of responding sympathetically to his misfortune, Ahmed looked at him and asked, 'Have you been to the police to ask for help? If you knew that you would have an attack of amnesia, which you remembered you recently had, why didn't you take precautions to bring information about yourself with you? No tourist would walk about without a camera or some pamphlets concerning directions in Lahore.' Ahmed's questions came forth fast, one after another. As he spoke, his sharp eyes were fixed at Usman. Looking very much frightened all of a sudden, Usman mumbled some excuses and walked away. He broke into a run after a few steps. It was only then that I realized that Usman was lying. Taking a closer look at the note in my hand, I was dismayed to find that it was a fake note. Usman, the professional conman, had cheated me off my money! What a villain! I wished Ahmed had arrived earlier to save me from such a 'blunder'. Shaking his head slowly in sympathy, he tried to console me and asked me to make a police report.

Nostalgia Ali Arsalan 9CA

Yes! It was me, sitting beside the cold bars of the jails, surrounded by some other criminals, hitting my head with bars of the jail. How I became a criminal? How my life changed? What did I do? Memories were hurting my mind, those memories that I never wanted to recall. I never wanted to be a criminal, but I was. I was an ordinary student, happily passing my life with my family and friends. What are the pleasures of freedom; I realized it now in jail. I enjoyed my life with nothing missing until I was 18, I thought. But when I got to the college I always found myself lonely even with my friends. I couldn't figure out what was that loneliness, until I met her…….. I found nothing more special, than her presence in this world for me. Her lovely face made my life bright and I was always dying to see her in college. Gradually we became friends. I could feel that the way I felt for her was not how she responded. Even then she was becoming the most significant part of my life and I never wanted to leave her. Day by day my feelings for her were getting strong and my love for her was getting enhanced, but…. She was always the same, not noticing me at all. One day, I finally showed my guts and asked her to dine out with me. But she was a little bit reluctant watching my impatience and desperation, she finally agreed.I planned the whole night, as this was going to be the first happy night of my life. I resreved the seats at the corner, I wanted to surprise her by giving a ring. So at last, the night fell for which I was waiting madly. After relishing the dinner I presented her the ring. “Come on! Come on! Let's get to work!” said the jailer to me in the jail. He interrupted my train of thoughts and brought me to the reality once again that it was not utopia but, the cruel place I had to live for the rest of my life. After the toil of the jail. I went back to my cell, remembring what she said to me. Then the memory hit my mind…………. She got shocked and surprised but said nothing. I asked her and pleaded her to answer. But she said “No!” She said that she never thought about me the way I did for her. And the merciless beauty left….. I was shaken with tears in my eyes. How could that be possible? I was incomplete once again, I felt deserted and my heart bruised. In this despair I wanted to destroy everything. Her refusal kept hammering me and when I came to my sense I found myself at her door step. She was standing infront me with indifferent eyes. I made a last attempt and popped up the question once again but, she slammed the door in my face. I pushed her down and took out all my frustration on her. I couldn't control myself at that time….. She fell beside the wall. I put her head on my lap and tears tickled down my face. I had handed over myself to the police because I had to forget her or live my life with her memories. Without her, being free or being in jail was same to me. 34

The Ultimate Success Hamza Sohail X-CA

A story about a person who entered a competition and surprised everyone by winning it. Ahmed used to play as a mid-fielder in soccer. He was greatly inspired by football and it was his dream to become a professional soccer player. Ahmed was born and raised in England. But his parents were Pakistanis. Unfortunately, when Ahmed was 17 and it was time for him to join a football club, a dispute between him and his father rose. His father wanted him to play in South Hall Football club but Ahmed refused to do so. Instead, he was willing to play for 'Aston Villa Football Club'. South Hall United was a weak football academy. The conditions there were dreadful.They had nothing except for an untrained team and a soccer pitch. Not even a football coach! Whereas Aston was amongst the best sports clubs in London.Due to this dispute, Ahmed left his family and started living with a friend in his flat. To Ahmed's surprise, Aston Villa signed him without a doubt. But when the final team had to be short listed, his name wasn't there. Although he was the best player in the club, they betrayed him still. Ahmed couldn't get why it had happened. Instead, he thought of joining some other club. On the other hand, South Hall United was experiencing difficulties as the tournament approached. It was their last chance to save their face in home ground. And this was only possible if they could win the tournament! Ali, the captain of south all united, was worried and was in search of a coach who could help the team. Then someone told him of 'Terry', who used to play as a striker for South Hall United about ten years ago. But then he retired due to some reason and never turned back to foot ball. Ali had heard about him and was a big fan of him. But he never thought of Terry as their coach. The very next day, Ali visited Terry's house. His wife greeted Ali and made him sit in their lounge. As Terry entered the room, Ali saw a terror on his face. Terry greeted him and asked him who he was and why he had come there. Ali explained the whole situation and requested him to join South Hall United as their coach. But Terry simply refused and Ali had to leave in depression. The next day when Ali arrived at the club with his team, he was surprised to see Terry there, who had been waiting for them. Their faces were bright and shining with joy as it was the beginning of their toughest journey. On the other side, a very famous soccer club came to know about Ahmed and they decided to sign s

him. Ahmed accepted their contract and soon had to play his first match. On an international level! The South Hall United worked hard with the coach and finally the long awaited day arrived. The biggest soccer tournament in London had begun. Terry's hard work was proved when South Hall performed extremely well and qualified for the finals. But the bad news was that their opponent team was Aston Villa. To South Hall's disappointment, their main mid-fielder had been injured. But they were helpless as they did not have any extra player .While Ahmed was practising at the new club, a sweeper came to him and asked him about his father's name. After having told him, to his surprise, the old sweepers had tears in his eyes. He told Ahmed about his father that such a great fan of South Hall will never be born again. He also told him that his father used to say that his son will make his dreams a reality by playing for South Hall. That night Ahmed could not sleep as he felt ashamed of himself. He had disappointed his father. The next day, he made a surprising decision. It was the final day between South Hall and Astan. Ahmed decided to play this match as he heard the news of the South Hall's mid-fielder.He rushed for the ground. By the time he was there, the match had started already and the score was one goal each. Ahmed went to Terry and seeked the permission to play. The coach, who knew him well because of his father, allowed him in. The match was about to end and Ahmed finished the watch by scoring a magnificent goal! South Hall won and screamed over with joy. Ahmed was very happy and so was his dad. Since then Ahmed broke the contract with his club and started playing for South Hall United.

"Come to the edge", he said. They said, "We are afraid". "Come to the edge", he said. They came. He pushed them ... and they flew. ~ Guillauame Apollinaire ~

Hair breadth escape Mahan Sheikh 7 Purple

Since my childhood, I was scared of the roller coaster ride. Once my family and I went to joyland. Over there my cousin and father had a roller coaster ride. When it started, it went up slowly but after a few minutes it came down very swiftly. It took many loops at a 360째 (degree) and sometimes it went upside down. I started to feel uncomfortable. I was having a terrible headache and was starting to feel really dizzy. After the ride I had nausea and started vomiting. My father took me directly to the hospital. Doctor told us that there is a problem in the bone that keeps the body balanced. He gave me some injections and medicines and advised to take some rest. Next day I read in the paper that the same roller coaster collapsed and many people died. I felt sorry for the people who suffered the loss, but couldn't help thinking that I was there a day back and that could have happened to me as well. The thought gave me a scare and goosebumps. From that day I decided never to take a roller coaster ride as it can be fatal.

Determination A clear head has a vision possible. A strong mind achieves the mission impossible. Never give up or lose heart on the way; Face anything with courage - come what may. Harness your inner strength and power, Have confidence, courage and not despair. Be positive and bold, with hope and trust. And be ready to admit mistakes first. Arise, awake, and stop not before your goal, You CAN make your fate - with heart and soul. For it's all in the power of your mind; And good means always justify the end. - Brinda

Down to the beach Shahvaiz Zameer 9 CB

Most early mornings, I used to go down to the beach and jump into the shallow water with my friend, Ali. We splashed water at each other and laughed and even pretended to drown. And we stayed in water until our fingers and toes wrinkled up. But today… I hate it all … because my best buddy Ali has died. It all started with Khalid's stupid party. If Khalid wouldn't have hosted his party then we wouldn't have gone to it and all this could have been avoided with ease and then maybe Ali would be alive. It was Tuesday morning Ali came to my house to pick me up so that we could go to the beach and swim a little before going to school. I was already waiting for him so we left almost instantly. We were half way to the beach when we saw Ahmed run past us. Ali had quick reflexes and quickly gripped his arm firmly. Ali refused to let him go until he told him where he was off to in such a hurry. He told us that he was going to Khalid's party. Ali was not a friend of Khalid and let go of his arm immediately. I, on the other hand, was very good friends with Khalid and couldn't say 'no' to this party because I had already given him my word that I would come. Well, after some arguments I persuaded Ali to come with me to Khalid's party but only for about thirty to forty minutes. When we arrived at Khalid's house we realized that the party was smashing. There was food, drinks and a lot of games. Then came the moment of Khalid's party I was afraid of, the drinking contest. Every one had to drink at least one whole bottle of 1.5 liter coke. I faked a stomachache to get out of it but Ali drank two bottles. Then all of a sudden the door of the house was smashed open and in came three guys in full black attire. They held all of us at gunpoint and demanded all of our valuables. Ali stepped forward, nauseatic and said “And if we don't”. “Then we will put some bullets through your heads”, replied their leader, in a firm voice. Ali was smiling like an idiot. He slapped the leader hard. The leader was so surprised at this move that his gun fell out of his hands and landed on the trigger. Instantly a bullet went straight through Ali's cranium and he died at the spot with blood flowing out of his mouth. The robbers got scared and tried to run but some one had already called the police and they caught them. The police escorted everyone to their homes and told their parents everything. They also went to Ali's home and explained them what happened. It's been about a year but I still remember every detail. And I don't know why but a part of my brain still believes that Ali's death was my fault.

And silence, like a poultice, comes To heal the blows of sound. - Oliver Wendell Holmes

A Terrible Experience Jahanzeb Ali Dogar 8-B

Once there was a boy, named Alex who lived in a village. He was young and very brave. He thought that nothing could ever scare or terrifiy him. He lived alone in a small house. One day he was going to cut some wood for fire when he saw an old construction. He thought he should go to check it out, but realized that he should leave because he had a lot of work to do. Next day he was again passing through the same area. Suddenly, he heard someone crying for help! This caught Alex's attention. He was brave so he quickly decided that he should go in and find out what was going on. There was a huge door in front of the building. He pushed the door and went inside. It was murky and he could see nothing, but he heard the same terrifying voice again. As soon as he entered, the door closed behind him. He moved a little forward and saw a small blazing candle. He lifted the candle up to lighten the way. Suddenly, he felt something rushed behind him. However, he still mustered up his courage and moved towards the staircase. While moving forward he realized that the voice was getting closer and closer. He reached a room from where the voice was coming. The room was empty; he turned round and again felt something just vanished past him. His heart began to thump. He was freaked out. He decided to move out of the house. On his way out, he heard a terrifying scream which sent chills down his spine. He was about to open the door and run outside but, at the same time someone pushed him, and he fell down. He stood up and quickly tried to open the door but the handle was jammed. He tried opening the window but it was also closed tightly. In this hustle, he dropped the candle and darkness spread all around. He became terrified but still tried to overcome his fright. He couldn't think of what to do. Suddenly, the door opened automatically and he jumped out at the first instance. He was totally terrified by now. As soon as he came outside, he fell down on the ground and started crying. When he got up, he saw his same friends in front of him. They were laughing at him. Alex got furious at them and started shouting. His friends started comforting him and said, â&#x20AC;&#x153;We tried to scare you but we found that you were really braveâ&#x20AC;?. To which Alex accepted that he wasn't brave enough and must work hard to become a courageous boy.

My father wants me to have everything he did not have when he was a boy. Why didn't he have all A's on his report card.

And I was scared ….. Muhammad Jahanzeb Doger 8 Blue

The old police man was recalling his past. We all were spell bound; his voice was full of emotions as he spoke. “ I still remember the day when my friend Shafiq told me that there is a haunted house and last year at least four people went missing inside. I didn't believe in him. “There is nothing like a ghost in this world”, I said. My friend challenged me that I should explore the haunted house and prove it. I was confident that there was nothing like a ghost. When I approached the house a man came and told me that I shouldn't go inside the house but I didn't listen to him and went inside. Suddenly when I entered the house the door slam closed. I got really petrified. I tried to open but I couldn't. I was really scared and moved backwards. Suddenly I heard a sound. My body was shaking. I was thinking that this could be the last day of my life and asked God to forgive me for all my sins. Suddenly fans started moving and a whispering sound came from upstairs. When I went upstairs I saw a door. I opened it. It was the roof. I started shouting for help but it was useless. Suddenly, I heard a sound of a tape recorder. It came from the room next to the stairs. At first I thought it would be something perilous but then I decided to go inside. When I went inside the room, it was full of darkness. Suddenly the lights turned on and I saw a teenage boy who was blind folded and gagged. His hands and body were tied with ropes. I took a deep breath and looked towards the other corner of the room, a scar faced man having guns at his side was sleeping. I moved forward but in the meanwhile his mobile beeped, I hid myself behind the door. I wanted to help that kid at any cost. The shrewd man talked on the phone about the ransom and was in a very furious mood. After some talking he bargained with the party and giggled and started to sing a stupid song. The boy's body was shaking, I looked around and picked an iron rod and hit the kidnapper. He fainted and fell down. I rescued the boy and untied his ropes and called my parents. They came with the police in no time and were very delighted with my brave act. That was the day when I finally decided that I will work for the people by joining police department. That was my first step towards the never ending journey of "gallantry.”

Mother: I sent my little boy for one kilo of plums and you only sent 80 grams. Grocer: My scales are all right, madam. Have you weighed your little boy?

Thriving Spirit Ahmed Khalid 9CB

I knew this wouldnt end well. Most things I do like this don't but never in my wildest imaginations did I think it would end up like this.... Being a stockbroker in Newyork is not an easy thing. It's tiring as well as mechanical. Finally I decided to take an action and go to France. I left Tuesday morning to refresh myself and feel alive. When I finally reached there, I found the city mindblowing, large structures, amazing food and overall great culture gave me an entirely new feeling of life. I took the first day to relax so that I could see as much of France as I could. So I hired a guide and rented a car and got out at 7 in the morning to enjoy the day. I went to the Eiffel tower, the Morgue, went to loads at different foods and was completely blown away by the experience.The guide showed me the parks, important buildings, famous structures and even ancient monuments. But there was one place left which I had to see "The Catacombes"--- the banned underground graveyards. I dreamt about going there and I finally had a chance to. But the only time to go was at night, when the entrance was unguarded we reached, my guide wanted me not to go in as I wouldn't be able to find my way out. I said, "I'll just take a few pictures and I'll be right out," “Mr Ahmed, If you are late I'm afraid I'll have to go without you.” “Fine.” I said , “I'll find my way back.” And so I entered the feared Catacombs. I entered the Catacombs and started taking pictures of random walls but after an hour I decided to back track to way out, as I walked back I followed my path ended up at a dead end. "MY STUPIDITY"!! I should've at least left signs to follow. Maybe I should've left signs or atleast listened to my guide. I kept walking for hours and possibly hit fifty dead ends. I kept on walking through tight spaces and even suffered claustrophobia, even my flashlight died. But I had to set back. Until I began to fall unconscious. After 3 days, I finally found a light crack in the wall and with all the strength, I broke through it and climbed out. I fell unconscious and wake up in a field and sighed with relief as it was a long time since I had been on an adventure again. It felt good to finally see the sunlight.

Maid:

What do you want, Sir.

Visitor: I want to see your master. Maid:

What's your business, please.

Visitor: There is a bill... Maid:

Ah! He left yesterday for his village...

Visitor: Which I have to pay him... Maid:

And he returned this morning.

