I'm visiting some relatives from my dad's side in Houston, TX for my Christmas/New Year's break. Its the third city in U.S. that I have had the opportunity to visit (First two being San Francisco and Salt Lake City). Because of the big Pakistani community here, there's always something going on. The evening I got here ( Dec 17th) there was a mehindi (pre-wedding ceremony) we went to. It had been over 4 months since I had attended a wedding. Even though the event ended after mid-night, it was worth the delicious food. The next night, we went to the "real" wedding ceremony. It was nice to see people from previous night again and by now, I had made one friend. He introduced me to his other friends. They all seemed cool.
I still have another 2 weeks here till I head back to BYU. I hope this break stays awesome!
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Saturday, December 19, 2009
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Finals Week
Life has definitely been in the fast lane for the past couple of days. Spending all days on campus hasn't really been relaxing and it seems a well-deserved Christmas break is finally here. As I pull-off my first college all-nighter, I look back at this week. I'm so grateful for my scores.
Math 119 - 100% Perfect Score! I couldn't believe my eyes when I walked out of the testing center and saw my score at the monitor screen. There were 30 problems on the test and I had totally guessed on one of the problems and for some, I worked my way back to the question.
Religion C 100 - 91%. I'm definitely getting an A in that class. It had been one of the coolest of my classes this semester and I really enjoyed taking it.
American Heritage - I got a 77% which seems very low but the class average is in the mid sixties. So, according to the curve, I'm sort of looking at an A or A-. (Life's good)
I SYS 101 - The pass/fail class (haha). The final was actually kind of hard. I learnt the intricacies of PowerPoint
I hope the rest of my semesters continue going like this.
Math 119 - 100% Perfect Score! I couldn't believe my eyes when I walked out of the testing center and saw my score at the monitor screen. There were 30 problems on the test and I had totally guessed on one of the problems and for some, I worked my way back to the question.
Religion C 100 - 91%. I'm definitely getting an A in that class. It had been one of the coolest of my classes this semester and I really enjoyed taking it.
American Heritage - I got a 77% which seems very low but the class average is in the mid sixties. So, according to the curve, I'm sort of looking at an A or A-. (Life's good)
I SYS 101 - The pass/fail class (haha). The final was actually kind of hard. I learnt the intricacies of PowerPoint
I hope the rest of my semesters continue going like this.
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Best Lecture on Campus
If you have a good understanding of basic economic principles, there is a lecture that you HAVE to attend. Prof. Jim Kearl is a graduate of Utah State University and holds a PhD from MIT. He pursued postgraduate work at Harvard and joined the BYU Economics Department in 1975. Following an appointment as a White House Fellow and special assistant to Secretary of Defense Caspar Weinberger, he returned to full-time economics teaching.
The last lecture he gives in his Econ 110 class is considered the best lecture on campus. Even though I don't take econ from Prof. Kearl, I went to this lecture on Thursday. The 75-minute collection of four mini-lectures was the best in-class experience I have ever had in my life.
Prof. Kearl started talking about government role in market economy and during half the class time, he used logic to prove two contrasting points of view. Then, we brought in doctrine to support these ideas and introduced an entirely different idea. He economically proved the significance of tithing. In the last section of his lecture he talked about college courses and our responsibilities as students. The lecture was vivid of his shrewdness.
I would recommend everyone to attend that lecture of the semester and have the best in-class experience of their life.
The last lecture he gives in his Econ 110 class is considered the best lecture on campus. Even though I don't take econ from Prof. Kearl, I went to this lecture on Thursday. The 75-minute collection of four mini-lectures was the best in-class experience I have ever had in my life.
Prof. Kearl started talking about government role in market economy and during half the class time, he used logic to prove two contrasting points of view. Then, we brought in doctrine to support these ideas and introduced an entirely different idea. He economically proved the significance of tithing. In the last section of his lecture he talked about college courses and our responsibilities as students. The lecture was vivid of his shrewdness.
