As Kashmir students increasingly turn 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 waste of time’.
How do you feel about securing third rank in matriculation?
I am in a state of bliss right now. I was extremely overwhelmed when I heard that I had secured third position in the Valley. Though I was expecting one of the first five positions, I was sure of getting fourth or fifth. So when I heard I had 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 materialise my dream.
Do you believe in luck? Do you think luck has got a role to play in your success?
No. I think it’s 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 my mind is fresh at that hour, I recapitulate the previous day’s work and then go to tuition and school, respectively. After coming back, I would take a rest for exactly 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 have dinner.
What is your ambition in life?
I want to become a gynaecologist so that I contribute towards the welfare of females in our society.
Is it your own choice or do you want to take up the 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 to 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 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 hardworking 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 either of the two. As of now, I don’t need a mobile phone. And about Facebook, I think it is nothing but a waste 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 the examination, I want to tell them that nothing is impossible; you can reach the sky by dint of grit and determination. –KDNN
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