A Vampire's Legacy Taha Nadeem 8 D

“What!” I said. “Yes, you have to drink human blood to complete the transition”, said Emily, the witch. I sat on a rock beside her, totally bewildered and shocked at the thought of drinking human blood. “Do you really want her, do you want to save her, and if you do you must save your vampire mate by turning into a vampire.” Anna. She was the one. She was the only one for me and I had to save her. I stood up and ran. I was faster than light. My body exploded with power. I went to the nearest town. There I saw an old man. He smelled most delicious. He was walking alone on the street. I quickly tackled him down and my fangs were going to stab him in the neck. The blood he had was so delicious. I couldn't stop myself. It was just so good. I felt the need to stop myself but I couldn't and the man started screaming. There I stopped myself. How could I kill a human being with all the flesh and blood and human emotions? No, I couldn't. Suddenly another idea hit me. That was the best part. I didn't have to feel responsible or guilty for his death. I could turn off my emotions like a switch. I could get blood from a blood bank. Why to kill a human when there was a stock of it already at a number of places. Yes. I got it and felt relaxed. Then I was ready I ran back to Emily. She was drinking her tea and quietly meditating. “So I see you have transitioned.” “I had to”. “I know”, she said. “Go now and save her from the original.” “Original? What or who is an original”, I asked. “They are one of the first vampires.” I was shocked and scared. “Remember.” That word got my attention as I stared at her waiting for what she would say next. “In the end love conquers all.” I smiled and ran as quickly as I could. I finally reached the castle, it was huge and it nearly took me an hour to get there. It was dark and an aura of emptiness surrounded the castle. It was maddening to the point and I felt suffocated. Only shadows and outline of trees could be seen in the far off distance. Suddenly the castle guards came out. I quickly ripped their heads off and killed them. It was amazing, all this power surging through me. I almost felt invincible. I made my way into the castle corridor. I was shocked to see that there was no security in the castle. I charged through the door of the room where 'Aro' was; the one, who kidnapped my soon to be wife. There he stood with a smile on his face and there I saw Anna tied in chains and beneath her was a pool of Rarrain. “It's a poison which kills vampires,” he said. I charged towards him and tried to punch him but he dodged. During the battle I shot a kunai at Anna's chains and broke her free. Aro didn't seem to notice. Then I lay on the ground acting tired and out of breath. He started to walk towards me suddenly Anna grabbed him by the neck and, I with my fangs ripped his heart out. Finally it was done. We had saved all vampires from the dangerous Aro but his servants were still alive. But on the bright side, I had saved Anna and now I could spend my life with my beloved. We both went back to see Emily. We also hunted some animals on our way but when we got there she wasn't there. There was a ring on the table with a capital 'T' marked on it. “This ring will protect you from sunlight; don't try to find me and congratulations on your wedding in advance.”

The Microwave Usman Butt 7 Green

There was a young scientist who was very intelligent. Despite being very intelligent and young, he was very poor. He had no job. He was well educated but did not have his parents' support as his parents died and there was no one to support him financially. He struggled for a job and due to his extraordinary education, he soon got a job at 50,000 Rs., per month at a chemical factory. There he experimented with different chemicals and tried to make new discoveries and introduce new theories so that he would become famous and rich. His boss was very happy with his work and efforts. One day he took him along to a science fair. On the fair he come across many interesting things. But he couldn't ignore his growling stomach. He was extremely hungry as he had eaten nothing since morning and was about to faint. He bought a chocolate and ate half of it, and saved the rest to be used later. He continued his visit of the fair. On his way, he came across two very large speakers and started examining them. Standing in front of the speakers he began to realize that his chocolate began to melt. This struck his mind and he started making experiments on the same when he was back in his lab. After a long research and experimentation, this genius scientist invented the microwave. He sold his research to companies successfully and became famous all over the world earning more than a million dollars per month.

The red light blinking Saad Arif Butt 11-CB

I kicked him outside the house in the garage and cleaned the mess that he had made and decided to watch a movie again. The time went by quickly and by the time the movie was over, the sun had set and it was cloudy outside. I decided to let the dog back inside now. I opened the door and was astonished to see the dog was missing. He must have escaped through the small openings at the sides of the entrance gate. I rushed outside and patrolled the streets but to no avail. I could not find him. I asked some of my friends to search him out but they too failed. I spent the rest of the night panicking about Jane's reaction about this incident. The next morning, I was awakened by the voice of my brother. My family had returned home earlier than expected. I went to greet my mother who was sitting next to the telephone. She noticed the red light blinking on the answering machine. I checked it and saw that Jane had left a message that she wished to see me right away. I went to her house and was delighted to see her holding the dog. She explained to me that she found him outside her house when she returned. I then told her the whole story and was glad to know that she forgave me despite of my negligence.

The Day I Overcame My Fear Hamza Yousaf 9 CA

“Give me your lunch or I'll punch your face!”, Ali threatened me. He was the biggest bully of our school. He always bullied those who were younger. Now it was my time to be bullied. As I could not do anything I quickly handed over my lunch to him. He gobbled my lunch and punched me hard in my stomach. I could not bear the pain. He threw my lunch box and strolled away. How could he be such a fretful beast? My senses appealed to me to get up and hit him back in his stomach but I did not have the strength. I was often bullied. One day when my mom woke me up for school I yelled at her “THIS IS IT!! I GIVE UP!! I WON'T GO TO SCHOOL!!” My mom gazed at me and said “What are you talking about?” I told her all about Ali. She said “What happened to you? You weren't afraid of anyone or anything then why are you afraid of him?” I told her that he had a furious face and that the whole school was afraid of him. My mother listened all my words and fears and said politely, “Don't you know how to handle that type of bullying. First of all, you must try to negotiate with the bully he must be good at heart. Otherwise, bring it in to your teacher's notice and if you are right then don't feel any fear in your heart” I decided to confront my fear and the bully. On that day, I again saw him during recess. He stood in front of me and roared like a lion. He pushed me to the floor and started laughing. My nose started bleeding. No one was brave enough to come to my help. I took it upon myself to go over there and teach him a lesson but then I decided to handle him in another way. I helped myself to stand up and headed towards the first aid room. Ali got scared as the principal asked about the incident but I lied that he was helping me to get up and saved Ali. He was flabbergasted. But, I ignored him. Next day he came to me and asked for forgiveness. That was the fruit of my patience. Since, then Ali is one of my best friends and has learned to use his energy in a positive manner.

"Do not follow where the path may lead. Go instead where there is no path and leave a trail".

- George Bernard Shaw

Once I Bunked School Muneeb Mirza 11 CC

It was Monday morning and we had just come back from a long exhausting weekend. I saw the time table and noticed that the first four periods were of mathematics which I hated the most. There was still some time for class to start and I wasn't in any mood to study. My friend Waleed came towards me and whispered in my ear ,“The teacher is present today so he will surely make us study. Why don't we bunk it.” He further added, “I am planning to bunk the lesson with a group of friends from our class”. I had a very clean record but I was unable to decide about having fun or study that day. I had got a chance to bunk these monotonous lessons. I knew that if I bunk these lessons with them our names would be given to the principal and that it would create a big hitch for us. How we would bunk the class? Where would we hide and how? Waleed said his car was parked outside the back gate and could jump out easily. From there onwards we will have breakfast in a restaurant and hang around and will merrily pass our day. I didn't have the confidence to take such a step. A quick decision had to be made. I decided to stay and attend class. My record was clean and I had a good reputation. Five minutes were left for the class to start. Only two to three students were present some of them were also preparing to leave. The bell rang and the teacher got in the class. He told us to take out our journals. He said that we were going to start a new chapter but before that there was going to be a surprise test lasting two periods. Thought of suicide ran through my mind. I regretted about not bunking class. I wanted to go out of the class and just leave. The test was about to begin. Another teacher knocked at the door saying that the principal wanted to see him. God gave me a second chance. I had the opportunity to jump out of my class window. I peeped outside and saw Waleed and the others still inside the school. I threw my journal, jumped out of the window and sprinted towards the gate. All my friends were surprised to see me. They asked me what had happened. “How was I able to come out of class?” I had no time to explain and told everyone to quickly get out of the school. We were finally out of school premises. I took a deep breath and felt relaxed. We all sat in the car and decided to go get our breakfast. Suddenly a horrible blast deafened our ears and we felt as if the whole earth was trembling. We were unable to decide what caused the chaos. Walls of the hall started cracking and every one around was shouting and rushing out of the restaurant. When we came back to our senses, we learned that it was a bomb blast and we had to escape to save our lives. We pulled our legs and started dragging ourselves towards the exit. It was like coming out of the dark tunnel. Creeping like ants we came out with bruised skin. We were almost out of the door when suddenly a brick hit Waleed and he got unconscious with his head bleeding. Ambulance and Rescue team, by the Grace of God, arrived when I almost fainted. We opened our eyes in a hospital surrounded with all the family members and teachers. Our principal gave out a sigh of relief and said “See me in my office when you recover and get discharged from the hospital.” And from that day on I never dared to bunk my lesson as I can't explain what happened in the office with my parents sitting there in embarrassment. I was scared of bunking and the day I bunked my class always haunts me.

The Dark Room Muhammad Junaid Ali 8 B

Emily, a 9 year old girl lived very happily in a village with her parents. They were very rich and honest people. Their house was getting old and shabby so they decided to shift to the town. So, they moved to their new house which was previously called Grubber house.There lived a very old man called Mclane. He was there from the time when the house was first built. It was almost a century old. They all started to renovate its interior until it started look like a new house. One night Emily and her mother were playing with the ball inside the house. Emily's mother threw the ball far away and Emily had to go to pick it up. When she was picking the ball up, she saw a door in front of her which was sealed. She opened it and saw many old things and antiques lying around; there were spider webs and blood stains all over the room. Her heart started sinking. She mustered up the courage and went further in followed by her parents. Suddenly a ghost came in front of them and attacked Emily's mother. The ghost said, "I'll take revenge, I'll kill you all!" The old man, Maclane heard the shouting and screaming and came to their rescue. He helped them out of the room and closed it. Emily's family enquired about the ghostly figure. Mclane told them that 35 years ago Mr. Grubber lived there and Mclane was his servent. He had a wife; they loved each other a lot. But one day when he was in that room, his wife killed him and ran away with all his money. 'So he's Grubber and why did he attack me?' said Emily's mother. Mclane replied "Yes, that was Grubber's ghost and he attached you because he thinks you are his wife, you are quite similar to her". Emily's father said, 'How could we save ourselves from Grubber'. 'The only way is that we should place a dummy in front of him which will be similar to your wife.' They made a dummy and quite scarily went into the room. Grubber's ghost reappeared and once again attacked Emily's mother Sarah. Emily's father tried to defend her but the ghost pushed him out of the way.Then Mclane tried to distract the ghost, but it returned and in a flash attacked Sarah. Emily came in front and tried to defend her mother. Meanwhile Emily's father and Mclane quickly placed the Dummy in front of the ghost. The plan worked, the ghost was fooled by the dummy and killed it instead. He seemed satisfied after taking revenge. In the beginning Emily and her family were traumatized from the incident but, gradually they forgot and started to live a normal life again. Mclane for his bravery and loyalty to the family was hired as their new servant.

The first man gets the oyster, the second man gets the shell.

- Andrew Carnegie

The Cursed Valley Of Catonville Adan Muhammad 7 Orange

Many rumours were going about strange occurrences in Catonvile valley. People went missing and dead bodies were being found all around. People started to think that the whole town was cursed with some sort of 'evil' and that this was the cause of these mysterious disappearances. Three days had passed since David arrived in the town. He was new there and had already made a friend named Cormac. Cormac was a boy not much younger than David. He was always ready for adventure and fun, he was interested in myths and mysteries. One day at school, Lance, a class fellow, told him about the disappearances and how dead bodies were being found in dark alley ways, streets, forests and who knows where. “WHAT!” David said after hearing the shocking and dreadful story. “You must be joking”, he said disapprovingly. “Oh really, Then why don't you come meet me at street number 12 next morning. That's the street where the most bodies were found.” Cormac agreed and both decided to meet there next morning. Cormac also asked David to accompany him to which he agreed. At home David asked his father about the rumours and whether they were true or not. There was a moment of silence. Then his father said, “I don't know but if they were true wouldn't have anyone come to look into it?” Cormac with that thought in mind walked away. Next morning all of them went to meet up. It was dark and one could hardly see anything. Lance came a few minutes late and David soon followed himself being a bit late. Together they started to walk into the street with only a torch in hand. Cormac didn't believe in the myth but what he saw was so frightening. It was hard to believe, about thirty bodies piled over one another. All three of them turned pale but decided not to leave. As they were walking someone from behind gripped Lance on the shoulder. He, with his bony hand, took hold of him and pulled him into the air. All three of them screamed at the top of their voice but to no avail. Suddenly two other men came and took hold of both Cormac and David and covered their mouths. They were then tied to chairs. The three men were quite old and had faces that would even scare the bravest of men. Suddenly they became surrounded by five huge hairy men. Each of the five men took out guns with a silencer attached. They were caught. One of three men in a hollow voice spoke, “So you came down here searching for the reasons for the killing, huh….We killed all these people and do you know why we did it….It's because our ancestors were killed by your people…” “BANG!” The five men killed them. With the fading sound of gunshot it was then blackout………

“Pakistan not only means freedom and independence but the Muslim ideology, which has to be preserved, which has come to us as a precious gift and which, we hope, others will share with us.” - Muhammad Ali Jinnah (26th December, 1943 )

The Cave Tahir Qyum 8 B

Many people like to have adventures in their life. There was a boy named John who lived with his uncle in France. He was an adventurous boy who liked to go to some hilly areas to spend his holidays. He had no family except his uncle and he said to his uncle, â&#x20AC;&#x153;My holidays are starting and I want to go to the Himalayas to spend my holidays,â&#x20AC;? his uncle agreed. When John's holidays started they packed their luggage and went to the airport to catch their flight to Himalaya. There were many strange people from different countries who spoke different languages. After a while they were seated in the airplane and departured to Himalaya. It was a beautiful place. When they were roaming around by mistake they came across an area where tourists were not allowed. Out of curiosity they started investigating and found a cave there. There was snow around in the vicinity.They thought that they should go in the cave. When they went in to the cave the door of the cave closed automatically. The room was dark and filled with cobwebs. They could see some old armours and swords there. John and his uncle both became afraid. Strange sounds in the deadly silence of the cave scared them. John was starving due to hunger and shaking because of eerie sounds. Suddenly out of nowhere a man pounced at them. They realized he was wounded. His attire was shabby; he had long tangled hair and had broken teeth. He was having very ugly and scary looks. He was holding an axe in his hands and with a blow of the axe he killed John's uncle. John started crying. He didn't know what to do. He could do nothing to save his life. He started running and tried to get out of the cave. He didn't turn to look back even once. Finally, he saw a ray of light which brought a small hope to his frightened heart. He managed to escape from the cave but this incident left a mark on him forever shattering his confidence and adventurism.

An American visiting England walked into a hotel lobby. The lift will be down presently, the receptionist told him. The lift? Asked the American. Oh, you mean the elevator. No, I mean the lift. Replied the Englishman. I think I should know what it is called, said the American.. Elevator was invented in the States. Perhaps, retorted the Englishman but we invented the language.