I would recommend everyone to attend that lecture of the semester and have the best in-class experience of their life.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Highlights of the semester
Its hard to believe how fast this semester has passed by. It seems like only yesterday I had my first day. August 26th was my first day on campus. The day I felt my head swirling when I made my way to the Wilk. I remember hyperventilating on the UTA bus, getting completely stressed out. The thought of being on my own, no one that you know, in a foreign country. It just kept coming to my mind, again and again. Somehow I managed to get through that day. Back then, the end of the semester seemed so far away.
Throughout the the first month of this semester Ramadan was going on so I was fasting which made it even harder. Daily 15-hour fasts with hunger and thrust, I understood the importance of fasting. I met my friends from Pakistan and used to have dinner with them daily... something I looked forward to the whole day.
In my great FHE, I made my roommate dress up in Kurta Shalwar, the national Pakistani dress. We had been planning this for ever a week. Chris, my roommate, found the dress so comfortable, he returned it to me after a week. That night, we even cooked and later played viola in those clothes. I considered the prospects of starting a business of importing those clothes and selling them to ordinary people. My friends thought that this dress was appropriate for all sorts of occasions.
Eid-ul-fitr (at the end of Ramadan) came in my first month at BYU too. I went for the congregational prayer in Salt Lake City and experienced the most diverse Eid of my life.
College Football is something exceptional that happened in my life this semester. I became a part of the the most awesome game of the season. BYU vs UofU! Rushing the field that night and almost getting stepped over (which I even have on video)
I'm glad this semester turned out the way it did, making all these incredible memories that I'm going to keep. Even though both my roommates will to be here for Winter semester, I think my time at BYU will hopefully get better.
Throughout the the first month of this semester Ramadan was going on so I was fasting which made it even harder. Daily 15-hour fasts with hunger and thrust, I understood the importance of fasting. I met my friends from Pakistan and used to have dinner with them daily... something I looked forward to the whole day.
In my great FHE, I made my roommate dress up in Kurta Shalwar, the national Pakistani dress. We had been planning this for ever a week. Chris, my roommate, found the dress so comfortable, he returned it to me after a week. That night, we even cooked and later played viola in those clothes. I considered the prospects of starting a business of importing those clothes and selling them to ordinary people. My friends thought that this dress was appropriate for all sorts of occasions.
Eid-ul-fitr (at the end of Ramadan) came in my first month at BYU too. I went for the congregational prayer in Salt Lake City and experienced the most diverse Eid of my life.
College Football is something exceptional that happened in my life this semester. I became a part of the the most awesome game of the season. BYU vs UofU! Rushing the field that night and almost getting stepped over (which I even have on video)
I'm glad this semester turned out the way it did, making all these incredible memories that I'm going to keep. Even though both my roommates will to be here for Winter semester, I think my time at BYU will hopefully get better.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Provo Shows its True Color
I never believed the terrifying descriptions of snow I used to get but this Sunday I found out that it was all true. Some of you would still say that its just the beginning, and far worse is yet to come.
I cannot understand why some people wanted it to snow. I still remember one of my friends saying, "Christmas is just incomplete without snow." Do you really want your Christmas to get ruined? Well, this is just nature and I guess I should accept the white and move on.
I cannot understand why some people wanted it to snow. I still remember one of my friends saying, "Christmas is just incomplete without snow." Do you really want your Christmas to get ruined? Well, this is just nature and I guess I should accept the white and move on.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Freeze Fest
Friday night was another one of those "My coolest nights at BYU" (Not just figuratively, but literally as well). It had been a busy week with serious studying and I felt the need to take a break and enjoy. So, I got done with the Calculus mid-term around eight o'clock and headed off to Freeze Fest with my Homies (buddies from my home country).
