Manifesto

I wrote this for my semester-end class assignment, but I believe its significance is more than just a lousy grade. Hence, it deserves being a part of my blog. :)

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Growing up, I had always had the perception of English as that other language that I had to learn. As I made my way though middle school and then high school, it became more and more obvious that English was going to form an integral part of my academic and professional world. After coming to college in US, the degree with which I use English makes me feel as if it is my first language. Granted, I don’t possess the superior writing or reading skills most native speakers do, but there is nothing stopping me from working towards that skill set.

Management Communication 320 was that stepping stone in my life that made me recognize that potential leads to accomplishment; and potential, there is abundance. I had always considered myself a numbers’ person–you give me a complex equation, I’ll swing my magic wand and produce something fancy–and this feeling wasn’t so similar with words, unfortunately. So, I came to this class half hearted, reminding myself that this isn’t my domain–no home-court advantage.

Soon, I began recognizing the importance of everything we were being taught. I could see myself using all the tools of interviewing, memo-writing, and presenting in all stages of my professional career. This realization was the perfect motivation. For instance, PAR stories, worth 10 points to my class grade, yet worth so much more to my career development. This made me wish that if only all my classes could feel like this, I would be so much more dedicated.

I can surely say that the importance I used to give to writing has increased dramatically since I’ve taken this class. I have learnt to channel my writing skills towards producing better results; e.g., recognizing the purpose of writing, understanding the audience, using appropriate tone in writing etc. In the future, I’m certain that I will be required to write, even more than I anticipate now; probably not to the point of writing a novel (or maybe, who knows?), but definitely quite a lot. I’m certain that writing, or in the larger sense, communicating will form an essential part of my life. I hope that it is a learning process along the way, and that I keep improving my skills the more I do it.

A Kind Gesture

For this week's blog assignment, we were assigned to do something nice for a person who is managing a tougher workload than ourselves. As soon as I heard about the assignment, I knew who that person meant for me -- my very own roommate, Sameer Ahmad. As a Marriott School senior finance-major, Sameer's currently taking 20 credit hours, 15 of which are classes, 3 are an investments' internship and the remaining 2 for a case competition. As a sports fanatic, we follows and plays football very often. You would mostly see him on the phone connecting with his family, for whom he is very passionate about, or friends from all over the world. Alongside all this, he regularly takes out time for lunches, dinners and various other hang-outs with friends (including me. Yes, I know I'm very fortunate).

This week, I took him and another close friend of mine for a dinner to Bombay House. Knowing the importance of Indian cuisine to our taste buds, I felt that there could be nothing better than delicious chicken makhani and naan at this stressful point of the semester. Although this dinner had been due for a couple of weeks but I'm glad it happened this late, as this is the time of the semester when the weather, the school, this whole monotony seems to be getting the best of you.

Apart from this, another thing that added a lot more value to this weekend was the football session just this evening. Our ending play--the long pass--turned things around. He was the quarterback, one of the things he loves to do, and I was the wide-receiver. With our practiced coordination, Sameer's epic judgement and my up-to-par WR skills, we made a 72-yard play feel like magic. It was just something that you experience very rare in your life but you often look back to and can't help but say "wow, that was me, a part of something that incredible."

The importance of that catch was not in the play but how that split second completion became a game-changer for both of us. This accomplishment just opened the doors to a whole new world of possibilities. The next question just popped up like that; what else could we accomplish now?

I guess the symbolic significance of that completed play helped me recognize something, that actions do speak louder than words. With this, we continue on, recognizing and appreciating those things in life that broaden our horizons and make us conquer more.

Getting Done with Five Credits and Thank Goodness for Thanksgiving!

As fall semester rushes to an end, course-load begins to pile up. Juggling social life, studies and work becomes harder and harder. In this time, thanksgiving break comes at the ideal time; right when I thought all this was gonna blow the can off of my patience.

From the beginning of last week, I had started planning out the way I will most leisurely utilize this break. Two of my classes, accounting and lifeguarding, gave me the option to take the final before finals week. This meant that if I paced myself enough I could get done with 5, out of my 15, credits before thanksgiving break this semester. (Could there be a better opportunity than this?)

Soon enough, I began preparing in the way I could most cautiously maneuver both the classes. The plan was to present for my management communication class on Monday and take the tests for both the classes on Tuesday, and ultimately, just have the whole thanksgiving break to myself. Just like that, I put my head down and dedicated myself towards accomplishing the task. Sure, it required cutting up on some sleep, but is that really something new for college students?

The weekend was spent frantically working to perfect the presentation. Since I was responsible for putting together the powerpoint, it required me to coordinate with my group members a lot, getting their perspectives and adjusting the presentation powerpoint accordingly (Hopefully, I did a good job and my group members aren't holding a grudge against me for that).