The beginning of true friendship Shahveiz Zameer 9 CB

They say good friends are one in a million. If that's true than I should be grateful to God for blessing me with the best friend in the world. She truly is one in a million. I can't believe we met almost a year ago. It feels as if it was yesterday. I was coming home from school when I saw a number of trucks surrounding the vacant house beside mine. I walked up to mom and asked her about the trucks. She told me that some new neighbours had just moved into the once vacant house. I put on the gown and went to my room silently. By this you must have assessed my 'lack of enthusiasm' towards neighbours. I felt neighbours were just a waste of time.They give you fake praises,borrow stuff and never give it back and break your windows with baseballs. Indeed I was quite opinionated about the fact that neighbours are worthless until she changed my mind. At 9:00 p.m, mum called me downstairs and told me to deliver a pie to the neighbours as a humble "Welcome to the neighbourhood". At first, I argued a little but upon being bound by my mother's insistence, I did it. I took the pie and knocked at the door firmly. A few seconds later, the door was opened by a cute girl with long blond hair, crystal blue eyes and a smile that grew wider as she saw me. Her extremely radiant complexion blinded me and I almost fell in her feet but was saved by her hands which gripped me with softness and helped me gain my balance. I handed her the pie and decided to leave. I had just taken two steps when she called me from behind, "Why don't you stay for a little while?” I turned to face her."I can't. I have to go and finish some maths homework”, I replied softly. “Why don't you bring your homework here. We both can do it together. I have to do mine as well.” I couldn't argue now so I got a pen and copy and rushed back to her house. After two hours of consecutive math, I realised that she wasn't trying to flirt at all but was just trying to be a good friend. "Ok, it's getting late I better go before mom calls me.” I said as I left the house. “Ok. Bye Bye.” She said in a low voice, “Not at all. I'll come by everyday after homework to see you.We can play and have fun.” Hearing this her grin got wider and we departed. Since then we have had alot of fun. We have had a small-scale arguments as well. But, on the whole, I'm glad to have found such a great friend. Thankyou God. Thankyou for this wonderful friendship. I shall cherish it forever.

Judge looked severely at the defendant and asked, how many times have you been imprisoned? Nine, your Honor. Nine? In this case, I will give you the maximum sentence. Maximum sentence? Said the defendant. Don't you give your regular client a discount?

Man cannot play God Ali Ashraf 9 CB

“We tried our best! Still cannot understand how it happened. It wasn't anything serious only a few coughs and … the end”, I heard the doctor tell Smily who nodded while wiping her tears. How could Smily believe the doctor?, I wondered. It sounded like a criminal to me who was trying to justify himself as an innocent. His tone felt false and I couldn't pretend I believed him. I can't imagine the fact how bad one feels when hopes, dreams and expectations are shattered. I have experienced the pain and will forever remember. A voice startled and brought me out of my muffled thoughts. I saw Smily coming towards me, shaking her head as if this would help recover the dreadful memory from her mind. She stopped and gazed at me steadily with watery eyes that held a look of plea in them. Then suddenly it dawned on me, Smily, like me, was unable to accept the truth …and her eyes were requesting that she wanted me to help her deny it. The truth which left our lives dark… The truth that Smily's beloved brother was no more with us. I looked back at Smily. She had always been the strongest of us all, but right now she seemed like a 3 years old child who stood steadfast in the hands of time when something precious is taken away. I couldn't understand what to do, how to comfort her because anything I said wouldn't matter at the time of this loss. I tried convincing her of the fact that despite the innumerable assurances of the best doctors available, the angel of death had conquered over her 10 year old brother - a boy suffering from hemophilia since his birth. I told Smily that we had lost the battle in trying to save him and we were helpless in front of God's will. All we have left is a hope of finding happiness which in dispersed in the clouds because no matter how educated a man becomes he can never play GOD.

The editor of a small weekly newspaper, annoyed at legislation that had recently been passed, ran a scathing editorial under the headline: HALF OF OUR LEGISLATORS ARE CROOKS. Many prominent local politicians were outraged, and tremendous pressure was exerted on him to retract the statement. He finally succumbed to the pressure and ran an apology with the headline. HALF OF OUR LEGISLATORS ARE NOT CROOKS.

Lost on the Planet Zero Danish Tariq 8C

The next morning they started moving westwards to the city of Mosasi - an ancient city. They had to walk across the Desert. Sometimes the Desert would have turned too hot and they found it hard to walk on it. Luckily they had collected some type of skin from insides the snake that could be used to walk on the hot sand. They used these as Shoes. The outer skin of the internal organs were left spare. Flame had made, a dagger out of the teeth. Marshal was really worried. Noodles hadn't talked all day, he was just quiet, Loery told them that they sometimes did this to show authority but Marshal was concerned because it's not like noodles to stay this quiet. In an hour they reached the city of Masasi and as they entered the city the environment changed completely; cool and calm breezes was blowing, and every one seemed happy. The streets were straight and easy to walk on and weren't having cobblestone. “May be we should go to the local doctor”, said Marshall. “For what?” asked Loery. “I'm really concerned for Noodles” explained Marshal. “I don't think we should be showing this creature to any one because it might not be safe, there might be thugs here”. Protested Leroy . “You'r right” said Flame, “Lets go eat something”. They went into a bar and again the environment totally changed, every one was fighting, arguing, and some people were bullying other people for money. They ignored all the camosion and went into the corner table. The tables were disgusting and there was bubble gum and spit on the table. They wanted to leave but their hunger fought back………. They were forced to sit down. They ordered a……… (To be continued)

Foreign tourist hired a guide to take him around Delhi and Agra. At the Red Fort at Delhi, he admired the architecture and asked how many years it took to build. Twenty years, replied the guide. You Indians are a lazy lot, the tourist said. .In my country, this could have. Been built in five... At Agra he admired the Taj's beauty and asked how many years it took to build. Only ten years, said the guide. The tourist retorted: .You Indians are slow! We can construct such building In two-and-a-half... In this fashion the tourist claimed that every building he admired could have been built in his country in quarter the time. Finally, when they reached the. Qutab Minar and the tourist asked what it was, the guide replied: I don't know. It wasn't there yesterday evening.

Looking Impossible Huzaifa Khan Suri 8C

Back home, back home Joe could just wish, but deep in his mind he could feel it was impossible. Truly impossible .How could some teenage boys get home when they were lost on some mysterious place on Earth, where there were no signals a place with huge monsters? The whole place was foggy. Joe couldn't find Jack and Tim anywhere. As he stepped forward, the things became visible. He could see them both. Jack and Tim were on the back of a monster, red in color with black spots on its body, scaly, two big nostrils and fangs. It was like a monster from a horror movie but no, thought Joe. This was different! This was “real”!!!! . This could do anything to them and Joe suddenly realized why. Deep in a cave a few feet away, he could see crumpled skeletons, one lying on the other, and the dragon's next targets were Jack, Tim and Joe themselves. The scene was getting more hideous as Joe stepped further. He could see that the place was more rocky with huge boulders and cliffs. He could also see the crashed plane in which they were going home to US, from Australia. Only they three had survived the crash, and their cloths had almost burnt. Jack held the monster's ear while Tim was hanging on the tail. The scale gave them grip, but they could still fall down. The dragon had an angry face. It moved its tail up and down and to and fro, and started to shake its head. Jack and Jim were loosing grip, and they could fall any time, 50 feet down on the ground and lose their life. With terror on his face, Joe wanted to shout, but couldn't. He felt a tug in his throat. Monster was now tossing and turning its body to shed them and taste their blood. Both of them started shouting in awe and horror of death. He couldn't stop himself and ran to save their lives. Dashing out like a bullet, he halted in front of the dragon and yelled “Leave them! Leave them!!! Come and fight with me”. Dragon got distracted. It threw a glance at him and rushed to grab him. His heart sank and he ran backwards. Run, run run for your life! He was running like mad. Couldn't even dare to look at the back. “Joe, Joe wake up,” it was mum. Joe woke up and relaxed. It was just a dream! Joe took a deep breath and told everything to mum. She calmed him down and Joe slept in peace. But he thought he would never forget this dream as it felt like a reality.

The greatest reward for doing is the opportunity to do more. - Jonas Salk

In the Shadows of Death Farhan 9 C B

I was blinded by the pitch black darkness. I was thinking, what is this place of dark and despair? It shuffled up my mind and felt a chill in my backbone. What had I done? Where was everyone? Which place was that? Who I was? So lonely, so deserted and so dejected!!! Dead tired. It was a usual boring and normal day. I had to reach the party, because I was the guest of honour. My best friends were with me. Having fun was great but losing track of time was worse. Late at night, I stayed at the party not knowing if anyone was worrying for me. Time passed as I walked a long way home passing every aggitating alley, looking at every direction if a taxi came in sight. I stumbled up on a quiet colony and approached the alley. A stranger came running behind and looked at me as if he had seen a ghost. He mumbled the jumbled words which I could not understand. I walked into darkness seeing him disappear into the light. It was all in my mind no one had actually come. It seemed as if a ghost or something else was there following my footsteps. Wondering alone sneaking my way out, I reached a barren wasteland and as I got closer I saw a small house. What? What? I panted and someone grabbed me. I thought all this was a dream but as I opened my eyes I saw…………… But what were they? Where was I? How was this possible? I thought hard and my heart felt popping out any second then. Was I dragged to hell by the devil? Was only I chained and beaten up by those masked people. What I saw there you could not believe. Flesh, bones, blood. I started screaming “What are you? Let me go please.” I was watching them in terror. They started beating me until I was bleeding. They dragged me into a dark room filled with instruments of torture. I had never been so scared in my life. I begged for mercy crying out helplessly. They let me go. I ran for my house but no!!!!!! Every one was dead. I went to other houses but no one was there to help. I was helpless I couldn't do anything I waited for death to come and take my life. The lights again began to fade but a ray of hope sparked in my mind .Why didn't I turn towards God!!!! My heart filled with contentment. I WILL BE SAFE NOW.

Boy to mother: I've decided to stop studying. How come? Asked the mother. I heard that that someone was shot dead, because he knew too much.

I can see You Ahmed Faraz 8-C

That was the last when someone had seen Max…….. It's not long ago when in a strange shifted family, a father, mother and their one and only son, to experience the rural life there. But they did not know what was going to happen next. It wasn't easy for a city family to fit in a village so easily. When Max (the boy) went to school he began to feel more uncomfortable sitting on the hardback chairs. He missed the Technology he had back in the city. He used to play with his XBOX. Somehow he passsed time in school. When he reached home after school his mother sent him to buy some items from the village market down the hill. Max had barely taken a step that a boy rushed past him into the bushes by the old stone walls. Max followed him, but then again someone ran past him, this time it was a girl. He followed them and reached an old grave with a high steeple. On it was inscribed “died in 1152. The girl, he saw was holding the boy whom he had seen earlier was yelling at something. What Max understood was, “I caught you I caught you!” Max was looking at them in awe when the girl raised her hand and said “hello”. Max greeted her in return. Then she said “My name is Sally, and this is my little brother Mike. Aren't you the new town boy, Max?” “Yes” said Max. “Well”, she said you came at the right time because tonight we will all play a game called “I see you". Max asked, “what is the game like.” Sally answered, “We all take turns and hide ourselves. One of us will give turn in searching for everyone hidden. If anyone gets caught, you say, 'I can see you' and the last one to remain hidden wins the game. The man who lies here invented this game when his family left him alone. Everynight he used to go out and say 'I can see you". Max asked', “What happened to that man?” “Nobody knows what happened to him”, replied the boy. Hearing the story, Max got excited and was asked to come to the game that night. Happy from the offer, he went back home. The day passed and Max was bored but waiting anxiously for the night. It was a stormy night. Max asked his parents to let him play with the boy and girl. They permitted him thinking that it was better for him to take part in village activities. He took his torch and left for the place he saw in the morning. Sally and Mike were happy to see him. They started their game. They hid in a narrow pathway waiting to be found. At a distance they saw a blink of a torch. They thought someone is coming so all bent down not to be seen. The night had grown dark and a murky mist overcame. Max was waiting for the moment to reach up, when sally shouted, “where is Mike?” he must have got lost. She asked Max to keep hidden as she went searching back for Mike. Max agreed and kept on hiding. After a while he could hear no voice and all was quiet except for the rushing of wind carrying the heavy mist. Max reached up and looked around and thought that the game was over. He decided to go back home. He had taken a few steps forward when someone came behind him. It was a hidious monster whose mouth had a disgusting smell. His flesh had been fully burned. He yelled in a roaring voice, “I can see you!!! Max started screaming at this sight. He tried running back but he was surrounded by the same old wall he saw in the morning. Max yelled for help as the monster grabbed him by his shoulders. That was the last when any one had seen Max…….. 54

Embarking on the journey of life Shehryar Sajid Khan 10 CA

My first day at school was 12 years back in 1999, which is still fresh in my memory. It is natural on the part of every student to remember his first day at school. But it actually gave me a terrible surge of fright and fatigue as I first went to school with my father which later on transformed into a feeling of pleasure and bliss because I finally had a very good day and was gifted with a long lasting friendship. It was my mother who first thought of sending me to school. Of course I was of the school going age. My father drove me to school -- an unknown place for me. Teachers and students were aliens. When I entered the school I felt nervy. It was huge building with a large compound wall. As a small child, I could not feel stable at the sight of the building. The atmosphere of the school was calm and quiet. I was not acquainted with such an atmosphere earlier. It was an old and reputed school in the vicinity. Its name was Beaconhouse School. My father had also been a student of the same school. The Headmaster was well known to my father and greeted him with a smile. My father introduced me to the Headmaster and they both took me to my class. The Headmaster allowed me to attend the class the very same day. My father left me in the classroom and went away. I was about to cry. However, the kind behaviour of the Headmaster and the class teacher soothed my feelings. The nervousness within me vanished when I saw plenty of children around looking just like me in those small knickers and white shirts, maybe sharing the same feelings as well. The class teacher asked my name and whereabouts. He patted me on my back. I replied to some of his questions promptly and he became quite pleased. The bell rang. The class teacher left our class and another teacher came in. I thought, "OH GOD"!! Another new face! I couldn't understand why we had so many teachers anyway. All the students in our class stood up once again. The teacher came in and wrote something on the blackboard. He taught simple mathematics. I still remember him being tall and sturdy. Then the bell rang again, another class began and another teacher entered. In that class, the new teacher asked us to read a passage from a book. Some of us read it one after another. After three consecutive classes there was a recess of half an hour. I rushed to the play ground along with my class mates. That day I became intimate to Shahab, who became my best friend later. As it was my first day, I did not carry tiffin, but Shahab was kind enough to share his lunch with me. Only two classes were held after recess. We were told stories in one class and the last was a drawing-class. The drawing teacher was highly pleased when I set aside my nervousness and drew the picture of a jug on the black board. The classes came to an end at about 4 p.m, and by the end of the day I started enjoying so much that I wasn't willing to return from school. The memory of my first day and my first friend at school is very pleasant and I feel proud when I get the chance to share it with others. s

May Death do us apart…. Aizaz Khan 9 CA

“James, have you charged your camera?” I texted my best friend. I needed his camera because I was going to a party. My phone beeped. I thought that it was probably James's reply. I opened the message. “Who R u?” I was surprised by this. I replied, "I'm Nick, your friend." I opened my sent messages section and found out my mistake. I had sent the message to a number similar to my friend's. I texted that person again "Sorry" I accidentally sent my message on your number, please forget it.” I started getting ready. When I returned to my room after taking a shower, I saw that my phone had a couple of messages. I opened one: “Hi! I am Selena U must be Nick.” At first I felt flabbergasted at seeing how frank this girl was trying to be. But I thought a small friendship wouldn't matter. I replied: “Hi! Selena I'm Nick.” After a few seconds she replied, “where do you live?” “I live alone in an apartment in Sydney” I informed her. Then I asked, “Where do u live?” While writing the message I locked up my apartment and got in taxi. I told the driver to take me to Sydney lounge, a famous club. On my way, I got her reply, “I live with my family in Brisbane.” I searched the place, brought my ticket and entered the club but during this party, the only thing I did was chat with my new friend Selena. She told me about her family and I told her about mine. I told her that I worked as an assistant manager in the Sydney Times newspaper and she told me that she was a fashion designer. I reached back my apartment and continued chatting until we both felt sleepy and said 'good night'. All night I thought about only one thing; this was probably the beginning of a wonderful relationship. From that day onwards, we not only texted but also called each other. She had a very sweet voice. Two months later she called and told me that she was coming to Sydney for a fashion show. I told her to meet me at 4:00 p.m at Hall road. When I saw her I thought she was the most beautiful thing I had ever seen in my entire life. I took her to a coffee shop, we chatted all day long. We had a lot in common. We liked the same movies and music. She told me that she liked me and I told her the same. At about 9:00 p.m I took Selena to the train station. Before getting on she told me that I should come to Brisbane and meet her parents. Then she hugged me and left. I came back to my apartment. I had made up my mind that I would go to Brisbane the next week. Selena was the girl of my dream. She had to be my life partner. The next morning I called my boss and asked for a leave. I got into my car, went to a jewellers shop, bought a diamond ring and raced away to Brisbane. 56

I called Selena and asked her address. I reached her house; she was waiting in the garden with her parents and sister. I met them warmly. They took me inside, we had a small lunch during which they asked questions related to my life, job etc. After the lunch, I took Selena for a drive to the country side. I got out and waited for her. The moment she came out, I fell on my knees and proposed her, she started crying, hugged me and then said: “YES!! I would love to become your companion, but…. I must tell you that I am a cancer patient and don't have much days to live…” I felt terrible and was in a great shock to say anything. After a while I gathered up my senses and decided that standing in front of me is my soul mate. How could I let go of her only because she might not live… “Selena my love, death might be a very small excuse for me to back out of our relation” “I can never leave you. Be it death do us apart.” My dear Selena is my beloved wife, after a long treatment she is very much alive, and we live a happy life in Brisbane with our 2 kids and a dog. I could never imagine a better life!