Don't think I'm primitive when I say this, but I've never ice-skated before in my life. Its not my fault, we never had snow in Islamabad. So I was psyched about this new experience. We got our passes and checked out our ice-skates. My shoe size is 10 and they were out of 10s or 11s, so I had no other option but to get a 9. I squeezed in my feet to those tiny skates and could no longer feel my toes. A little while later, I was on ice. I couldn't feel my feet. but the excitement just kept me going. I learnt to balance pretty quickly and enjoyed going around the ring a number of times. Even with the excruciating pain, it seemed to be worth it.
After ice skating, we headed to the dance party. After some crazy dancing on a couple of upbeat songs, a slow song came up and since I hadn't "come with anyone," plus I didn't even know how to waltz so I thought it wouldn't be a good idea to ask any girl for a dance. So, I decided to quietly move to one of the side. It was one of those "Oh Gosh! I wish I knew how to..." moments. But surprisingly, a girl came up to me and asked me if I wanted to dance. I said, "Well, I don't really know how to, but I would be glad if you teach me." So through half the song, I just learnt how to waltz and in the other half, i barely managed to keep up with the pace. Well, I'm glad that now if I'm at a dance and a slow song comes up, I won't have to slip to the side.
So, that's how my Friday night turned out to be pretty darn awesome.
Don't think I'm primitive when I say this, but I've never ice-skated before in my life. Its not my fault, we never had snow in Islamabad. So I was psyched about this new experience. We got our passes and checked out our ice-skates. My shoe size is 10 and they were out of 10s or 11s, so I had no other option but to get a 9. I squeezed in my feet to those tiny skates and could no longer feel my toes. A little while later, I was on ice. I couldn't feel my feet. but the excitement just kept me going. I learnt to balance pretty quickly and enjoyed going around the ring a number of times. Even with the excruciating pain, it seemed to be worth it.
After ice skating, we headed to the dance party. After some crazy dancing on a couple of upbeat songs, a slow song came up and since I hadn't "come with anyone," plus I didn't even know how to waltz so I thought it wouldn't be a good idea to ask any girl for a dance. So, I decided to quietly move to one of the side. It was one of those "Oh Gosh! I wish I knew how to..." moments. But surprisingly, a girl came up to me and asked me if I wanted to dance. I said, "Well, I don't really know how to, but I would be glad if you teach me." So through half the song, I just learnt how to waltz and in the other half, i barely managed to keep up with the pace. Well, I'm glad that now if I'm at a dance and a slow song comes up, I won't have to slip to the side.
So, that's how my Friday night turned out to be pretty darn awesome.
3 AM + Snow + A Week to Finals + Football
Life cannot get any better than this.
I've heard countless incidents of college life full of all sorts of spontaneous activities but never imagined it to be anything like this. Stressful study days can drive anyone nuts so you really need that break. For me, this weekend has been the essential needed break. Even though I'm here putting a blog entry at four in the morning, this weekend has been a blessing.
Apart from that, I believe its memories like these that you take away from college. I mean, how many times have you heard your dad say that he used to spend his study time in the college library? He would probably be more interested in telling you about the time he went on a road-trip with his closest friends over the weekend.
I think that as far as you keep a balance in your life, you make the most out of it. To be completely drawn to either of the two sides can have pretty devastating consequences. I look forward to having a joyful and successful college life, an experience that I will never forget.
I've heard countless incidents of college life full of all sorts of spontaneous activities but never imagined it to be anything like this. Stressful study days can drive anyone nuts so you really need that break. For me, this weekend has been the essential needed break. Even though I'm here putting a blog entry at four in the morning, this weekend has been a blessing.
Apart from that, I believe its memories like these that you take away from college. I mean, how many times have you heard your dad say that he used to spend his study time in the college library? He would probably be more interested in telling you about the time he went on a road-trip with his closest friends over the weekend.
