Facebook waste of time, says matric topper

As Kashmir students increasingly drive to social networking Fiza Farooq, third position holder in Class 10th from Prime Public School while sharing some lighter moments with Muhammad Kamran Shamshad says ‘Facebook is a wastage of time’.

How do you feel securing third rank in matriculation?
I am in a state of bliss right now. I was extremely overwhelmed when I heard that I have secured third position in the Valley. Though I was expecting any of the first five positions, but was sure of getting fourth or fifth. So when I heard I have secured the third position, it felt like a pleasant surprise and beyond words.
To whom do you attribute your success?
First of all, it is by the grace of Almighty Allah and then it is definitely my parents and maternal and paternal relatives who encouraged me at all levels and prayed for my success all the time. At the same time, I cannot forget the efforts of my teachers who helped me to materialize my dream.
Do you believe in luck? Do you think luck has got a role to play in your success?
No. I think its dedication plus hard work. And I would say, it is 99 per cent dedication and only one per cent hard work.
What was your studying schedule?
Initially, it was six hours but later, in the last two months, I stretched it to 10 hours a day. But I make sure that I get 6-hour sleep daily.
Tell us briefly about how you used to spend your day?
I would start my day by offering morning prayers. As mind is fresh at that hour, I recapitulated previous day’s work and then go for the tuition and school respectively. After coming back, I would take rest exactly for an hour. In that hour, I would do some painting, watch cricket even if it is a repeat telecast. And then go back to studies only to get up to offer Nimaz, have snacks and dinner.
What is your ambition in life?
I want to become a gynecologist so that I contribute towards the welfare of females of our society.
Is it your own choice or you want to take up medical profession just because your parents want it?
No. it is categorically my own choice. My family especially my maternal uncles encourage me to do whatever I aspire to be and not to do anything which I don’t want. Also, I don’t think that I can do justice with anything I don’t want to do.
So tell us something about your family background?
I belong to a middle class family. My parents work in the department of Health.
Do you have any role model in life?
Yes. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is my role model. He stressed on the importance of education that is beneficial for this world as well as the world hereafter. The first verse revealed to Him was “Iqra” which means “read.” And He (PBUH) gave us moral education which we see lacking in today’s world.
How do you view the education system in the Valley?
I don’t see any problem with the education system. When students get below average marks, they start blaming the system. It actually depends on how dedicated you are.
Did you go for private tuition?
Yes I used to go to private tuition. And that helped me to some extent. Private tuition, along with my school, definitely contributed towards my success.
Since you were already enrolled in a private school, why did you feel the need to go to private tuition?
Since there is so much competition around, you have to be many steps ahead of your batchmates. So both private schools and private tuition together help you to be the best.
Had you been studying in a government school, do you think you would have secured the same rank?
Of course I would have secured the same rank. In my opinion, it hardly matters where you study. The only thing is how dedicated and hard working you are.
Which school do you want to join now?
I would like to join a government school and prove my mettle there also.
What are your extra-curricular activities?
I like contemporary painting and watching cricket which helps me to take some respite from my long studying schedule.
Do you have a personal mobile and Facebook account?
No I don’t have any of the two. As of now, I don’t need any mobile phone. And about the Facebook, I think it is nothing but a wastage of time.
What else do you read other than your academic books?
I read newspapers and magazines to keep myself updated.
What message would you like to give to youngsters?
I would like to tell them to put their best efforts into academics and be committed to their studies. And for those who scored less in examination, I want to tell them nothing is impossible, you can reach the sky by dint of grit and determination.
–KDNN