A home accident survey which showed that ninety percent of accidents on staircases involve either the top or the bottom step was fed into a computer. Asked how accidents could be reduced, the computer answered: Remove the top and bottom steps.

The desert of Chauvinism Ms. Humera Hannan

A multitude of thoughts racked Saba's brain as she fixed her eyes on the ever diminishing cars and buildings visible across the aeroplane wing. She had always loved to sit at the seat adjacent to the window with her younger brother and father alongside her. Today, however, she was all alone with no one but strangers wherever she cast her eye. As the plane gained altitude, it dawned on her that she had never been at such a distance from her family before. She realized she would be all alone for two days; no friends and no family to take care of her. Saba understood that this journey meant a new facet of life had opened up in all its grandeur and enormity. She had been without her mother since she was a toddler but her father had never let her be away from his sight for more than a few hours. Today he could not be with her. She realized she had done her entire bit to prepare herself for such a time. The flight from Islamabad to Karachi had been airborne for an hour now and Saba could not rest her mind for even a few seconds. It was twilight and the hue of the sky made her weary. She had always been known to have the stomach for any situation. At 22, she had the confidence and bravado that defied her age. She was bold and forthright; yet she smiled at herself at the realization that inside, she felt all the pangs and the nervousness that accompanied any other girl of her age. Her journey to Karachi was for the final interview with the head of the largest Oil and Gas Exploration Company in Asia. No other Pakistani woman had ever been able to get pass the first interview, yet here she was at her fourth and final one, applying for a trainee engineer post with three guys. The history, the tradition and the odds were firmly against her; yet deep down inside she knew she had enough in her to take her to pass this final hurdle. She had been part of a minority of girls in her mechanical engineering program and had enough experience in dealing with questions related to her gender's unsuitability for a mechanical engineering career. As the plane touched the ground at the tarmac and after the regulation hustle and bustle of leaving the plane, she felt the warm humid breeze blowing across her face. She had steadied her nerves as she was picked up by the representative from the company and was taken to the hotel. Along the way the representative, who had introduced himself as Khadim, tried to provide a guided tour of all the places they passed. She pleasantly told him that her grandparents had lived in Karachi for a very long time and hence it was not her very first visit there. However, she had serious doubts on whether Khadim was the guy's real name or just a way to make himself more cordial towards her. Saba had a sound sleep that night, she did not remember if she had had any dreams while sleeping. She always preferred not to have any dreams prior to an important day; it made her focus herself much more easily. At around 10 am, she dressed herself in a nice, comfortable dress; looked herself up in the mirror and smiled. She had a freshness about her that made her feel assured. After a half an hour in which she had her breakfast and arranged her documents, she left for the designated location with Mr. Khadim for her interview. The office of the company was at I.I Chundrigar Road, the financial hub of Karachi. The company's building impressed her as she came out of the car. She was taken to the waiting area on the 10th floor of the building which was right across the conference room where she suspected all the interviews shall be taking place. She was taken aback a little when she realized that she was all alone in the waiting area; she had thought the other candidates must already be there. She

decided she could not spend her energy on delving over this anomaly and tried to relax. The clock ticked by and she stared into nothingness. She knew she was ready, yet the enormity of the occasion often caught up with her that sent her pulse racing. It had been fifteen minutes when Mr. Khadim came inside, gave her a warm smile and said, “The panel is waiting for you, Miss Saba Nawaz”. She entered the huge conference room and was for a moment transfixed in shock; eleven senior professionals, all with their gazes transfixed on her as if she were a prey. Her heart, for a moment, sank and she started having difficulty in taking in the whole environ. She never expected such a large panel would be interviewing her - a large panel with no women. She knew the oil and gas industry was completely male dominated. She had prepared herself for not seeing any women at work if she got selected for the post. Yet, to be in the thick of things like this made her feel a whole new level of nervousness. She sat down though, hastily gulping down water from the glass that the staff had thankfully placed at her side of the table. She reassured herself that she can face all challenges and looked up at the panel. “Miss Saba Nawaz”, said a burly old man sitting at the center of the table, “You have come through all the three interviews unscathed. Your academic record is top drawer and I am sure your technical skills are fairly satisfactory for a young graduate. I have just one simple question for you, a question that if you answer to our satisfaction, shall result in a very short yet noteworthy interview”. Saba had her eyes fixed on that man and her heart pounded like she had never experienced before. She was already sweating, yet she knew what the question must be and what she was going to say in reply. The man spoke again; it sounded more like a bark; “How do you think you shall survive at a post that shall take you to one of the harshest terrains in the world, in temperatures your body has never experienced, where you will have to work with materials that burn your skin if touched without proper equipment, where you might not get the kind of luxuries you must be used to, where you might not be able to see your family for months? More importantly Miss Nawaz, how will you survive there with no women working alongside you; where all your feminine traits of care, love and nurturing shall be absolutely worthless for my company?” Saba had sensed male chauvinism in every syllable that this guy had uttered and calculated her answer thoughtfully. When she spoke, it was with a verve and confidence that no one else could have mustered at her age, “Sir, as I could not catch your name in that question, I will like to first of all say that it is an honor to be the first woman from my country who had the 'privilege' to be addressed by you like this. I come from a country where women emancipation has been touted as the most important thing for the development of this country, yet nothing concrete has been done at the grass root level to actually achieve that objective. Still, you find women like me, breaking all barriers and passing all hurdles that our male dominated society has put in place for us”. Her voice grew stronger. “I sit in front of you as an academic high achiever and a candidate who s

has passed all technical quizzing. I represent not myself, but all the millions of women that have the same potential and can be sitting at the very seats that you gentleman occupy, only if given the chance to prove themselves. I am the first in line here to ask you to give me that chance to prove myself. The young women of this country shall keep on knocking at your doors, full of potential and brimming with belief, until you shall have to listen to them. You asked me how I shall survive. I assure you sir, I not only intend to survive but completely change the way women are looked upon in our society. I intend to grab this chance and one day possibly occupy the same chair that you do today”. As Saba's monologue ended, and she realized almost everyone was gaping at her pronouncements in amazement, the burly man said with an assured smile, “that shall be all Miss Saba Nawaz”. Saba left the room the same way she had entered it, her heart pounding uncontrollably. Yet she realized whether she got this job or not this time, for herself and all her fellow women, she had spoken out. For herself and all her fellow women, she had made her case.

Curse of ELM Street Junaid Ali 8-B

A man lived on 97 ELM Street in the United States. He used to seal the mouths of children using needle and thread and let them go. One night he kidnapped a kid from that street for it was the 100th kid he tortured. People living in the street got furious and burned Frank in his house. After a hundred years, he began to avenge them and killed everyone who burned him, and after that the Frank's spirit began to horrify the people living on that very first cursed street in their dreams. He did horrible things with them in their dreams like cutting their nose, scratching their body with blades, which he also used as his fingers. One day, some teenagers had a party and slept over at some girl's house on the same street.They drank and danced. And after a long time of enjoyment, they went to sleep in groups. In deep sleep, Frank started haunting them. He went to each room and did the horrible things with them, frightening them to an extent that they could never sleep again. As much as they were frightened but they decided that they had to end this. They made a plan that night that no one would fall asleep and if no one would sleep Frank wouldn't be able to torture them. Even if some one does fall asleep by mistake, the others would wake him and Frank would lose control. They did as planned and were successful. Frank was powerful in dreams but weak in reality. The teenagers successfully defeated him and a witch helped them disposed him off using “Black Magic”. That was the end of the curse on Elm Street.

Poems

Poetry is the journal of a sea animal living on land, wanting to fly in the air. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Carl Sandburg

Forlorn Waleed Anwar 8 C

Loneliness is the reason That reminds me of winter season When thoughts are shaking, voices breaking, Senses awaking, but dreams are shaking, Hopes are high Utter a sigh Deep in heart I often lie. Your remembrance makes me smile! But it goes after a while!

For My True Friendsâ&#x20AC;Ś Asad Pervaiz 9-CB

Friends are like blooms in autumn It is the relation which is as soft as cotton They share your sorrow and your grief This relation is sensitive, can blow away like a leaf They are the ones who always stand by your side They are the ones who always guide They are the ones who are your pride Friends are those who fill colors in your life They stand with you and together you strive Don't lose your friends They set your life and its trends

Foggy Love Abdul Muqeet 9CA

When there was no love found I was sitting alone on the ground In the darkness of my sin the energy didn't seem to come in It was like hell When I heard ringing of bell The songs I sang for her in the night Flew away like a kite But still then I was having the string I could bring her back in a blink It was very hard in the fog of love But I had to suffer the madness in love I could forget her if she asks Give her a gift of chocolate hearts It's true it was my last But I needed to survive the blast.

Hallucinations Nouman Afzal XI-CB

I saw my favorite car It's keys were in the crystal jar I took them and opened it Oh! It vanished from my sights I looked here and there But, the car was nowhere I wanted to cry But the tears were dry I threw the keys away It reappeared right away I got mad at this betray But what to do It was a dream and Thank God it was not true

A friend like you Hamza Yousuf IX-CA

A friend like you is like no other friend A friend like you is a friend I don't regret meeting A friend like you is like a friend I can't scream at all or fight with A friend like you is like having no worries in my life A friend like you is a friend I don't want to lose A friend like you is like being in comfort all day A friend like you is a friend always needed A friend like you is awesomely awesome A friend like you is random and funny A friend like you is a friend I can tell all my secrets to A friend like you is like a little sister I always wanted A friend like you is like having no dark days because you brighten them A friend like you is a friend that opens up my eyes and helps me avoid bad things A friend like you is a type of friend that laughs at dumb things I do or say A friend like you is a friend I am proud to call myself a friend of

Barbie doll Faizan 6 Orange

My Little sister is like a doll But she is very small Her teeth are going to fall She likes to play with a ball She jumps like a rabbit And it's her habit She likes chips And surprises with her wit She has a pretty cat It is very big and fat And it loves to eat lots of rats Her color is like a mat She likes to have lots of dreams And likes to eat chocolate cream She buys a doll from the mall And my little sister is like a doll

Dreams have wings Umair Faisal XI-CB

Ah dreams, what is thy kind Except mere imaginations of the mind Imaginations those often send me to ecstasy A place of excitement, a place of fantasy But once the dawn cracks and night disappears as a bubble The wonderland shatters like glass falling on hard marble But once inside this dreamland, one feels burning with the enthusiastic fire Unlimited wishes come true, whatever one dares, and whatever one desires Also sometimes the mind plays in the form of the nightmares Scary as they seem, they mostly scare the soul out of us But dreams are usually a splendid affair With wishes, excitement and imaginations at their glare

An Average Student Ahmed Khalid 9 CB

An average student comes to school for studies Instead he hangs around his buddies He wastes his time and likes to dance And he then actually expects to get a chance They bunk all their classes for a laugh And make life difficult for the staff They think being cool is about bad But they dont realize they make their parents sad School isn't so boring even though your friends say it so Because if you dont have an education you have no where to go

Butchers Ahmed Rehab 9 CA

Terror Terror is an error, It makes the people feel horror, poor mothers cry like hell, how much sorrow should I tell, Mosques are not spared, not even the shops, All are scared but not my brave cops, They are not human they are beasts, how can one kill so many people with such an ease? There is damage everywhere, My country is standing nowhere.......

Dark night, you have to go! Hamza Choudhry 9CB

You will always find me where there is grumble For I will always make criminals tremble Honesty, sincerity and the care I will catch all criminals here and there I will be knight on a special mission I will destroy all cheap competition Wherever one is murdered I'll be the criminal's shepherd I'll hunt you down with my faithful hound Your fates will be certainly sealed and bound I am your worst nightmare Because you learned not to care I am the Law! Only because you are evil's claw Your horrible crimes shall be asked And you will meet the biggest loss

An empty dream Huzaifa wajhi 7 Blue

In my dream I am totally free Playing and laughing under the tree The voices are always roaming around While I am enjoying “merry go round” Sometimes I see the lion's face Before heading I tighten my shoe lace But when I go near and near Oh! Instead of a lion there's a bear This decreases my fear Dream, dream! This is the reason you make me scream!

Complicated Usman Amjad XI C B

You the one of all Had to achieve as a goal YOU COMPLICATED You in my heart You in my memories You in my thoughts You in my dreams YOU COMPLICATED You left me When it was end of the road YOU COMPLICATED You difficult to forget But now the time for rest The time we spent is ONE of the BEST Would in my dreams rest YOU COMPLICATED.

Free to fall in the FALL Furqan Ali 9-CA

The dry wind bruised my heart I thought, sitting in a horse cart wondered I would be a part of the world, if there was a fair chart I minored in marketing, and worked so fast! I had love for poetry, so I majored in art

When I will be old M.Bilal PashaVII-Orange

When I will be old I will not shine as gold No power in my kick I will hold a wooden stick No watches and no wrist bands First time empty will be hands No more fairness creams No more party schemes

No more Ray-Ban glasses No more colored dresses Wearing a shalwar kameez Holding no car keys

I will not drink Pepsi or 7up Only warm milk in a cup I will not have a powerful voice Will always have to listen twice

Facebook Hamza Hassan 9 CB

Friends are always waiting for me A C

Calling me again and again Either on hotmail or on chrome

B O

Attractive and stunning

But my mom doesn't allow

Orders me to study and just to follow O K

Oh my god! What should I do? Keep my friends? Or Let them go.

I wish Muhammad Bin Salman 6 Purple

I wish to be a fish I wish I wish I could be fish I wish I wish I become a dish I wish I wish I am thin I wish I wish I have fin I wish I wish I have a tail I wish I wish I have some scale I wish I wish I have gills I wish I wish I have swimming skills I wish I wish I have water in my house I wish I wish there are no mouse I wish I wish I have no feet I wish I wish I have no teeth

I Met Her In The Winter Mustafa Tauqeer 9 CA

The land was full of white ground, The way was very hard to travel. I saw a girl staked in the snow, She was asking for a tow. I scampered towards her with beam, and saw her face like a dream. I helped her out of the snow, She thanked me and gave a bow. This happened in the last frost, when bliss of my heart was lost!!