I think that as far as you keep a balance in your life, you make the most out of it. To be completely drawn to either of the two sides can have pretty devastating consequences. I look forward to having a joyful and successful college life, an experience that I will never forget.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Get Cookin'
Coming to BYU, I've also started to learn to cook. Back home, I was too accustomed to the pampered life of having everything handed to me all the time. I always had the maid do my laundry, make my bed, clean my room, iron my clothes or make me food whenever I asked. Doing all this myself now, it has made me a lot more responsible.
After the encouragement I received on the phone from my mom, I felt it was time to start experimenting. I did my groceries from a close by store and got some brief instructions from my mom on how to cook. Finally, I cooked some potatoes in black pepper, chili powder and southern spices. Along with that, I fried some chicken. It worked out pretty well.
I hope to learn more over the years. Maybe even make some Pakistani dish. As for now, the adventures continue!
After the encouragement I received on the phone from my mom, I felt it was time to start experimenting. I did my groceries from a close by store and got some brief instructions from my mom on how to cook. Finally, I cooked some potatoes in black pepper, chili powder and southern spices. Along with that, I fried some chicken. It worked out pretty well.
I hope to learn more over the years. Maybe even make some Pakistani dish. As for now, the adventures continue!
"Sorry, it's just not American"
If you have read my previous blog posts, you can surly tell that the past couple of month since I've come to US have been full of new experiences. The numerous "My First's" are filled with fun incidents. But to be honest, it hasn't really been that fun everytime. Like this incident...
Ketchup with Pizza -- EWW! I know you just said that. I don't understand what's so weird about having ketchup with pizza. It happened during my first week at BYU. I was at this party in my building and there was pizza. So, I grabbed the ketchup bottle and poured some. All of a sudden, the room just fell dead silent. "Who eats pizza with ketchup? That's gross!" and I didn't even have an answer for that. People say pizza already has tomato paste in it so ketchup is simply unnecessary. So, what if I like extra tomato paste pizza? Well now, whenever I'm having pizza in my room while watching some movie or TV show, I secretly pour some ketchup, so I can enjoy my pizza.
Ketchup with Pizza -- EWW! I know you just said that. I don't understand what's so weird about having ketchup with pizza. It happened during my first week at BYU. I was at this party in my building and there was pizza. So, I grabbed the ketchup bottle and poured some. All of a sudden, the room just fell dead silent. "Who eats pizza with ketchup? That's gross!" and I didn't even have an answer for that. People say pizza already has tomato paste in it so ketchup is simply unnecessary. So, what if I like extra tomato paste pizza? Well now, whenever I'm having pizza in my room while watching some movie or TV show, I secretly pour some ketchup, so I can enjoy my pizza.
Mentor in College
Being a part of the freshman academy program at BYU, right from the start of the semester I was assigned a Peer-Mentor. Initially, I never quite understood why a peer-mentor was important. Throughout high school I had taken all the regular class, did all my assignments, handed-in all my papers, worked hard on all my exams, it had all gone smoothly without any mentor. What was so different in college?
In the past semester, I've come to realize the importance of having a mentor and now, I consider it extremely essential. College is the pivotal moment in our lives. Its the one chance to make something exceptional out of yourself. What we gain here prepares us for the rest of our life. A mentor is one who guides you through this treacherous path. Thousands of questions that loom in our mind: what classes to take and when to take them? Which professors will be invested in you? When and where to intern? How to make the most out of the best years of your life?
A mentor can be anyone who gives you the best advice, who guides you and who wants to see succeed. It can be a professor, a senior, a counselor, a TA, a sibling, a parent, a professional, a co-worker, a classmate or just a friend. My mentor is my really good friend, a Pakistani finance major in the Marriot School of Management who, just like me, had no siblings or relatives when he came to BYU. As a non-LDS student, he also felt the transition in adapting to the unique Utah culture. But gradually, learnt to make the most out of it. In his freshman year, he submitted a paper "Islam and Mormonism" in the Religious Symposium and won first place. I have benefit tremendously from his guidance.
