IS TEACHERS DAY REALLY HONOUR OUR TEACHERS?

My thoughts on this Teacher's Day:

For some time now I have hesitated in updating my employment status. I have worked with university students previously but this year i decided to work in a school. I currently work as a reading specialist at an IB school. I am shocked (read: disappointed) at the comments of so many people around me about my new job. Comments like "you just did your masters, why are you working in a school?" Or "Why don't you join a real organization?" What I fail to understand is...why should I not be entrusted with the future brains of my country after I have a masters degree in hand? Should i have been less educated to teach your children?

Parents in Pakistan want the best education for their children, they want the best teachers, they will go to great lengths to educate their children and bear an immense financial burden-a nation obsessed with grades- but when you tell someone you are a teacher, they are not impressed...what is this hypocrisy? And what exactly is a "real" job? What is more real than educating a child? What is more real than helping a child learn as he/she struggles with learning something that we all now take for granted? There was a time you couldn't say "cat"...someone taught you that...someone literally broke it down for you into "k" "a" "t" .

Pakistanis are very quick to say that education is one of the biggest problems facing this country yet teaching doesn't get the respect it deserves. Teaching is exhausting- one is constantly giving and adjusting to the diverse needs of every single child and then they say "you are just a teacher?"

Teaching is not about going into a room and delivering a lesson- its about relationships- everyone we know has been impacted by a teacher in one way or the other. Yes, we all may have had that one horrible teacher but there's good and bad people in every profession.

When I was a grad student in Chicago, my dorm was next to a school, I passed by it every day for my daily walk to class- I was amazed to see benches and trees planted in honor of teachers' service..."this bench is dedicated to etc etc for her 10 years of service at etc etc school ". I cannot think of a more beautiful gesture.

The education system needs serious reform and we all need to come together on this in the best way we can. There is a lot of talk of "alternative education" which caters to the creative side of every child- why is this "alternative"? This should be mainstream education and then we wouldn't need an alternative! Given the right environment every child can thrive and excel and teachers are essential for this process.

Teaching and teachers need to get the respect they deserve or more people will join "real" organizations, leaving behind the not so educated to teach our country's future.

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THIS UNIVERSITY IS GOING TOO FAR WITH IT'S UNJUSTIFIABLE AND INCREASING FINES ON STUDENTS

Your university, by all the definitions in the world, is not a university. You, by all the definitions in the world, are not treated as students. You are not treated fairly, and that should be enough to shake your conscience. But I don't think you even possess a conscience. Your conscience comes alive when your university only wants it to, as we all saw recently when the parking was seized. Your conscience was never nudged before, not even slightly. Your conscience is never nudged when there is a fee hike, or when administration shuts you down vehemently.

So, the thing is that degree of oppression has reached its pinnacle. Now is the time for you to raise your voice. Do something. Do anything. Challenge them. Resist them. Show a symbolic fight. Change things. Change things because time or system or any help from any other side won't change it for you.

University is changing your course timings, without even consulting you. Because lets get one thing straight: you are not important enough to be consulted for things that directly affect you. Students are the last thing this university will ever think about, unless you do something to change it, but would that ever happen? Are you even willing to resist the draconian administration? Your course timings might not have been changed, but there'd be someone in the university in his last or second last semester, and there'd be conflict in course timings, so their degree will be delayed. And then there be someone else. So on and so forth. Ad nauseam!

Parking should not have been seized. It was a bad thing. But why university was even expecting us to protest? There's a perpetually shrinking space for dissent. There's no protest culture, no student activism, no student body. Nothing! So, where exactly are we studying. What exactly are you willing to do? What exactly are you even afraid of? Stand with the oppressor or stand with the oppressed. Don't stand in between. Don't stand with both of them. Do something for heavens sake.

By love serve one another, they say. What an ironic motto. The only apt words that should replace the current motto should be taken from Dante's inferno. The hell gate on Ferozepur road should read as “Abandon all hope ye who enter here.” This will go on. If you are not affected now, someday you might be. This is not about you and me. This is about current and upcoming students, and it's about their future. More importantly, it is just wrong. This is about time you force them to revisit their regimented modus operandi.

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THE GIRL WHO'S BREAKING THE INTERNET BY TOPPING IN CSS EXAM

Dr. Rabia Riasat
13th overall Pakistan in CSS
4th in girls
DMG/PAS (Pakistan Administrative Group)
41st common

Since childhood my parents have been inculcating this thought into my mind that I have to become a doctor when I grow up. It was not only their wish, it was my dream as well. Aiming for that white coat, I started my journey. By the grace of Allah I have been an achiever, I secured 3rd position in matric in Lahore Board over all Punjab and went to Kinnaird College, Lahore on Scholarship for FSc pre-med. Then I entered my dream institution, AIMC.