Hello Me! My Future Self Adan 7 Orange

Will I be living in a mansion? Because this small house is sickening me And I can't handle this tension

Hello me, my future self Will the world around me be cool? Because I would like to live full And not in a terrorist rule

Hello me, and my future self I would be the luckiest in the west So prepare my future as the best Make me different from the rest

Lonesomeness Faizan 9CB

It's about a month and twenty days, you have left me and went away, Now I have no more words to say. Now I am sitting down, I'm on the ground, I can remember that we came here to play. Now Lonely! I have no one, Lonely! To have some fun, Lonely! Is saying everyone

Why does everybody go to sleep??? Asad Ali Dogar XI-CB

Why does everybody go to sleep? And see a dream? On that night, I slept I saw a dream which made me sweat In this dream Everybody screamed Nobody was left on the earth It was the day of our rebirth Saw an angel coming towards me And started weeping for mercy I could hear everybody crying My throat also started drying

If wishes have wings Anas Asghar 7 Orange

One night I had a dream In it I was eating an ice cream It was so smooth I decided to get two more scoops It was so yummy It filled my tummy Then somebody woke me up It was my mummy Then I went to school Where I had to follow all the rules My teacher was so cool She made me sit on a stool Everybody made me a fool As I fell into the swimming pool

You're Ammar Shervani 10 M

You are the sun which showers its warmth on me You are the moon which walks with me on the lonely night

You are the flower which blossoms in the garden of my heart You are the inspiration which keeps me going on

You are the heartbeat which gives me life You are the dream I see every night

You are the goal I achieve everyday You are the one for whom I daily pray.

Love: A Roller Coaster Saim Awais 9 CA

Love is a dive, Without it, nothing is alive. Love is just like a strong wave, But love with everything, should be brave. In love don't make someone stressed, In love don't make someone depressed. The weapon which carries love is trust, Love ends when you are not just. Love should be very pure, but it also needs to be cured. In love there are a number of bends But love is something which never ends.

Love that never ends Subhan Amjad 9CA

You asked me â&#x20AC;&#x153;What is love?â&#x20AC;? How can I tell you what is love? Love is like a rain of glee Love is like a drop of glum Love is to trust on someone Love is to have faith on someone Love just magnifies bliss Love just hides the grim You fall in love you seek the spirit of life You fall in love and hide sadness of life Love is that which never ends Love stays and changes trends This is what true love is?

Mirror Mustafa Bin Tariq 10 M

I am a mirror in the room of a Beauty I feel myself lucky enough When early in the morning She comes in front of me And becomes pleased After considering her sweet reflection. She loves me And wants to spend her time in front of me. She picks up her blushers And applies Comes on me her innocent face, A smile and a craze Some times in monologues She admires And adores her beauty Pins up her beautiful silky hair But Alas! She does not remember That beauty is not eternal Then I want to shatter With disgust At this hideous reality of life

Serene Lover S. Raees Imran 9 CA

Love! Love! of first sight, for which I could fight, As she is dazzling bright, and is always right Love ! love! an inspiring flight, for my soul and my sight

My awful dream Anas Asghar 7 Orange

One day I was in a dream Eating my favourite ice cream I was having so much fun With lots of bubble gums

Then I took a step ahead And saw a lot of bloodshed I ran from there screaming aloud But nobody was there to listen to my sound

Then I reached a town In which were only clowns They were dancing and daring around Oh, my God! they were all brown

Well, when I woke up, I was home I went and opened Google Chrome Told people about my dream Thank God I did not scream.

The Chinese PSP Sarim Shehzad 6 Green

When it gets charged Two games come on its memory card

It's games ask me to play But my mother's strict, what can I say ?

It's name is playstation portable Although it's not affordable

My precious Zain Amjad VII-Orange

Something I lost, which was very precious to me Someone gave it to me, who was very near to me Someone who loved me very much Someone who cared about me very much

I wanted to tell her But I don't know how to tell her I don't know how to handle and what to do I don't know how to make her face glow

O, the youth of my nation Aizaz Islam Khan IX CB

O, the youth of my nation You need to fight, brave creation muster up all the courage you have to rise and move ahead If you are tossed by cruel waves Confrontâ&#x20AC;Ś Otherwise, you'll lost on shore

My Soul was a Captive Shahvaiz Zameer 9CB

Like magic, it was, so sudden and unpredictable, but definitely comprehendable, it was but love at first sight.

It blinded my eyes, and tied my hands, and blocked my ears, but freed my heart.

Whenever I slept, Whenever I spoke, Whenever I stroked, I saw her face.

That radiant smile, that blonde hair, those bewildered eyes, that peeped my heart.

It couldn't stop, couldn't take it off, couldn't shut it down, I wanted it on and onâ&#x20AC;Śâ&#x20AC;Ś

But it wouldn't keep going, It would stop eventually. Rendering me helpless, to the pains that come after.

Number Train Farhan Suri 9CB

Numbers numbers I do not know, Numbers numbers where do they go, On sight of numbers I go mad, They are all written on my writing pad. Divide, add, or subtract all four I dont know, just leave it, it's bore Five, six, seven, eight, I dont know I dont know why do I just hate. Eleven, twelve, nine or ten, What to write next Ben? Numbers numbers hurt my brain, I wish I got off this number train

Someone like Me Mehdi 6 Orange

The dark shadow under my feet Follows me on the street Stays with me in ups and downs Is always mute, having no sound Can it feel my heartbeat? Will it always give me a greet?

He never goes away from me, Like an angry honey bee When in dark I walk near a light He appears next to me in the beautiful sight

Sand In Hand Abdul wahab 7 Blue

I was eating a cake which had a cream, It was a sweet cake, But I know it was all fake, It was in a candyland, It was covered with sand, Around it was a desert I think, But the candyland was all pink, There was a boy, Who was holding a toy, Then he disappeared, I was a little scared, There I saw a house, Behind me was a angry big mouse, It was frightened, But the house was lightened, I woke up, Oh! it was only a dream.

What is Love?? Daniyal Malik XI C B

Lonely and full of sorrow Of the broken dreams of tomorrow Veils of tears and whines apart Enduring the pain with broken heart

Seasons Hamza Aqeel 6 Green

Winter comes with so much pride Keeps everybody tucked in the side Grandpa comes with so many nuts He dares us to win by guts Snow falls down with so much grace Children skate with a happy face Nobody remains lean The world seems serene Autumn is so sad It makes everyone lose what they had Leaves shed from all the trees Pleased at their release Summer becomes so much hot How cruel! It's not very short ! Spring is so striking Making everything stunning A message of Happiness! Everyone shuns the sadness Here and there flowers bloom Making us forget our glooms

Trance Muhammad Abrahim IX-CA

She doesn't smile but her eyes keep on lying It looks so terrifying When I find her crying While ambulance was at her home I asked my mom That what is going on? But she just didn't know So I went in my room and picked up my phone I asked her what is wrong She cried and told 'My sister is gone'. Suddenly my room's door knocked I woke up and looked at the clock And got to know that was a dream Which made me scream!

Silhouette Shahzeb Suri 6 Orange

I never go away Until it becomes dark You'll know how to find me I have a mark I'm a dark shadow Creeping behind you every time I am not dangerous And I don't do any crime My color is black Not dark red But now its time to go to bed

The last I saw of youâ&#x20AC;Ś Rayyan Sameer XI-CA

The day I walked along the shore was the Last I saw of you You and me apart for once, I can't believe it's true You and me, we stick like glue Without you, the sky isn't blue You were full of joy and so exuberant You were always there beside me in my life When you got lost away, it stabbed me like a knife A fish can't breathe without its gills I without you hurt, it hurts and kills You were prominent, you were someone But now you've made me lonely as a nun It hurts and feels like if a bird has been shot with a gun Now there is no where to hide and no place to run Our laughters were a thrilling fun Alas! My dear, don't know how but all is done.

Essays

Between my finger and my thumb The squat pen rests. I'll dig with it. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; Seamus Heaney

Food Street Fayzan Abdul Wassey 11-C-A

Pakistan is a country with a vast traditional and cultural values. The culture is very vivid and the way of life is even more exceptional. Together with this, we 'Pakistanis' have the passion to eat and drink a wide variety of foods of old and modern origin. The busiest street in my town is the food street. The name may suggest that it is an ordinary street with a few extra food items but in reality it is a vibrant picture of our culture and lifestyle. As you enter the food street, a huge gate and mouth watering odour of food welcomes you. There is an excitement in the air and everyone around you, mostly families, can be seen. At the entrance there is a large decorative water fall parting the street into two directions which unit just as the waterfall ends. On either side of the street there are a number of shops serving different types of food, as you stand at the centre of the street and look around, you can see people chatting and having fun, giving order for the food to be served to them; some waiting for their food to be served; some enjoying eating their favorite food. Clattering of big pans can be heard; it seems that everything comes to life. On both sides of the street shops, with the houses built on them owned by the shopkeepers, can be seen. These houses are carved with beautiful flowery designs.These houses were characterized in a traditional artwork, architecture and wood work and with the walls painted with modern flamboyant colors; it gives a blend of the past and the present. Tempting aroma of seekh kababs, chapli kabab, biryani, pilao, chicken karahi, beef and mutton served with different taste enhancers in styles, makes you wish to stay there forever. The sizzling dishes keep you occupied and attracted, sweet tang of eatables enhances ones appetite and you just can't stop munching around. As you take your table and order your favourite food, you find it set in a very less time. While the families enjoy their food, children play with the toys they buy from the vendors. Everywhere there is laughter and happiness and the families relax there.The delicious food that arrives reminds you of your ancestors and you dig in to enjoy the food rich with extra spices and curries. With every bite you get into having more and more as the taste has been boosted with number of chutneys and yougurts. As you move out of the busy and crowded street resistively, the bright colours and the warmth begs you to stop. At the end of the street there is another enticement waiting for you; different types of milk products freshly made, nobody can get out of the street without having 'kulfi' or the 'khoya khajoor' milk full of energy and flavor together. Walking out of the street after relishing the enriching flavors, it becomes difficult to step into the routine and robotic life. The smells, sounds and the sights stay in your memory for a long time which forces you to come back to that street again, next weekend.

Democracy is off the people?? Furqan Ali 9 CA

One day I was passing by the main road in front of the Jinnah Super market and halfway was an area full of beautiful palm trees. I saw two early teenage boys. Guess what they were talking about? They were arguing about what makes a good burger and which company sells the best burger. People who daily appear on television talk shows quote that 'Democracy is the best revenge' and 'Pakistan is near a revolutionary rebellion'. How is Pakistan supposed to rebel when the young cream of the nation is busy deciding what makes a good burger? Have you ever noticed that Pakistan was always ruled by the political families? Soon our president will be another one from the political family. Pakistan has never been ruled by the people who literally are holding the country which include doctors, lawyers, engineers and financial brokers who keep the system running, keep moving the country's wheel. They are run by self proclaimed foreign graduates. By the term 'self-proclaimed', I didn't mean that they didn't go abroad and study. They only sipped martini and took regular sunbaths on the beaches of Miami, which is an irony of the fact. They come fashionably, steal regularly, make the country bankrupt easily and then ask for a bail out regretfully. Islamabad, divided in parks, homes and restaurants, was made by a dictator of the time. All societies properly lettered and numbered in sequence. In my view, Islamabad is the best thing that ever happened to Pakistan. It was created by a dictator and in the period of dictatorship, Pakistan was voted as one of the emerging economic powers and now Pakistan is showing profit by the aid we take from America. The question, I now ask the diligent reader whom I kept stuck here for a long time is, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Why don't the cream of our nation stop thinking about burger franchises, and start pondering on politicians playing frauds and bankrupting our country, who only benefited the country by filling in their own Swiss accounts. Who will or should be the next ruler of the country? Don't we need a loyal and honest leader more than ever?

A Typical Teenage Boy Abdul Haseeb VIII Purple

Teenage is full of follies and foibles .Teenagers are over confident and start using creams or beauty products which will give them trendy look. We teenagers mostly do these types of things to impress girls or show off. At some places or homes, teenagers are highly pampered .They get annoyed when their choice or activities are disliked or rejected .These days 90% teenagers have cell phones and they use passwords to lock their phones just to hide their messages from elders. We teenagers don't have enough time for entertainment. If we get some time, we use it to log on to facebook and play games, chat, write entertaining quotes and upload pictures and videos. We use cell phones to text or to talk to friends. Mostly we people don't have mobile balance and we take loans from friends. If we feel inspired by a girl and she doesn't respond we get angry .We like talking to girls but there is no time .I think this teenage life has many problems which can affect our future.

Is humanity getting more violent? Bilal Shahid 10 C B

Violence has been and will always be a part of our nature. At our core, it is what we truly are; we are violent. We fight for our wants, to protect what is dear to us and sometimes just for the sake of fighting. It is more near our hearts than we can imagine. We might even actually be the most violent species on the face of the earth. We might not have the embanked predatory senses to that of an animal but it is the tool that we use that makes us dangerous. The first humans used sticks and stones to fight, then we switched to swords and now we use guns. Expansion has always been the desire of every ruler. To expand his rule and to expand his empire was the reason wars were waged; now only the habits and tactics of war has been changed but the aim is still the same to expand one's power .If someone attacks us, it is only natural to defend ourselves. It is same in war, one side attacks while the other defends, both using the force and power of violence. It is upon the will of individual how he uses violence. Whether he uses it to protect something or gain it. Violence can only be suppressed but it can never be controlled. It is limitless and there is no bound to how much destruction through violence can one human cause.

Thank God for everything Ms Rubeena Waheed

Even though I clutch on to my blanket and growl, when the alarm rings, thank you, Allah, that I can hear. There are many who are deaf. Even though I keep my eyes closed against the morning light as long as possible, thank you, Allah, that I can see. Many are blind. Even though I huddle in my bed and put off rising, thank you Lord, that I have the strength to rise.There are many who are bedridden. Even though the first hour of my day is hectic, when sacks are lost, toast are burned,tempers are short and my children are so loud thank you, Allah, for my family. There are many who are lonely.Even though our breakfast table never looks like the pictures in magazines and the menu is at times not balanced, thank you, Allah, for the food we have, there are many who are hungry. Even though the routine of my job is often monotonous, thank you, Allah, for the opportunity to work.There are many who have no job. Even though I grumble and bemoan my fate from day to day and wish my circumstances were not so modest, thank you, Allah, for life.If we can pass this on to most people we know ,it just might help a bit to make this world a better place to live in.

How To Combat With Drug Abuse Huzaifa Khan Suri VIII C

Drug abuse is a disease which can be treated and if the majority of the population gets against drug abuse, then every misuse can be eradicated. The useful drugs as medicines should be kept with care. Drug addiction is a problem that has been increasing in our society. It can hold us back from accomplishing goals or dreams in life. People sometimes feel they are too bright, too powerful but still fall for drugs. It can trap anyone. It can lead to harming one's body causing problems in family structure and contribute to the criminal behavior in society. The sooner people find help for drug addiction problems, the more chances they have of gaining control of their life once again. However, self-denial is the safest way to live a long and healthy life. We are greatly influenced by the people around us. Today one of the reasons of teenage drug usage is peer pressure. Peer pressure represents social influences that affect us. It can have a positive or a negative effect depending on what path one follows. There is direct and indirect pressure that might influence a person's decision in using drugs. Direct pressure might be when a person is offered to try drugs. Indirect pressure might be when a person is with people using drugs and finds that there is nothing wrong with using drugs. In recent times, many researchers have worked on drug addicts. The observations have led the researchers to believe that drug addiction is not only a physical ailment but is also because of the environmental factors. Drug abusers tend to follow a specific pattern. Some of the environmental factors are the attitudes of the family, friends, and support groups. There are many malfunctions in the brain that cause a person to become addicted to the drugs, which are supplemented by the environmental factors such as the various home or social dynamics that a person experiences in his or her life. These two factors interact in making symptoms stronger in a person. Some people are able to use recreational or prescription drugs without ever experiencing negative consequences of addiction. For many others, substance use can cause problems at work, home, school, and in relationships, leaving them feeling isolated, helpless, or ashamed. If you are worried about your own or a friend or family member's drug use, it is important to know that help is available. Learning about the nature of drug abuse and addiction, how it develops, what it looks like, and why it can have such a powerful hold, will give you a better understanding of the problem. Drug use prevention programs are effective when they respond to the needs of a community, involve all the relevant sectors and are based on scientific evidence; effective programs should also include strong monitoring and evaluation components. Such programs are also cost effective.