On Monday, I sent out the final powerpoint to my team members and we coordinated a time with our professor in the afternoon to present. The whole thing worked out perfectly, except for my presentation of course which had its fair share of glitches here and there. After spending the rest of the day studying for the two tests Tuesday, I felt ready to go out there and give it my best.

Tuesday, first, I had the lifeguarding test which I barely passed on the margin (not so impressed by my performance there, at all). Took a little break which I believed I had deserved by then. All fair, till I dozed off  on the couch after working out just one accounting problem (what a surprise!). I woke up to the emergency frenzy text messages of BYU campus security that Provo was going to be hit by the biggest blizzard of the history of Provo or blizzards. It meant one thing, take this to the accounting lab. So, there I was making my way to the library while still receiving recorded messages from campus emergency service of the warning for the catastrophic natural disaster about to encounter Provo. In library, they made the announcement over the PA system that campus was scheduled to close by 3 which meant I had only 80 mins to take the accounting final. Well, time to swallow the pill.

Initially, I had forgotten my ID, (oh worst timing!) so I had to run back to my apartment and grab that so I could take the test. Within 10 mins, I was in the testing center with the Accounting final in my hand. I had 75 mins to work out the 54 problems. I gave it my best, especially given the time constraint. I was glad when I walked out and found out my score. The job was done. Self!

I now had nothing but the awesome, long-awaited break ahead. The best I can describe the rest of the week is that I turned my lazy-mode on and stopped caring about school or work. Basically, nothing happened throughout the break. It was just the lazy me, on the couch, killing time. Except for Wednesday and Thursday for which I made actual plans with friends. Wednesday, I invited a friend over and we watched a scary movie at my apartment. It had been so long since I had seen a horror flick. Gotta admit, felt pretty good. Thursday, I had the best thanksgiving dinner eveerrr! (Frankly, this deserves a whole blog post on its own.)

Well, that was my break. Surely, I didn't conquer Mt. Timpanogos but I accomplished what I had in mind, and I believe that for now, that's what matters. I hope you had a fun week yourself. All the best!

My Birthday!

November 14th ... a child was born!

I wanted to start my blog post with a Jay Z lyric. Guess its just that random!

Today, I turned 20. I'm not sure if things were to change over night or not, but I guess an entire year has passed by. My second year at BYU has definitely made me realize so much I never thought about earlier. The teen years are behind me and life's gonna take its turn to seriousness... or will it?

There are definitely big things coming ahead, but the little things roll on, I believe (Maybe I should refrain from using such vague statements... haha). Career, marriage and whatnot--life brings so much from this moment on.

Bottom line: This was a good birthday! :)

Festival of Lights

This Saturday turned out to be one of the most nostalgic evenings I've had at BYU. Dewali - "The Festival of Lights" was organized by the Indian Students Association in the Wilk. Although I am not Indian. but since Pakistan has so much cultural heritage in common with India that that night felt like being in Pakistan.

The event included various performances on Bollywood tracks. I was amazed at the talent these performers had. I mean, the dances that they performed were no different from the choreographed steps in the most renowned Indian movies. It kept rushing my mind back to the days in Pakistan when every wedding would play similar songs and people would dance in the similar fashion.

The performances were followed by "Bombay House"-catered dinner. Having naan after three months; man, it was so nice. I had been craving for that taste in food for so long that I went all out on that food, to the point that I was so full that I needed to sit down for a while.

Another attractive feat at the event was the Henna booth; a true representative of the sub-continental culture. In short, henna is the application of mehendi as a temporary form of skin decoration. The artistic designs reminded of all the festivities we used to have back at home.

In conclusion, this Saturday night ... well-spent!

Grocery Bag?

So, I procrastinated on groceries for quite sometime. You're thinking two or three days, not too big a deal, eh? Well, it was for two whole weeks, no joke. I basically had nothing in the apartment besides milk the whole time. In fact, now that i think about it, it sounds more stupid than astonishing. Why I did this .. well, lets see.

The day I felt as though I should go and do some groceries, it snowed. My desire to step a foot outside my apartment plummeted. My thought started drifting more towards "why the heck am I in Utah, of all places, ugggh!" and similar unpleasant thoughts.

Well, the snow cleared within a couple of days, I then got stuck with the busiest week I've had at college yet. I was spending over 16 hours on campus daily; less than 6 hours of sleep every night. (I know that for some of you insomniacs out there, this sounds like a bad joke but the fact of the matter is, I'm not like you! I'm that lazy a-.. who always sleeps-in.)

So, another week passed by, I kind of liked the fact that I didn't have groceries that entire week. Probably would have been another tempting reason to come home sooner and waste time.