Allah has always been kind. I graduated with distinction. I still miss those mesmerizing 5 years at AIMC. This institution has been the pillar of success in my life. During house-job I decided to go through CSS. I prepared and took the exam and by grace of Almighty I stood 13th all over Pakistan and 4th among girls. I was allocated the PAS group and currently I'm working as Assistant Commissioner.

The one incident that made me take this 180 degree turn from medical profession to CSS was when I had to visit office of secretary health with my other fellow doctors for some issue. We were treated like we are nothing and we were made to sit outside his office on a wooden bench which was under the sun and had no shelter for 4 hours. After a cumbersome wait of 4 hours we were told that secretary sahab is busy and he cannot meet us as he had to go to some official lunch and we were told to come some other day. At that day I realized the culture of our country. No one pays respect to doctors who give away their own lives for saving others but all salutes are for the power corridors consisting of big bureaucrats and politicians. At that day I decides that "if I cannot beat them I will join them" and when I will reach this place no doctor would have to sit outside my office and would face humiliation and I will try to revive the respect and position of doctors as much as I can.

Civil service is a life changing experience. PAS is the prestigious and elite group of the Pakistan Bureaucracy and Allah has been kind enough to make me join this group. I have been given many chances to serve the ailing humanity.
But I still miss the white coat and guess what I just gave the march PLAB and cleared it as well. I hope Allah will help me in balancing both the fields.

Civil service and medicine both professions are near to my heart . Can't think of choosing one and leaving other.

Rabia Riasat
Allama Iqbal Medical College

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WANT TO STUDY IN ICELAND ? HERE'S A COMPLETE GUIDE FOR YOU.

A Complete Guideline to Study in Iceland for Pakistani students

INTRODUCTION TO ICELAND
The land of fire and ice, it is said for Iceland, due to its glaciers and volcanoes. Iceland has lot natural features which make it different from other world. Iceland is not as cold as its name, actually its weather is warmer than its neighbors countries like Norway and Sweden. It is situated in north west of Europe.
If you want to spend your holidays in some warm place then spring of Iceland is good place. Don’t confuse from its name, this land of ice is famous for its hot springs, in springs temperature in Iceland is very pleasant.
Iceland is also famous for fishing industry. Iceland is becoming popular among tourists for due to its natural sconces, rich culture and beautiful cities. The capital city of Iceland is Reykjavik, it is one of the beautiful cities of Europe, beautiful buildings, cultural events and attractive nightlife. Once again it has pleasant temperature, weather of Reykjavik is pleasant, in summer maximum temperature is 35C and minimum temperature is 0C, look it is not cold as its name “Iceland”.
Another attraction for tourist is its daylight in summer. Normally in middle of summer there is continuous daylight in Iceland and in middle of winter there is no daylight for months. People of other countries enjoy this different experience in Iceland. Due to volcanoes and glaciers most of Iceland’s population lives around seaside, especially in Reykjavik which is most populated city of Iceland.

LANGUAGES IN ICELAND:
Icelandic is the official language of Iceland, most of its population speaks Icelandic. Along with Icelandic lot of people speaks Danish and English. Danish and English languages are taught as compulsory subject in Iceland schools. In the universities of Iceland most of under-graduate study programs are educated in Icelandic. But in some universities like The University of Iceland, Reykjavik University and the University of Akureyri offer post graduate programs in English language also.

THINGS TO DO IN ICELAND, INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS ATTRACTION:
The life in capital Reykjavik is full of fun. Capital city represents the rich culture of Iceland. Apart from cultural events the bars, clubs, restaurants, theaters, cafés, galleries, parks and lot more things to do are available in the capital city of Iceland.
Other cities of Iceland are not much crowded, the second populated city Akureyri is consist of only 20000 people. You can say that there are not many activities outside capital city Reykjavik. But if you are keen to outdoor activities then Iceland is an ideal place for you. You can enjoy glacier trekking, diving, snowmobiling, horse riding, fishing and whale watching or just relax in naturally heated pools in Iceland. Apart from these activities the best view of stunning Northern Lights can be enjoyed in Iceland.