A teacher had just moved house with all her possessions including box after box of books. As the van driver put down the last box in her second-floor flat, he grumbled: For Heaven's sake, lady, why didn't you read them before you came?

Importance of the social networking websites Faizan Abdul Wassay 11 CC

As the name suggests, social networking websites are websites for social interaction between people. Before the advent of facebook (the website which now has 800 million users) social networking was not so widespread but as the website gained popularity, more and more people started using it. From youngsters to the retired old people, social networking has become a new home for them. But everything has its side effects as well. One of the main advantages is connecting with friends all over the world, including those who you may not meet. The large user base helps in this process. These websites make the young generation more interactive. They are kept updated with everything that their friends do and thus it is like a newspaper with all the information you desire. But everything also has its disadvantages and in this case the disadvantages overshadow the advantages. These websites make the youngsters more social but it is just on the internet and as long as they are using their computers. These websites also lead to shyness among youth. They prefer to interact on the internet than in person. It helps us in finding our old friends but this is also true that this makes it difficult for us to hide from people whom we don't want to talk to. Another disadvantage is that it wastes a lot of time which can be used more productively. We see our youngsters sitting for hours on the internet playing virtual reality games or just chatting; that is why it is just a waste of time. So we all should consider what our young generation is upto and make them use their time more productively by studying, playing physical games to get fit and interacting with the real world instead of staying on computer screens for almost the whole day!!

Attention Please Umer Madni 9CB

When we think about problems, especially of young people, many reasons orbit our mind like the burden of studies and up going state of the country. These are the main reasons considered by young people for their never ending problems. The major reason is burden of studies which increases day by day and year by year. It disturbs the youngsters very much as competition increases. Problems pop up when studies become more complex and more difficult but the time stays the same. This bounds the student from any other playful activities; this disturbs them mentally. We, the youth, are aware of day to day terrorism. Have you ever noticed that whenever we switch on to news channel we see all that boring news of terrorism, mineral resource shortages and conferences hosted by our politicians. These have a futile result and are an insult to our country's pride. This type of news makes a child very depressed as one always love his country. This way his life ends but problems continue forever. It never ends as time does.

Procrastination Rayyan Sameer 11 CA

I was going to write about procrastination, but I could not get started somehow. I jotted down some points and asked my teacher to read it. He said,"I'll look at it tomorrow". I asked a politician, â&#x20AC;&#x153;What do you call a place where people never get anything done?" He replied with a naughty smile, it's Procrastination. I'd like to be a procrastinator, but I just can't bring myself to it. This procrastination could result in becoming addictive, as a person finds shortcuts, There may be a million ways to avoid extra work but in the end the work would start to pile up and finishing it would become even more difficult than before. In this case even Einstein's theory of relativity can't help.... Alright leave it, it doesn't make any sense anyways. Getting back to my point, a Doctor cannot procrastinate during surgery otherwise the anaesthesia would wear off, and the patient would regain consciousness before time causing drastic consequences. An engineer cannot procrastinate while making a multi-story building, a Dam or a Bridge, which can have adverse consequences as well. Well, to tell you some positive aspects of Procrastination, a procrastinator does not shovel snow, as he knows that the snow will melt eventually. A true procrastinator notices that the people who are often late are so much jollier than the people who have to wait for them. Dear friends, the best part of procrastination is that you never feel bored of not getting special attention from all around, no matter what kind of attention it may be. You know professionals believe that time is money, but money is the cause of all evil and a procrastinator, due to his or her gestures can contribute towards world peace. Hard work never kills anyone, but why give it a chance. Some professionals think that procrastination is not a problem but a solution. It's a Universal way of saying, â&#x20AC;&#x153;Stop, slow down you are moving too fastâ&#x20AC;?. I do not suffer from stress. I am a carrier, procrastination is my sin. It brings me sorrow. I know that I should stop it, infact I will tomorrow...

Stay with me, God. The night is dark The night is cold: my little spark Of courage dies. The night is long; Be with me, God, and make me strong. - Anonymous

The Flipside of Television Bilal Shahid 10 C B

The television is a milestone of human accomplishment. Commercially available since the 1920's it is more commonly known as the T.V. It has become one of the most important inventions of our time and is present in nearly all homes. The television makes use of signals to show moving objects either black or white or with colours accompanied with or without sound. It is used for promoting or advertising or creating social awareness together but the true question that stands is that whether or not is the use of television in our daily life necessary? Since its creation, the television has been used mainly for entertainment purposes mostly visual. But is life without television possible or beneficial for us? It is a fact that many people have become accustomed to newspaper, books etc. Even houses in under-developed areas have at least one television while houses in developed areas have two to four television sets. Though the television has its vast benefits, it is a double-edged sword and might not entirely have positive effects on our society. There already have been allegations that television is used to promote political agenda, as it has a wider audience. It has also come to notice of many psychologists that the television can cause subconscious brainwashing in the minds of people. Programmes targeted towards mature audiences come into contact with young children which can contaminate the thoughts of children with concepts they cannot grasp. Television can also cause stress and frustration in people and can also cause panic. As it promotes sense of awareness in people it can also promote flaws of society and may cause people to commit crimes unintentionally. However, too much time has passed and society has adapted well to the television with it being used daily and everywhere such as offices, malls, stores, restaurants etc. People should be aware of the fact that not all that is shown on television is true and should use their own common sense to distinguish the truth from the lies or opinions of other people imposed and thrust upon them.

Customer: Why are the signs in your window so full of spelling and grammatical mistakes? Storekeeper: . So that people will think I'm a fool and come in expecting to get the best of me. Since I put up those signs, business has boomed.

Yes! I Can Saad Butt 11 CB

Ask a kindergarten class: "How many of you can draw?" And all hands shoot up. “Yes, of course we can draw-all of us.” “What can you draw?” “Anything!” “How about a dog eating a fire truck in a jungle?” “Sure! How big do you want it?” “How many of you sing?”All hands. “Of course we sing!” “What can you sing?” “Anything!” “What if you don't know the words?” “No problem, we make them up.” “Let's sing! Now? “ “Sure, why not?” “How many of you dance?” Unanimous again. “What kind of music do you dance to?” “Any kind! Let's dance! Now?” “Sure, why not?” “Do you like to act in plays?” “Yes!” “Do you play musical instruments?” “Yes!” “Can you read and write and count?” “Yes!” “We are learning that stuff now.” Their answer is always a YES! Over and over again. Yes! The children are confident in spirit, infinite in resources, and eager to learn. Everything is possible in their age. Try those same questions on High School audience. A small percentage of the students will raise their hands when asked if they draw or dance or sing or act or play an instrument. Not infrequently, those who do raise their hands will want to qualify their response with their limitations. "I only play piano, I only draw horses, I only dance at weddings, I only sing in the shower." When asked why the limitations, high school students answer that they do not have talent, do not have to do it, or have not done any of these things since about third grade, or worse, that they are embarrassed for others to see them sing or dance or act. You can imagine the response of an older audience. The answer: NO, none of the above. What went wrong between kindergarten and High School? What happened to, "YES! OF COURSE I CAN!"?

A Ruthless killer Fatir Malik 11 CB

Dengue fever is increasingly becoming an epidemic in Pakistan. Due to the high cost of treatment, the disease is spreading more rapidly in 2011 than in previous years. It has attracted the attention of the Government of Pakistan, especially the Punjab Government. The disease is easily spreading in rural areas of Pakistan and patients are primarily admitted to government hospitals. Spraying teams have been organized for the purpose of fumigating, spraying and fogging areas where the Aedes mosquitoes have known to infect people with the virus. Directions are in place for spraying especially in educational institutes. The government threatened to take action against any private school that did not observe to take these measures. And 10 days holidays were given to all students belonging to all schools so during those days measures could be taken for better future. Mobile teams operated around the clock to treat affectees on the spot in rural areas. To fight with Dengue, help was requested from other countries, like Srilanka, who have controlled this disease in their countries and have fought successfully with it. A group of 12 doctors from Sri Lanka came to Lahore for assisting the fight against dengue fever. The Indonesian government dispatched a medical team comprising 20 dengue virus experts to assist Pakistani authorities in their fight against the outbreak. Now a days it's getting cold in Pakistan and winter is approaching which is a good sign for people because dengue cannot survive in low temperature. So a relief from it can be expected. But this should be kept in mind that it will be only a temporary relief because this virus will become active after winter season. Hence the war is not over. We all should take measures and precautions during this time period to prevent it from returning. And we can't always blame Government for all this. We must be united in order to fight with dengue and stop this Ruthless Killer!!!

Changing careers Zahid Khan 11 CA

It is twenty first century and as time is progressing knowledge is increasing. People are getting to know about things even more, awareness has increased; even children are now, dealing with things more carefully and handling things responsibly. Times today have changed people and they are now working in every field and are multi-tasking just like a computer. People adopt careers according to their passion and will. When a child is young he knows what he is going to be in coming times as it is his aim. Nowadays people don't turn out to be what they were hoping for like a doctor becoming a movie star or an engineer becoming a top chef. It is also about being good at two things and adopting any one. In this era, there are many possibilities and doors to every field of work. There isn't any harm in going for multiple careers infact, the more careers the better. I believe that if a person has the will and the ability to work on multiple careers then he should adopt them.

Aliens Hamza Mughal VII Orange

Aliens are what we have been hearing about since childhood. Our fiction revolves around adventures with aliens. Avatar is the highly liked Alien that has become a dream of youngsters. The question is what is the reality about them? Do they really exist? There are strong propagators of the theory that the aliens are coming and have in fact been regular visitors to Earth. Combine this with the very commonplace reported occurrences of UFO sightings and alien abduction stories and one cannot help but answer in the affirmative to the question, are there really aliens? Scientifically, there have been several probes in order to shed light on this complex probability. One of the foremost research projects in this area has been the SETI or the Search for Extra-Terrestrial Intelligence. This is the name for a number of activities that various people have undertaken in order to search for alien life. They use radio dishes to gather scientific evidence like electromagnetic waves, in order to search for life on other planets. For a number of years, these probes were funded by the U.S. government, but lately the funding has been taken on by private sources. Several scientists have spent their lives trying to establish links between strange phenomena and the existence of life in outer space. Principle among them are Carl Sagan and Frank Drake. Carl Sagan theorized that alien life such as bacteria exists not only in our planet but throughout the universe. Frank Drake, the founder of SETI, has devoted his life to establish the presence of aliens. He is famous for coming up with the Drake or Green Bank equation. The Drake equation can apparently help determine the number of intelligent civilizations that exist in our galaxy, Milky Way. It uses a number of factors to determine results, the rate of formation of stars, the average number of planets that have life, planets that will develop intelligent life, etc. The Drake equation was an attempt to quantify factors that were previously undetermined. There have been several other research projects to establish that there are such things as aliens. More important of them are the several space missions, which have tried to establish life on Mars due to evidence of methane in the atmosphere and the mission to establish life on moon, due to reported presence of water. Of course, there are also other factors that need to be taken into consideration like alien abduction stories that have been reported by several people. In fact in a study carried out by Harvard in 2003, seven of 10 hypnotized abductees, described test done on them by their alien captors. Real alien sightings are also events that cannot be dismissed as overactive imagination.

What is your age? Asked the Judge, Remember you are under oath. Twenty-one years and some months, the woman answered. How many months? The Judge persisted. Woman: One hundred and eight.

Letting My Heart Out!! Oneeb Ur Rehman 9 CB

“Oneeb! Speed up, electricity will be gone in half an hour, get your clothes pressed”. This is the routine sentence said by my mother before we go somewhere. I got up and dragged myself to the iron room turned on the switch and SWOOSH......... Light gone! Now a days even the timing of electricity is uncertain, it can go anytime, anywhere without giving us a single hint of its celebrated and welcomed return. A day without electricity is nothing new in Pakistan. Pakistan is suffering from load shedding for almost five years now. Our factories and mills have shutdown and this problem is caused only because of our corrupt leadership. Pakistan has 1000 billion tones of coal from which we cannot only produce our electricity but also sell it to the other countries. Shortage of electricity has brought us many problems. Students have difficulty studying. Being an Agricultural country, Pakistan needs electricity to produce a good yield but electricity not being available for 12-18 hours daily has drastically affected the economy. Dry tube wells and unirrigated fields are some common complaints from our farmers. All of this further burdens our system. “Oneeb! You have to prepare for your test; light will be gone in half an hour. Sorry, friends I have to go!

Flash Forward ! Hamza Chaudhry 9 CB

In coming years I see myself at the pinnacle of success. My lifestyle would be far better than it is now. I would have a good job followed by a good home. Living with my family, and been graduated, I would not have any burden of my work and so after coming from my job I'd have a lot of time for myself. The technology of that time would be far more advanced than it is now so I would spend most of time learning about it. In next few years, I will be more responsible and intelligent. I would have attained a sense of wisdom. I would be a great man to whom everyone would look up to. My knowledge would reveal those great scholars. I will be far more ambitious to achieve my goal and would be able to understand the whole situation. I will be completely different from what I am now. My appearance would also have changed. I would be taller, smarter and more handsome. I would have strong muscles and my hair colour would be out of this world. I would wear the trendiest of clothes in the trendiest of places. My braces would have been taken off so I would not look a nerd. No one can predict the future, but I surely hope that I will be a great man, a great man of honor; man who would not forget his family values and would just be himself rather than a show off.

How do I see myself in 10 years ? Shavaiz Zameer 9 CA

One of the fascinating aspects of man is his ability to imagine different and alternative possibilities of life. For example, if I were an astronaut or if I were to be the conqueror of the galaxy. Similarly, we can imagine a number of aspects including the most curious fact that how do I see myself in 10 years? A variety of questions arise in the mind. Will I be handsome? Will I be intelligent? Will I still have this rash on my back? Man it itches, let's find out! Right after 10 years, I see myself in a small house, covered with snow, in England, having three rooms. One for me and my friend Ali, one as a dining room and the last one would be a kitchen. I would wake up early in the morning and find myself being jerked to consciousness by Ali. “Dude! You forgot to set the alarm again.” “We're late for work man. Quick sit up, grab your car keys and let's go”. I get dressed and wear my suite and tie. Then I grab a chocolate far from the kitchen for myself as breakfast. In a hurry, I don't look at what I have grabbed. I sit in the car and start to chew whatever is in my hand. While driving with Ali beside me, Ali looks at me and gives a grin. I notice his grin and all of a sudden and feel bitterness in my mouth. “Dude!”, says Ali, I know we are in a hurry but don't you think we need that for the toilet'. His grin gets wider as he says this. I look at what's in my hand and I realise I am chewing a piece of tissue paper !I roll down the mirror and spit it out. Luckily, it lands right in the garbage can. We go to work and after a long hard day in my BMW, we lie down in bed. Ali goes to sleep right away but I am not sleepy. I turn on the TV and watch a great movie for the almost one and a half hour. I look at the time. It's 1:00 a.m, I turn off the TV switch off the lights and go to sleep since I have to wake up for office tomorrow. I forget to set the alarm again. I hope Ali can wake me up like always.

Glory of stardom Kazim Haider 8D

Playing cricket is a great profession. It has many advantages, and above all it has money and fame. If I were a cricket player, I could live a luxurious life. There are many ways a cricketer can earn money. Regular performance, distinctions and awards pay them alot. Playing very enthusiastically and with all my spirits and honesty I would become a hot shot. Becoming a star I would become very popular and famous. I also know that I am attractive and cool. People would buy tickets to watch my matches and pay a huge amount of money just to get a glimpse of mine. Advantages consummate disadvantages, Privacy would no longer remain my legitimate friend. I would become public property. Bottom line is, I would love to be a cricketer even if it has a few drawbacks, as the life of stardom still would be worth living.