Surely, all the eating on campus didn't turn out to be the best thing for my budget, especially last night when I totally went all out at Smith's. I don't know, I never thought how not doing groceries once can make you double your groceries for the next time. You know what I mean? Um, maybe I'm just confusing myself.

Anyway, that was my interesting story from this week. Hope ya'll have a fun week ahead!

Blog Assignments

I am totally against blog assignments. You really think you can make me think? Just as your ideas come only to your head, I am the only one who can put down a blog post about what I think. Admitted blogs are not journals, but they are also not newspapers. The point that I'm making is, you cannot expect my blog to be a representative of your expectations.

Of course I don't expect you to like whatever I write, or even agree with the things I write. It isn't a political review, for crying out loud. I might not be the most consistent writing and my writings may not have been the best, but it serves me just the right purpose. From time to time, I like to go skim though my old posts, ponder over those good ol' days.

Honestly, I really don't think think blog assignments are that a deal. I just wanted to see if I could ramble over something that pointless. It seems, I can!

Swim to live

I believe a person who knows how to swim (i.e. can create a rhythmic pattern of body motion to propel in water) can, after adjusting to the initial tempo, swim until their body entirely exhausts. This limit of exhaustion is primarily psychological.

With this nut-theory of mine, I got into a discussion with my roommate. His perspective is that you cannot go beyond a certain degree of laps that you do occasionally. For instance, a person who swims 20 laps during one swim workout would be very much unlikely to exceed beyond 30 on a given position. Going from 20 to 30 would require him to gradually build upon his performance.

In light of the two conflicting points-of-view, we designed a challenge to put these theories to test. The challenge was for me complete 50 laps (2,500 yards) of continuous swimming. My personal best had been 32 laps over 6 months ago. Hence, this challenge seemed the perfect test for the theory.

Therefore, I went in to the try this out. I kept going and going, counting my laps, thinking about the most random-est of things... till I actually made it. I completed 50 laps!

Although it took me a whole hour to do it, I guess it turned out that this phenomenon does work. So, this was the important conclusion I reached this past week.

"Hi, here's a coke can for you."

For last week, our blog activity for the M Com class was to offer a stranger a can of coke. Honestly, I don't think there is a definite reaction to it. The assignment got me thinking along the same lines as well. As my mind pondered, i kept imagining the weirdest reactions possible. What is the person think I am trying poisoning them or I am an angel sent with the purposing of guiding them to the path of righteousness (and whatnot) or even if I am a human-trafficker. (Phew!)


Since I couldn't keep day-dreaming about it forever, so I actually went to a ragged stranger, probably homeless, standing by the bike-rack at Smith's. A million ideas rushed through my head. There was no telling what will happen next. I said, "Hi, here's a coke can for you." Its hard for me to put into words the thought that were ambushing my mind right at that split-second which felt like forever. Then, the response came, "Thanks."

The man, standing with the coke can in his hands, staring back dead at my face. The situation, which my mind had perceived as a life-changing, mind-swirling experience of a lifetime just raced by in a second. Not even interesting enough to mention.

Well, if there is anything to be learnt from this experience, it is that you can never really imagine what doing something as random as offering a stranger a can of coke really do!

FHE Cricket Activity

As I glance out my bedroom window, I cannot help but be grateful for this wonderful weather which I'm absolutely certain will be gone very soon. When I recall winter semester, all I can picture are the walks to Wyview park in the gloomy cold weather, and my blaring headphones playing the tunes of Talib Kweli--just thinking of that sickens me. It's so hard to fathom that this very campus will once again be taken over by that dark cloud once again.

Hence, my roommate and I decided to pursue our Family Home Evening group to hold an outdoor activity. So now, with some basic sports equipment, we've planned a cricket family home evening activity. Knowing Americans' interest of cricket, we're certain it will be an arduous evening. Nonetheless, my roommates sure seem to be looking forward to the activity.

From my experience, I've seen how initiative leads to the most surprising outcomes. The things you never expect happen so unexpectedly. Therefore, you're only losing on your part by not venturing out into the unknown.

Finance Society

As I took my seat in the small conference room among seven or so 25-year-old finance seniors, a feeling of eerie excitement and anxiety surged though my body--I was somewhere I had wanted to be so bad, for so long. I was attending my first officers' meeting for the BYU Finance Society.

As a student-run organization, Finance Society offers a platform for all BYU students to learn more about and improve skills necessary for success in the enormous, fast-paced world of finance. Last week, in a meeting with the club president, I was asked to pilot and make necessary amendments to the club website. The assignment was a test of my skills to see if I was up to par for the job. Luckily enough, I made it!