Being a mentor isn't all about studying, I occasionally do the most random things with my mentor, like shooting hoops or throwing football at midnight, movie-marathons etc. I believe that in college, it is very important to have a person you can consult if you have any doubts, who you can call anytime you need help or even hang-out and have a good time.
In the past semester, I've come to realize the importance of having a mentor and now, I consider it extremely essential. College is the pivotal moment in our lives. Its the one chance to make something exceptional out of yourself. What we gain here prepares us for the rest of our life. A mentor is one who guides you through this treacherous path. Thousands of questions that loom in our mind: what classes to take and when to take them? Which professors will be invested in you? When and where to intern? How to make the most out of the best years of your life?
A mentor can be anyone who gives you the best advice, who guides you and who wants to see succeed. It can be a professor, a senior, a counselor, a TA, a sibling, a parent, a professional, a co-worker, a classmate or just a friend. My mentor is my really good friend, a Pakistani finance major in the Marriot School of Management who, just like me, had no siblings or relatives when he came to BYU. As a non-LDS student, he also felt the transition in adapting to the unique Utah culture. But gradually, learnt to make the most out of it. In his freshman year, he submitted a paper "Islam and Mormonism" in the Religious Symposium and won first place. I have benefit tremendously from his guidance.
Being a mentor isn't all about studying, I occasionally do the most random things with my mentor, like shooting hoops or throwing football at midnight, movie-marathons etc. I believe that in college, it is very important to have a person you can consult if you have any doubts, who you can call anytime you need help or even hang-out and have a good time.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Living in the Library
After pulling off a couple of those 12-hours on campus, I have finally discovered that library is the right place to settle down. With finals only a week away, library seems to be the only place I feel focused enough to get all the studying done. Whether it be a calculus worksheet or an English paper, the library can work wonders.
Especially with the extended hours, if seems so continent to just go to a quite place and review over course material. Level 1 is currently my favorite spot. The peaceful environment there is ideal to spend a couple of hours on your own or with some study friends. The siting area in front of Honor Reading Room on Level 3 is perfect to lay back on the comfy couches and do some paper, it is where I work on my blog.
If you feel exhausted, a power-nap later you'll be in the mood to get back on those books. With less than 2 weeks till Christmas Break, there is no doubt that getting max done is only possible in the library.
Have a good time... in the lib. =)
May God rest ye merry gentlemen... After finals.
Especially with the extended hours, if seems so continent to just go to a quite place and review over course material. Level 1 is currently my favorite spot. The peaceful environment there is ideal to spend a couple of hours on your own or with some study friends. The siting area in front of Honor Reading Room on Level 3 is perfect to lay back on the comfy couches and do some paper, it is where I work on my blog.
If you feel exhausted, a power-nap later you'll be in the mood to get back on those books. With less than 2 weeks till Christmas Break, there is no doubt that getting max done is only possible in the library.
Have a good time... in the lib. =)
My First AWESOME Thanksgiving Break
Last week, I wrote about how thanksgiving was coming and everyone was going back to their home, to relax and enjoy with their family. Here I was, going to spend it on this deserted campus. Well, it actually turned out to be way better than I had imagined.
Tuesday, Nov 24th - To kick off the Thanksgiving break, I went to the BYU Men's Basketball game against Southern University. Sitting in the third row in the loudest student section, I knew right from the start of the game that I was going to scream my heart out that night. Cougars' 107 to 51 point victory over the Jaguars really got me pumped up for the days to come.
Wednesday, Nov 25th - Movie Mania Begins! Since my Pakistani friends weren't heading home as well, we decided to avail these holidays with pizza and a Bourne Marathon. It was nice to relax and enjoy a day, and not think about the dreaded finals soon to come. By the way, The Bourne Series is a must watch!