Life without it!!!!!! Ali Ashraf 9 CB

Without any ado let us start the talk on this topic on a level so favorite of the youth that it will be ever more understandable 'Facebook'. What if I want to talk to my friends on face book and turn to switch on computer-wham! 'No electricity!' Oh, never mind! I will try on mobile I think yet again to be disappointed because the phone couldn't be charged due to the same reason. By rewinding some hours of my life and then play the scene is that I am shocked that how can I wake up so early in the morning its just 11:00 a.m. After that I realized that I was having a shower with my own sweat. I controlled my anger and decided to take a bath but the same problem no electricity so no water in tank. While coming into my senses I decided to have a milkshake but my blender couldn't work. I became hyper and to control I decided to have cold water but the water was hot. I was going to faint, decided to pass time and watch television, I had forgotten that how could I enjoy watching it in the absence of electricity. Time was passing like a snail. Ah bliss! Light finally came and I shouted gleefully and closed my eyes for a fraction of second in sheer contentment when I opened my eyes "utter darkness". Light was gone again! Oh Our POOR Wapda!

Power of friendship Hamza Aqeel 6-Green

Do we need friends? If you ask me, I would simply say that yes we do need friends. Friends are helpful in every way. They keep secrets about things that we don't want to share with anybody else. They are the ones with whom we can play all the time. We can rely on them, that they will entertain us all the time. But we have to be very careful in choosing our friends because some of them can be spoiled. The second type is the good ones who are high scorers and do not tease the children and listen to the teachers and parents. If we keep friends, then we should help them in every aspect of life as sharing the stationery and even lunch. We can also share the books with them. But the biggest responsibility of keeping a friend is of keeping him on the righteous path and not letting him hang with the bad boys. We need friends not because they always keep us entertained but because they are our moral and physical support in every aspect of life.

Mystery of Aliens Faheem Iqbal 7 Orange

Are we the only ones that evolved in the vast universe comprising of billions of stars? All the evidence now points to the birth of the universe itself in circumstances of unimaginable power and fury. We call it the Big Bang: An event that not only created the Universe but also space and time. Scientists state that aliens visited us in the past and made the Great pyramid of Giza, and the statues on Easter Island were also made by aliens which had visited earth in the past, because the wonders were so big and accurate and they could be only made by advanced technology econging to aliens. The aliens might have made the crop circles in the late 1980's that were some advanced lines and geometrical shapes, that came from nowhere in the harvest. Some people say that they were landing sites for UFOs. Another issue supporting the existence of alien life are the Nazaca lines. The Nazca desert in Southern Peru is criss-crossed with a bewildering pattern of lines and geometrical shapes so enormous that they only make sense when seen from air. Were these (as someone said) runways for UFOs? Water is the main source of life on Earth. Taking a clue from this, European scientists, using ultra cold orbiting telescopes, have discovered unimaginable volumes of water in inter-stellar space. This discovery raises questions about life elsewhere in the universe. Scientists were astounded to find water in the freezing atmosphere of Jupiter, Uranus, Neptune and Saturn (and its moon Titan). They have even identified a cloud of water, less than a light year across, in the constellation Orion. The visiting aliens can come from planets which are orbiting a sun like star and have a perfect temperature for life to grow. These are the "extra solar" planets and scientists point out that there are at least dozens of them in our own galaxy. The first people to discover an extra solar planet were Didier Quiroz and Michel Mayor. Today Scientists Paul Butler and Geoff Marcy even have on evidence for the existence of at least eight extra solar planets. (Reference taken from the discovery channel show: Into the universe with Stephen Hawkings)

As pines keep the shape of the wind even when the wind has fled and is no longer there so words guard the shape of man even when man has fled and is no longer there. - George Seferis

Save the Planet Talha Ashraf Zia 6 Blue

Our earth is under a threat of so many human created disasters. Pollution is well known and much discussed by human society. Pollution consumates a number of other hazards like diseases or weather change. Global warming is also a threat to our homeland and its inhabitants. Global warming is when the earth heats up (the temperature rises). It happens when greenhouse gases (carbon dioxide, water vapor, nitrous oxide, and methane) trap heat and light from the sun in the earth's atmosphere, which increases the temperature. This hurts many people, animals, and plants. Many cannot take the change, so they die. Even plants will not be spared from global warming effects on earth. Global warming is affecting many parts of the world. It makes the sea rise, and when the sea rises, the water covers many low land islands. This is a big problem for many of the plants, animals, and people on islands. Water covers the plants and causes some of them to die. When they die, the animals lose a source of food, along with their habitat. Although animals have a better ability to adapt to what happens than plants do, they may die also. When the plants and animals die, people lose two sources of food, plant food and animal food. They may also lose their homes. As a result, they would also have to leave the area or die. This would be called as a break in the food chain, or a chain reaction, one thing happening that leads to another and so on. The oceans are affected by global warming in other ways, as well. Many things that are happening to the ocean are linked to global warming. One thing that is happening is warm water, caused by global warming, is harming and killing algae in the ocean. Many things cause global warming. One thing that causes global warming is electrical pollution. Electricity causes pollution in many ways, some are worse than others. In most cases, fossil fuels are burnt to create electricity. Fossil fuels are made of dead plants and animals. Some examples of fossil fuels are oil and petroleum. We use these sources of energy much more than the sources that give off less pollution. Petroleum, one of the sources of energy, is used a lot. It is used for transportation, making electricity, and making many other things. Some other examples of using energy and polluting the air are turning on a light, watching TV, washing or drying clothes, riding in a car, playing video games and using a hair dryer. People are doing many things to stop global warming. One thing people are doing is carpooling. Carpooling is driving with someone to a place that both are going to. We can prevent global warming by recycling the trash or rubbish.

Look out how you use proud words. When you let proud words go, it is not easy to call them back. They wear long boots, hard boots. - Carl Sandburg

Triumphant Forever Ms Rubeena Waheed

Strive in life, if you can, When despair is deeply gross, Triumph never knew a man, Who won without a loss! Life is a continuous struggle. Every moment holds a critical importance in life. So often we face a healthy strife and the question prevailsâ&#x20AC;Ś. â&#x20AC;&#x153;Lose or Win?â&#x20AC;? If we win we feel lucky and triumphant, as if the world is kneeling at our doorstep! And if we lose, hopeless and weary we sink deep into depression, as if the world has come to an end. Is this the real philosophy of strife? No! losing is a part of winning. Every struggle in life is like a single battlefield in war. Victory merely hinges on a winning attitude. The triumphant man is not the one who has never known defeat; rather he is the one who can try again and again, and fight till his last breath. He is a man of infinite endurance. Or in simple words, he is a 'good loser'. Thus to be a winner, one must learn to lose. When depression and hopelessness creeps into life, one must get enough courage to laugh at his own tears and follies. As for the victor who has never known a loss, when he stumbles and falls, he will not be able to regain his stability and thus, he is the most pitiable loser! So if you win, always keep words of encouragement for those who second you. Remember, when you win alone, you lose alone as well! But, when you share your victory, many share your loss! When you learn to fight for the sake of strife; when you share your happy times; when you lose but keep your spirits high; when you try again and again, when you win but keep a humble self , when you strengthen your heart with faith and hope; when you learn to lose as well, you have the mark of a winner, now you are Triumphant forever.

Little Ernie was having a problem with his homework. Dad, he asked, what is the difference between anger And exasperation? Well, son, said his father, I'll give you a practical demonstration. His father picked up the phone and dialed a number. Hello, said a voice at the other end. Hello, said Ernie's father. Is Melvin there? There is no one called Melvin here! The voice replied. Why don't you look up numbers before you dial them? You see? Said Ernie's father .That man was not at all happy with our call. But watch this! He then dialed the number again, and says, Hello, is Melvin there? Now look here! The voice said angrily. I told you there is no Melvin here. You have got a lot of nerve calling again! Did you hear that? Ernie's father asked .That was anger. Now, I will show you what exasperation is! He dialed once again. And on hearing the voice at the other end, Ernie's father said: Hello! This is Melvin. Have there been any calls for me?. 96

Uncountable Joys of Reading Adeel Shah 8-A

When the mind is trained and channelled, it begins to pay more attention. There is perhaps no greater avenue to learning than through reading. All people, great and small, have learned most things through reading than any other way. When we continue to read, we have the ability to expand our minds tremendously. We review the pages of knowledge left by those who came before us. We then begin to add to the knowledge as the cycle of humanity continues. The regular routine reading has positively changed the course of many peoples' lives. Reading can make one learn not only languages but cultures and rituals of civilizations by making an individual live in the past, present or future; of places he or she has never been to. It is like a manual to handle a device called life where there are so many possible situations and options and what counts there is 'The Experience'! Reading makes an individual benefit out of the worldly experiences of people and helps shape an intellect out of that learning, helps take decisions on occasions where one has to be in the same shoes as that of any other individual already been there. One of the other main benefits of reading is that it exercises your mind. Your mind begins to bend and flex. The regular routine ensures that the reading muscle stays in good shape as well as the mind. Just like physical exercise, there has to be a determination to make reading a part of your life. If you understand the many benefits of reading, you will have no trouble adopting a regular habit of reading. Last but not the least when you are faced with some of life's difficult and challenging assignments, you will have the ability to stay calm and objectively look at the problem because of the insight that reading has given you.

No, my soul is not asleep. It is awake, wide awake. It neither sleeps nor dreams, but watches, its eyes wide open far off things, and listens at the shores of the great silence. - Antonio Machado

You Make Me Forget Everything! Furqan Ali 9-CA

“Someone who will vote for the Pakistan people's party again will be an idiot”, said my father in Urdu mixed with a little Punjabi. Whenever Pakistani's are angry they mix Urdu with the local language. My father thought that this was an outrage, my grand father thought that this is a punishment for the muslims of today sent down by Allah and my grandmother thought that its USA and India conspiring against Pakistan. My hypocrite brother agreed to whatever they said although he had earphones on. It was 6 p.m already and there was no light, the mosque in the vicinity announced that electricity will be back on 12 a.m (midnight). Guess my mother and I were the only cool people in the house who had our brains in the right place and we thought with logic. What has USA to do with us having no electricity?. We tried to start our UPS but I think it had broken down. No electricity for 8 hours already! It was as if I was stuck in an urn of misery. My grandfather was furious, his blood pressure went high. My phone battery went dead and then I was a slacker and looked like a nerdy Hilly Billy with all my trammelled hair and sweating body. I had a date next day, what if electricity did not return by the next day. Would be damned and I would miss the shot to get the most popular girl in school because of President Zardari. The adults spent rest of the day talking about upcoming elections and I played playstation until its battery said goodbye. I felt like tearing the world apart! Then I decided to catch up with chemistry and physics, all my sweat started dripping on my notes and books. My father had once told me to hit the books because they don't hit back. 15 minutes to go and we were all waiting anxiously for the AC to go beep and the fan to move. Countdown was initiated but it did not end well as the light came back five minutes past twelve. A lightning of happiness struck us. I thought I could never be this joyful ever in my life. My brother jumped on the sofa to get his face in front of the AC and I stood in front of the fan, forgetting the rest of the world. I was happier than ever. I even forgot …… guess what ? Yeah! You are right. The GIRL!

We learn wisdom from failure much more than from success. We often discover what will do by finding out what will not do. And probably he who never made a mistake never made a discovery. ~ Samuel Smiles ~

The story of “The Pencil” Sana Saleem Agha

A boy was watching his grandmother write a letter. At one point, he asked: “Are you writing a story about what we've done? Is it a story about me?” His grandmother stopped writing her letter and said to her grandson, “I am writing about you, actually, but more important than the words, is the pencil I'm using. I hope you will be like this pencil when you grow up.” Intrigued, the boy looked up at the pencil. It didn't seem very special. “But it's just like any other pencil I've ever seen”, said the boy. “That depends on how much you look at things.” said the grandmother. “It has five qualities which, if you manage to hang on to them, will make you a person who is always at peace with the world.” “First quality: You are capable of great things, but you must never forget that there is a hand guiding your steps. We call that hand Allah, and HE always guides us according to His will.” “Second quality: Now and then, I have to stop writing and use a sharpener. That makes the pencil suffer a little, but afterwards it is much sharper. So you, too, must learn to bear certain pains and sorrows, because they will make you a better person.” “Third quality: The pencil always allows us to use an eraser to rub out any mistakes. This means that correcting something we did is not necessarily a bad thing, it helps to keep us on the road to justice.” “Fourth quality:What really matters in a pencil is not its wooden exterior, but the graphite inside. So always pay attention to what is happening inside you.” “Finally the pencil's fifth quality:It always leaves a mark. In just the same way, you should know that everything you do in life will leave a mark, so try to be conscious of your every action.”

Two employers were talking. Said one: I fear that young man I employed last week as a cashier is dishonest. Oh, replied the other, you shouldn't judge by appearances. I'm not. I'm judging by disappearances!

Give it a thought Usman Amjad XI C B

The next time you are washing your hands and complain because the water temperature isn't just how you like it, think about how things used to be. Here are some facts about the 1500's: Carrying a bouquet on a Wedding: Most people got married in June, because they took their yearly bath in May and still smelled pretty good by June. However, they were starting to smell, so brides carried a bouquet of flowers to hide the body odour. Hence the custom today of carrying a bouquet when getting married. "Don't throw the baby out with the bath water." Baths consisted of a big tub filled with hot water. The man of the house had the privilege of the nice clean water, then all the other sons and men, then the women and finally the children! Last of all the babies. By then the water was so dirty you could actually lose someone in it. Hence the saying, "Don't throw the baby out with the bath water." "It's raining cats and dogs." Houses had thatched roofs-thick straw-piled high, with no wood underneath. It was the only place for animals to get warm, so all the cats and other small animals (mice, bugs) lived in the roof. When it rained it became slippery and sometimes the animals would slip off the roof. Hence the saying "It's raining cats and dogs." How canopy beds came into existence There was nothing to stop things from falling into the house. This posed a real problem in the bedroom where bugs and other droppings could mess up your nice clean bed. Hence, a bed with big posts and a sheet hung over the top afforded some protection. That's how canopy beds came into existence. "Dirt poor." and â&#x20AC;&#x153;Thresh holdâ&#x20AC;? The floors were all of mud and dirt. Only the wealthy had something other than dirt. Hence the saying "dirt poor." The wealthy had slate floors that would get slippery in the winter when wet, so they spread thresh (straw) on floor to help keep their footing. As the winter wore on, they added more thresh until when you opened the door it would all start slipping outside. A piece of wood was placed in the entranceway. Hence the saying a "thresh hold." Getting quite an education, aren't you???? "Upper Crust." Bread was divided according to status. Workers got the burnt bottom of the loaf, the family got the middle, and guests got the top, or "upper crust." And that's the truth.... Now, whoever said that History was boring!!!

100

Surveys

Give every man thy ear, but few thy voice. â&#x20AC;&#x201D; William Shakespeare

'A Tap at the Principal's Desk' We, the student Editors Footprints 2012 , wanted to get a glimpse of the dynamic and chrismatic personality of Ms. Firdaus Al-Makky - the Principal of BMTL , so we requested her to give us some time from her busy schedule and provide us with an insight of her life. We are thankful to her and are sharing with you some of her thought provoking beliefs and diverse experiences. 1.

Please tell us a little bit about yourself? (education, family etc.)

Ans.

I took my O-levels - we called it Senior Cambridge at that time - from Cathedral School, Lahore, and then went to Kinnaird College for further studies. Later I took my Masters in English Literature. I have lived mostly in Lahore and got married here too, then later as a family we shifted to Karachi and lived there for about 15 years. As a matter of fact, I have very fond memories of Karachi and love to visit there whenever given a chance, as I have lots of friends there. My husband was running the family printing business, which he later diversified to Karachi as well. He died very young, I lost him in 1994. I have two children, a daughter, with a CPA degree is a tax consultant and is busy managing her three offices in Chicago. My son did a major in finance from London School of Economics. He is holding a global position in Bank of America, and is posted in London since the last two years.