EDUCATION SYSTEM IN ICELAND:
ASSESSMENT:
Practical, oral and or written test system is used to assess the students at the end of each semester. Normally teachers of similar university are responsible to assess the students under the law of examination of higher education of Iceland. Sometimes teachers of other universities assess the students. If a student fails to get sufficient marks to pass some subject, he is allowed to re sit in exams once. If in one re sit student cannot take passing marks then dispensation is given for further re sit in some cases.

GRADING SYSTEM OF ICELAND:
After assessment students are granted grades according to their performance in exams. Grades are given between 0 to 10. Minimum 5 grades are required to pass the exams. Some institutes accept average 5 grades to pass complete examination (e.g. total of grades divided by total subject = 5 grades), but most of the higher education institutes required minimum 5 grades in each subject. If a student fails to get minimum 5 grades in some subject he is allowed to re-attempt for one more time. In average grades system below 5 grades subject is not calculated.

CREDITS:
European Credit Transfer System (ESTS) is using by Iceland universities like other Europe countries. A semester is consisting of 30 credits and a year consists of 60 credits. Each subject has its own credit and combination of chosen subject should be 30 for semester or 60 for annual system.

SYSTEM OF STUDY:
The students who have successfully completed 180 credits to 240 credits means three to four years of studies are awarded Bachelor’s Degree (B.A, B.Sc., B.Ed., B.COM etc.). In Iceland bachelor’s degree is not sufficient to start work professionally except B.S Nursing. After completing bachelor’s Degree students are advised to continue to Master’s Degree Program. After completion of Master’s Degree students are allowed to join labor market.
Master’s Degree is consisting of two years. Completing Master’s Degree needs a solid research work and impressive thesis. After completion of Master’s Degree student can take admission for Doctoral Degree PhD. Following universities are offering admission in Doctoral Degree Program:

The University of Iceland.
Reykjavik University.
The Agriculture University of Iceland.
Doctoral degree required an impressive thesis, students are required to defend their thesis at allowed forums.

ACADEMIC YEAR:
Normally in higher education institutions of Iceland academic year starts from September and ends in May. Academic year is divided into two semesters, one is fall semester and other is spring semester. Fall semester starts from September and ends in December. Spring semester starts from January and ends in May.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS FOR HIGHER EDUCATION/FOR PAKISTANI STUDENTS:
Enrolling in higher education, students are required to Intermediate certificate/ Higher Secondary School leaving certificate + 1 year university education. Apart from it, universities and colleges are allowed to set their own rule for admission of students by higher education act of Iceland. Higher eructation institutions can assess the students according to their own rules at the time of giving admission. It makes the quality better of the higher education in Iceland.
Enrolling in master’s degree programs, students are required to complete their Bachelor’s Degree in required grades of university. And to enroll in Doctoral study program master’s degree is required with good research work and impressive thesis.
Above admission requirements are general requirements. However different universities and colleges can ask some more information or additional qualification for some specific study programs. You should check the university’s official website to check the correct information for admission.

FREE EDUCATION IN GOVERNMENT UNIVERSITIES:
There is free education in Iceland in public and state universities, only registration fee is charged from students, which is varying university to university. Normally state universities charged US $ 470 as registration fee. Private Universities charge tuition fee and registration fee. If you are Pakistani or non-EU student then mind it that private universities charge more fee than students of Europe and Iceland.

UNIVERSITIES OF ICELAND:
Iceland has seven Universities which have good ranking. Apart from these universities Iceland has some colleges too. Approximately 18000 students are enrolled in higher education system in Iceland. 5 percent of these students are international students. Some of international students are studying in Iceland’s universities as exchange students. If you want to avail exchange student facility then you should consult with your university’s international office to check your chances.

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR PAKISTANI/ INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS:
There are some scholarships awarded by government of Iceland for foreign students. Normally ministry of education, science and culture grants some scholarships for foreign students to study Iceland’s language, history and culture of Iceland. The scholarship holders take classes in University of Reykjavik. These scholarships are given to grow awareness about rich history, culture and Icelandic language in international students.

LIVING EXPENSES IN ICELAND:

Daily living expenses are much higher in Iceland than some of other European countries. Students are advised to keep US $ 980 per month to cover their accommodation, travelling, food, health insurance and some entertainment.

VISA REQUIREMENTS FOR PAKISTANI STUDENTS:
Pakistani students and other non-EU students are required to get visa from Iceland embassy to enter in Iceland. Students who have admission confirmation letter from university can apply for visa with some other necessary documents like identity documents and financial support (bank statement of guardian etc.). Full time students who have university’s confirmation are granted student residence permit easily after ordinary checking of documents financial support proof etc. Students are required to renew or extend their student residence permit before its expiry. Extension in visa required good grades and satisfactory performance in studies by students.