Thursday, Nov 26th - I had a delicious thanksgiving meal with my roommate, Andrew's wonderful family here in Sandy, Utah. Even though I had heard about Thanksgiving meal over and over a million times, I could never have imagined so much food. By the time I was done eating, I could barely walk. I'm glad I took a brief nap afterwards. But still, one thing's for sure ... that food was unforgettable!
Friday, Nov 27th - Eid Mubarak! Islamic calender has two really big events; Eid-ul-Fitr, celebrating the end of the holy month of fasting, Ramadan & Eid-ul-Azha, commemorating Prophet Abraham's honorable act of almost sacrificing one of his sons in the name of God. It was Eid-ul-Azha on Friday. The congregational prayer was to be held in Salt Lake City. My friends and I reached there in time to be a part of it. It did remind me of my last Eid back in Pakistan, with family but I was still glad to be with friends on this occassion. Afterwards, we ate at a nice Egyptian cuisine, "O'falafel." I would recommend everyone to try a falafel at least once in their lifetime.
Saturday, Nov 28th - Game Day! The most talked about college football game in all of Utah was here, and my friend who was in California for thanksgiving had given me his ticket. Eighth row, right behind the South field goal; I couldn't have asked for better seats. The fiercely competitive game had its perfectly thrilling end, Cougars taking over the Utes with a narrow victory in overtime. Brian Logan, No.7 for the cougars, along with three other defensive players, is in one of my religious classes. His tackles really had the spectators on their feet. I ended up rushing the field after the last touchdown. Oh, some night!
That's the exciting story of my first thanksgiving ever. Hope you had a wonderful time during this "well-deserved" break too.
Best Wishes for Christmas!
Tuesday, Nov 24th - To kick off the Thanksgiving break, I went to the BYU Men's Basketball game against Southern University. Sitting in the third row in the loudest student section, I knew right from the start of the game that I was going to scream my heart out that night. Cougars' 107 to 51 point victory over the Jaguars really got me pumped up for the days to come.
Wednesday, Nov 25th - Movie Mania Begins! Since my Pakistani friends weren't heading home as well, we decided to avail these holidays with pizza and a Bourne Marathon. It was nice to relax and enjoy a day, and not think about the dreaded finals soon to come. By the way, The Bourne Series is a must watch!
Thursday, Nov 26th - I had a delicious thanksgiving meal with my roommate, Andrew's wonderful family here in Sandy, Utah. Even though I had heard about Thanksgiving meal over and over a million times, I could never have imagined so much food. By the time I was done eating, I could barely walk. I'm glad I took a brief nap afterwards. But still, one thing's for sure ... that food was unforgettable!
Friday, Nov 27th - Eid Mubarak! Islamic calender has two really big events; Eid-ul-Fitr, celebrating the end of the holy month of fasting, Ramadan & Eid-ul-Azha, commemorating Prophet Abraham's honorable act of almost sacrificing one of his sons in the name of God. It was Eid-ul-Azha on Friday. The congregational prayer was to be held in Salt Lake City. My friends and I reached there in time to be a part of it. It did remind me of my last Eid back in Pakistan, with family but I was still glad to be with friends on this occassion. Afterwards, we ate at a nice Egyptian cuisine, "O'falafel." I would recommend everyone to try a falafel at least once in their lifetime.
Saturday, Nov 28th - Game Day! The most talked about college football game in all of Utah was here, and my friend who was in California for thanksgiving had given me his ticket. Eighth row, right behind the South field goal; I couldn't have asked for better seats. The fiercely competitive game had its perfectly thrilling end, Cougars taking over the Utes with a narrow victory in overtime. Brian Logan, No.7 for the cougars, along with three other defensive players, is in one of my religious classes. His tackles really had the spectators on their feet. I ended up rushing the field after the last touchdown. Oh, some night!
That's the exciting story of my first thanksgiving ever. Hope you had a wonderful time during this "well-deserved" break too.
Best Wishes for Christmas!
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