What were you like as a student? How were those times different from now?

Ans.

I was an average student. Those were times when students were moulded into all-rounders, we were encouraged to do everything. There were needle-work classes for the girls and art and craft classes for the boys. There was singing, swimming, art, debates and plays. There was an annual play at the end of each year. The Shakespearean play company would visit our school once a year too, and would perform for us in the school open-air theatre. Games were very important, we used to play Rounders, Netball, football and Cricket. A-levels, then called Higher Senior Cambridge ,was only at Aitchison College, so the few lucky boys who got admitted there could sit for it, otherwise we all joined FA at colleges like Kinnaird College, Lahore College for girls, and the boys went to Government College and Forman Christian College.

What does the word "success" mean to you?

Ans.

Success to me means to be able to do what you want to do. It means being determined and focused enough to get going with what you aim to do, and then achieving that aim.

101

What are the good points that you noticed in our branch?

Ans.

I have been very happy to see that the boys are loving and caring for each other. I see them helping and facilitating their friend who is on a wheelchair. I have noticed a great teamwork among the teachers here. They care and feel for their colleagues. I have never had anyone from the faculty come to me to complain about their colleagues, this is such a healthy atmosphere.

Do the students you see seem productive, engaged and happy?

Ans.

Yes, they are engaged and happy! At the Eid Milan party, some of the students were very much involved and helped the teachers set up stalls, and some even managed the stalls they set up themselves. It was a lot of work but they did a good job. There is one thing which is worrying though and that is the noise level. Everyone talks very loud - as if each single child wants all the attention, just for himself. However, the good thing is that with continuous counseling this is now toning down more than a notch or two !

What are the last three books you have read?

Ans.

I love to read books, and when on holiday, if I have a good book I do not leave it till I have finished reading it from cover to cover. I just finished reading "Pakistan" written by Imran Khan. I read "The geometry of God", and "The story of the Noble Rot", both written by a young Pakistani author, Uzma Aslam Khan. Her books have been acclaimed world-wide.

What are your plans for the Model Town Chapter?

Ans.

The plan is to turn the chapter round to the level of our other BSS campuses, i.e. Liberty Campus, Defence Campus and so on. With the help of the School Group Office, we are trying to turn this chapter into a model place. The computer labs will be updated and the science labs will be turned into state of the art well equipped labs. We have begun the process of change and hopefully the plan is to bring a significant difference by the year-end.

102

Fun Things that our Teachers should do (No personal offense pl.) This is a list of things teachers can do for fun in class. 1. Gradually speak softer and softer and then suddenly point to a student and scream "YOU! WHAT DID I JUST SAY?" 2. Deliver your lecture through a hand puppet. If a student asks you a question directly, say in a high-pitched voice, "The teacher can't hear you; talk to the handâ&#x20AC;Ś" 3. If someone asks a silly question, walk silently over to their seat, hand them your marker, and ask, "Would YOU like to give the lecture, Mr. Over smart?" 4. Stop in mid-lecture, frown for a moment, and then ask the class what are they having for lunch today? 5. Start singing a song in the middle of the lesson.

Sir Shoaib

Sir Fahad

Ms Nasreen

Sir Bilal Sir Almas

6. Wear mirrored sunglasses and speak only. Ignore all questions. 7. Start the lecture by dancing and lip-syncing.

Ms Humaira Sir Adil

8. Have one of your students sprinkle flower petals ahead of you as you pace back and forth.

Ms Sumaira

9. Address students as "Bookworms."

Ms Beenish

10. Announce to students that their entire grades will be based on a single test. Imply that this could happen at any moment.

Ms Sana

11. Point the overhead projector at the class. Demand each student's name and computer I.D.

Ms Hina

12. Every so often, freeze in mid sentence and stare off into space for several minutes. After a long, awkward silence, resume your sentence and proceed normally. 13. Wear a "virtual reality" helmet and strange gloves. When someone asks a question, turn in their direction and make throttling motions with your hands.

Sir Sohail

Sir Aziz

103

14. Yell constantly and address students as "noisy."

Ms Shaista

15. Devote your math lecture to chit chat about their favorite numbers and ask students to "sit back and have fun."

Sir Zahid

16. Bring a skeleton to class and announce that it will be the teaching assistant for the term.

Ms Saima Kazmi

17. Sprint from the room in a panic if you hear drill sirens.

Ms Aisha Nasir

18. Announce that you need to deliver two lectures that day, and deliver them in rapid-fire style. 19. Announce that the entire volume of Oxford Dictionary will be required for reading in class.

Ms Safoora

Ms Fatima Noreen

20. Sneeze in the front of the students and advise the students to keep tissue papers.

Sir Adnan

21. Refer frequently to students who slept while taking her class.

Ms Iffat

22. Show up to lecture in a ventilated clean suit. Advise students to keep their distance for their own safety.

Sir Amir

Often people attempt to live their lives backwards. They try to have more things, or more money, in order to do more of what they want so they will be happier. The way it actually works is the reverse. You must first be who you really are, then do what you need to do, in order to have what you want.

~ Margaret Young ~

104

Chinese Whisper !!! (Teachers' Survey)

1. If you could say one thing to the troublemakers of all classes what would it be? ? ? Baaz aa jao warna maine school choorr dena hai

Ms Sumaira Sir Aziz Ms Saima Ali Sir Amir Raza Ms Safura Sir Fahad Ms Ayesha Khan Ms Saima Kazmi

? ? Un ko kuch nahi kaha ja sakta…. ? ? May Allah show them the righteous path ? ? Be disciplined ? ? Keep Quiet, lower your voice ? ? Behave Bacha ? ? You will also be a grown up one day ? ? Don't forget you will have kids one day

2. Do you have any favorite quote, dialogue from a movie, lyrics from a song or any poem if so would you tell us how it goes. ? ? Logon ke kandhe par to janaze jate hain…zindagi to

apne kandhon pe guzari jati hai ? ? Look busy do nothing ? ? Love conquers all (Objection my lord) :D ? ? Phokat main kuch nahin milnay wala ? ? Khudi ko kar buland itna ? ? Just Chill ? ? Time flies when youre having fun

Sir Adnan Ms Safura Saeed Ms Sumaira Sir Bilal Sir Amir Ms Safura Saeed Ms Sana

3. Views on co-education. ? ? Best thing that ever happened to the education system ? It's easier to teach the BOYS in co-ed class ? ? Co-education teaches us a lot of things that life can't ? ? Enhances confidence and better to start from early age ? ? Good but should be introduced from early years not afterwards ? ? Be positive

Ms Fatima Ms Saima Ms Sana Ms Safura Sir Fahad Sir Amir}

? ? Acceptable. Maybe the students would be more gentleman like

in the presence of young ladies ? ? It is good but……

Ms Ayesha Khan Ms Shaista

4. If you were the Principal / Madam what change would you bring? ? ? Encouraging students to participate in events (sir ji please be humorous) Sir sohail ? ? Evaluation of branch

Sir Amir Ms Safura Sir Fahad Ms Ayesha Nasir Sir Majid Ms Saima Kazmi

? ? I am happy with my position ? ? Ha Ha Ha… ? ? I am ok with my designation ? ? Co-education ? ? Noise level has to be brought down

105

5. Which place do you like best to relax at the school? ? ? REST IN SCHOOL???!!!!! No such place

(Unanymous opinion)

6. Pass time during a free period? ? ? Reading books…

Ms Almakky Sir Fahad Ms Sana Sir Amir Ms Ayesha Nasir Ms Safura Ms Ayesha Khan Sir Zahid Sir Sher Afzal

? ? Chat with colleagues…. ? ? Texting on my cell … ? ? Searching for biological topics on google ? ? A cup of Tea ? ? Chit chat with friends ? ? Talking to colleagues with a hot cup of tea ? ? Library …..(sir gee which library????) ? ? Have a cup of tea

7. People who inspire you. ? ? Hardworking

Sir Aziz Ms Sana Ms Saima Ali Mr Bilal Ms Fatima Ms Shaista Ms Ayesha Khan Sir Majid Ms Ayesha Nasir Ms Saima Kazmi Sir Fahad

? ? Honest, self made, respectful ? ? One who loves books ? ? People having a positive approach ? ? People having Artificial Intelligence :D ? ? Simple. Friendly, loving and caring ? ? Our hard working lower class ? ? Social workers like Edhi ? ? My hard working seniors ? ? Every kind human being ? All people around me especially my students

8. Do you have any hobbies? ? ? Swimming ? ? Love animals….(sir ji jan deo saadi wari aan deo)… ? ? Book reading ? ? Watching movies ? ? Watching masala TV ? ? Reading books, watching movies

Sir Aziz Sir Bilal Ms Saima Ali Ms Sana Saleem Ms Fatima Noureen Ms Saima Kazmi

9. What were you like as a teenage student? ? ? Like most of you!!!

Ms Saima Kazmi Sir Fahad Sir Majid Ms Shaista Jaffery Ms Sana

? ? Ha Ha Ha… leave it ? ? Enthusiastic ? ? A quiet girl ? ? Studious, mischievous and fun loving

106

10. How do you feel on Sundays knowing you have to go to school tomorrow? ? ? I hate Sunday evenings…..

Ms Ayesha Khan Ms Saima Kazmi Sir Fahad Ms Safura Sir Zahid

? ? Blue ? ? Ha ha ha… like everyone else ? ? Numb ? ? Horrible

11. Favorite segment in the magazine (Footprints) ? ? Jokes

Ms Ayesha Nasir Sir Majid Ms Shaista Ms Ayesha Khan Ms Saima Kazim Sir Fahad Ms Sana

? ? Jokes ? ? Poems ? ? Surveys and Riddles ? ? Stories ? ? My pictures ? ? Funny stuff

12. Do you miss anything form your school days? Would you like to be a student again in that time? ? ? I miss the less responsibilities and being carefree, taking everything

lightly unaware of the harsh facts of life… ? ? My friends and teachers ? ? I miss my freedom as a student and I would love to be a student again ? ? Friends, discipline and books….nope ? ? My teachers ? ? I am still a student of life

Ms Sana Ms Safura Ms Ayesha Nasir Ms Ayesha Khan Ms Saima Kazmi Sir Fahad

13. Any inspirational words for students ? ? Speak less think more…

Ms Almakky Ms Sana Sir Sher Afzal Sir Zahid Sir Fahad Ms Safura Ms Saima Kazmi Ms Ayesha Khan Ms Shaista Ms Ayesha Nasir

? ? Enjoy it while it lasts…. ? ? Time is precious ? ? All is well ? ? Never give up!!! ? ? A brother is gold but a friend is a diamond ? ? No use you will never listen ? ? You people render us speechless ? ? Respect others and be respected ? ? Enter to learn, leave to serve

107

You, I and Our BMTL (Students' Survey)

1. Describe your class in one word. ?

Genius fun lovers

Little hooligons

Cheezy

10CA

Lazy

Hell

Waihshy

11CC

Unity

11C

Fish market

11CA

2. Teacher's Kay takia kalam or any common taunt . ?

sshhhhhhaaaaaaaaaarrrrrmmmm

Sir shoaib

Movie week is on next week

Miss Beenish

izz it

Sir Amir

bbaaaaaaaaccccchaaaaaa……Bari simple se baat hai

Sir Fahad

janabee aalaa

Miss Tahira

Means to say

Miss Ayesha

Take pity on me; very sad on your part!!

Miss Fatima

3. If you could eradicate anything from the school or syllabus what would it be? ?

Male teachers

11CA

Umm...., Maths, Science, all subjects

11CB

Paperzz

11CC

Cameras

4. If you were the Principal you would….? ?

Finish studies

Make school a chilling place

Bring back the girls

10s,11s

Build a swimming pool

Put cameras outside the washroom

Make mini picture house in school (Cinema)

5. If you could have any power, what would it be and how it would help you at school? ?

Reading minds during exam

X ray vision

Invisibility

Laser beam to destroy the bullies

11CB

108

Power to go back into the past

Fly to leave the school unnoticed

10CA

Teleportation hahaha…….to girls branch here we come

10CA

6. School should allow you to…? ?

Bring mobiles

9CC

Hire teachers

10 M

Bunk classes

11s

Enjoy full time

Keep long hair

11s

Meet girlfriends

11s

Café

11s

Break rules

10s

Colored clothes

Use facebook

Roam around

all

7. If time stops for an hour and you are at school what would you do? ?

Dance

Long line, washrooms

Fanta ka signal loud bunking is aloud

Lock the teachers in staffroom

WaiTTTTTTTTT

Use faceboook

8. You bunk class and teacher finds out. Your excuse? ?

Went for trials

9CC

I can't tell you or everyone will know :P

10CA

Miss paite main Dard ho rahi hai

Miss ne bulaya tha

Loose motions

11CC

9. Most secure place in school? ?

Bathroom

Library, Sports room

Bathroom

11CC

Art room

11CC

109

10. The school desperately needsâ&#x20AC;Ś ?

Co education

11C

Co education

11. If you could make any club in school what would it be? ?

Art club

Disco club

Dancing club

Fight club

10CA

12. If you would introduce any new subject to the curriculum what would it be? ?

Wall climbing

Entertainment

Karate

Cooking

10CA

13. If you would exchange life with anyone who would it be and why? ?

(With principal) to understand how to run schools

8D, 8B

(Sir Shoaib) so that I can scold children

(Bill gates) he is rich

(Katrina Kaif) yaaar you know!

10CA

James, electrician of school

11CA

I won't!!! Its very precious

11CB

14. If you met a genie, what 3 wishes will you want granted? ?

No PTM, 7 art lessons, one working day school in a week

Money, knowledge, power

110

Strange facts Shayan Faisal 7 Orange

1. The word UNDERGROUND is the only word in the English language that begins and ends with “UND”

2. The most popular first name in the world is Muhammad.

3. Your body is creating and killing 15 million red blood cells per second.

4. When glass breaks, the cracks move faster than 3000 miles per hour.

5. Forest fires move faster uphill than downhill.

6. Camels have 3 eyelids to protect themselves from blowing sand.

7. An average person has 1460 dreams in a year.

8. Thomas Edison, light bulb inventor, was afraid of the dark.

9. You are born with 300 bones, but when you get to be an adult, you only have 206.

10. Human thigh bones are stronger than concrete.

11. Dolphins sleep with one eye open.

12. A sneeze travels out of your mouth at over 100 miles per hour.

13. A jelly fish is 95% water.

14. Finger nails grow 4 times faster than toe nails.

15. The most used English alphabet is “E” and “Q” is the least used letter.

111

112

Art Gallery

Usman Butt 7 G

Mh. Furqan 8 D

Huzaifa, Danish 8 O

Jamal Shah 6 P

Mahad Sheikh 7 P

Hammad Imran 8 B 113

Art Gallery

114

Mh Fakhar 6 P

Mh Fakhir 6 P

Jamal Shah 6 P

Mh Bin Salman 6 P

Sher Afghan 6 B

Hamza Haneef 7 O

Huzaifa Sohail 8 B

Ali Manzoor 7 O

Adeel Shah 8 A

Art Gallery

Group Work

Abu Bkar 8 A

Talha Ashraf 6 B

Ubaidullah 6 B

Zain Raza 8 D

Huzaifa Wajih 7 B

Mh Fakhir 6 P

Ahmed Faraz 8 C

115

Art Gallery

116

Abdul Waheed 7 B

Fakhir 6 P

Sher Afghan 6 B

Mahad Sheikh 7 P

Moiz Malik 6 G

Sherafgan 6 B

Hamza Asif 6 B

Jamal Shah 6 B

Jazib Imran 11 CA

Bonfire