APPLICATION PROCESS FOR STUDENT RESIDENCE PERMIT FOR PAKISTANI STUDENTS:
A complete application takes approximately 90 days for processing. The days start from the submission of the documents. One must know about all the documents required by the embassy or consulate before submitting the visa application. Application with missing or less documents will take more processing time than 90 days, which may cause your study loss.

PROGRAMS TAUGHT IN ENGLISH/ STUDY OPPORTUNITY FOR PAKISTANI STUDENTS:
Please follow study in Iceland to find study programs taught in English.

PART TIME WORK IN ICELAND:
Iceland government believes in quality of education, that’s why they don’t allow their own national students to work before completing Bachelor Degree. They don’t want to divert the focus of students from studies to job. So in Iceland work on student resident permit is not allowed. One should apply for work permit from Directorate of Labor or the Icelandic Directorate of immigration for work permit, which can be given in specific cases where study needs this practical experience.
Wages are very high in Iceland, earning from part time job can support the students. Minimum wages is 1704 ISK per hour. However, average wages is 3187 ISK per hour and maximum wages is 4465 ISK.

Regards..

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AN OPEN LETTER TO ALL THE STUDENTS WHO THINK ABOUT LIFE AFTER GRADUATION

Studying in one of the most competitive institutions and among individuals aspiring for more than the usual goals that an average human being has, my definition of success and my goals in life have altered immensely over the two years that I have spent here in LUMS. From the very beginning, when I first got my toy stethoscope set in grade three, I wished to become a doctor. The wish slightly altered to become a dentist by the time my school came to an end, and now when I am about to step into the third year of my university, I happen to seek a future in business analytics.

The point I am trying to make here is that my dreams also point towards the ultimate goal of becoming a self-sustaining money machine and at times when I take a step back from this thought process, I realize that I have immensely narrowed my way of thinking. It is completely fine, in fact brilliant, to be focused on what one wants to achieve but there needs to be an addition of a few important things whilst this achievement takes place.

This incident might make what I am trying to say, a little more clear. A couple of people in my family went abroad in the past few years to complete their education saying that they would return after a certain period of time but we saw that there was no coming back. They settled there leaving their parents, who are living on medication back at home. There is no harm, in fact, it is important to equip oneself with good education and exposure but that education is (in my opinion) utterly useless when it doesn’t teach a person how to become a human being.

If in the twenty eight years of a person’s life where he/she learns the most and enlightens him/herself with a vast amount of knowledge; he/she is unable to discern how to balance his/her routine, how to respect relationships, how to divide time between each and every individual of one`s family and work, and make time for one`s own self-development, then life has been wasted and lost its purpose.

Realizing all these things makes me want to become an influencer. I want to leave an impact on the lives of people through the example of my life. I want to make people understand that they need to shut their laptop and phone screens, and sit with their families and children in a room and talk to them, ask them about not just their day but their life, how it has been in the past when they weren’t there for them to discuss their life goals, their new friends, their new crushes, their favourite songs, their recently watched television series and most importantly about their time with God.

I want to tell people to educate their families about the correct ways to connect to their Lord, to know that in the midst of their school, their friends, their phones, their Facebooks, their Instagrams and their summer goals, there is a Higher Power that needs to be connected with, before they return to Him without knowing Him and not knowing that they have responsibilities to fulfil towards Him and the people around them because otherwise the journey back to Him would not be a pleasant one and they’d certainly be left with their work laptop eulogizing them beside their coffins.

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A STUDENT OF PIEAS UNIVERSITY COMMITS SUICIDE !!

An engineering student was found dead in his hostel room in Islamabad on Monday in what police say is a suicide case.

Muhammad Hassan was a student of systems engineering at the government-run Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS) Nilore.

The police said the student had hanged himself from an iron rack fixed in the wall using a rope and the body appeared to be two or three days old.

The dorm room, where Hassan lived alone, was locked since Friday evening. On Monday, residents noticed a stench emanating from the room and informed the administration. When the door was opened, the student was found dead hanging inside, the police said.

Hassan, 27, belonged to Lahore. He had received a scholarship and was enrolled in the MS Systems Engineering programme at the PIEAS since November 2016.

Homicide investigation officers said they were probing into the case and trying to determine the reason behind the apparent suicide.

The student’s family in Lahore was informed about his death on Monday, while his autopsy is scheduled to take place at the Poly Clinic Hospital on Tuesday.

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