Who inspired you?

Who inspired you?

I was about 10 years old, studying at Beaconhouse School, Islamabad. Mrs.Shabnam Ashraf was my principal at that time. Her soft voice, her charismatic personality and the way she would discipline us in a subtle yet profound manner, would all leave me in awe of her! I still remember her emerald green saree she wore at the school’s annual day and how elegant she looked.

When I was leaving her branch to move on to the senior branch, I felt this sadness of saying goodbye to her. I was called to her office since I made her a good-bye card. When I entered her office, I had tears in my eyes. Mrs. Ashraf hugged me and made me feel very special.

To my surprise and good luck, I found out that she lived in the street next to ours. From then onwards I visited her frequently; Eid, her birthday, my birthday or just like that!

I was really impressed with her hard work and ambitions. I saw her making PSI from its inception to establishment. It was a delight watching her unique ideas becoming a reality! I remember making architectural designs of school buildings at the age of 13 or 14 years as I inspired to open up my own school one day just like Mrs. Ashraf!

She was always a shining star in the lives of her students!

I became busy with my children while Mrs. Ashraf moved to the Diplomatic Enclave and thus, we did not meet regularly. The last time I met her, it was Teacher’s Day about 8 years ago. She was so happy to see me! I was so overwhelmed by her warmth and love!

Today I am working at PSI and I am really enjoying it! Mrs. Ashraf’s influence, her personality and vision are still evident. Her daughter Ma’am Hadia and her team are doing a great job!

As a Character-Building teacher, I wish to help both students and teachers cope with everyday stressors positively. Life has become quite a roller coaster ride over the past few years. From Covid to political unrest and the advancements in the digital communication field, everything has made life very demanding. My goal is to equip   students with life skills. Furthermore, I want them to understand their teachers and respect them.

The west has a strong influence on our youth due to the internet. The teenager today has many wonderful aspirations and is very hyperactive. On the negative side, they are taking many things for granted and fail to enjoy the little things in life.

Character-Building covers numerous topics to enable students to understand life in a more practical manner and with gratitude. I have put my heart and soul into this subject and I have seen some great results!

I miss you Mrs. Ashraf and I hope I can meet your expectations!