What amazed me was the degree of professionalism, I mean it wasn't like "Harry Potter Book-reading Club." Most people here already have numerous accomplishments under their belt and are continuing on to do far more with their lives. Their enthusiasm to give back to the club, and hence to the students, is surely commendable.

I am glad to be a part of this team, as there is much I can learn from them. Also, I am grateful to my friends whose support made all this possible.

BYU Finance Society!

En español

As I mentioned in my last post, one of the most interesting journeys I have decided to embark on is learning Spanish. Although it has been tough catching up with the pace of the class alongside managing other classes, but the experience has been very rewarding. (I shouldn't give you the wrong impression that I can totally understand or converse in Spanish. I'm only at the beginner's basics.)

Learning a new language can surely be interesting. It opens your eyes to something totally new, something you never knew existed. For instance, the other day I walked into Taco Bell and I got this funny feeling. The words on the Menu behind the counter didn't seem that foreign anymore.

Another interesting thing I noticed was, your mind continually connects elements of your first language to the language you're learning. Especially if you already know two languages, your mind is in a constant battle to see which word or expression relates when and where. I felt that knowing Urdu and English really keeps this buzz going back and forth. Now, I see Spanish as a language that uses more English related words with Urdu sounds. So far, this has given many people the false impression that I'm really at Spanish. (Well, as far as its a good impression, I don't really mind!)

I would encourage everyone to venture out of their soft spot sometime and just see where it takes you.

The New Semester

As my sophomore year kicks off at BYU, there is a new vibe in the air. Many new thoughts and ideas rush to mind. Classes, prospective careers, social life, sports...

For this third semester, I have planned to take a variety of classes to minimize the monotonous effect that studying can sometimes have. I know for a fact that in the following years, more and more of my classes will be along the same lines so I believe that now, I have the luxury to actually explore and enjoy this learning process as much as I can.

My most interesting class this semester is Life guarding; although there isn't a slight chance I'll be doing this for the rest of my life but that's what exploring is, I guess. My most intense class this semester is probably Statistics for Economists; isn't the name daunting enough? Haha. My most beneficial class this semester this semester is Management Communication; I could go on bad-mouthing it as the most ridiculous class as they teach you grammar--I mean, is this sixth grade, really?-- or I could sugar coat is as my favorite class since I've been to college, either way, it is, and I am pretty certain that it will be, one of the most helpful classes that i will take at BYU.

My most unique class this semester is Spanish 101; I do speak two languages already but the interest to learn a third one, just for kicks, kinda gets people puzzled. My most easiest class this semester, although I don't intend to underestimate its importance in any way, is Accounting 200; after taking two years of Advanced Cambridge Accounting, this stuff really seems no different than ordinary.

I guess I have a fair mix of classes here and so, I hope that this semester proves to be an unforgettable one.

Bhurban Adventures

This past weekend, my high school friends and I planned to escape the scorching Rawalpindi sun for a chillaxing time in Bhurban - a hill resort just 45 miles from Islamabad. The trip came around the ideal time as the capital city was soaked in the humid 110 F weather.

Bhurban, to us, means more than just a weekend off from the hustle and bustle of routine life. Its the freedom from all entanglements of the modern world like email, internet, television, cable and even cell phones to some point. It provides us the unique chance to just let go and wander off in deep thought. For this reason, we spent a lot of our time on the terrace, enjoying the scenic beauty of sunset behind the marvelous mountain and talking about the random-est of things.

If not for the debates, that terrace with its scenic view was the ideal place to just sit back and reflect. Its funny that I've been going to that house every summer for more than half a decade, but every time I sit on that terrace the whole scenery and the ambiance feels so new. And just like old times, I took some lone-time out on this visit and just enjoyed the sunset behind the hills.

I think its important that one should have such a place, a haven, to escape to for serenity. Figure out what soothes you and believe you me, it will forever be your sanctuary.

How Good is Our Government?

During my stay at the marketing department while interning at Kohinoor Textile Mills Ltd. (KTML), the department underwent some strict government regulation hindering the company's prospects of high profits from the foreign textile market. The 15% imposition of levy on yarn export was government's reaction to the concerns of local textile merchants who had to pay high prices for acquiring production material.

Such measures always benefit one party while proving costly for the other. While the government takes its necessary steps to protect local merchants, it curtails the freedom of the manufacturers. The reaction from both parties is accordingly; approval from those who benefited, while scorn from those at loss.

While this specific action taken by the Pakistani government only a week ago proved to be in the interest of some, it certainly turned costly for the yarn marketing department at KTML. Not only did the levy imposition come as a loss for the company's current foreign customer accounts, but also turn as an opportunity for local merchants to exploit manufacturers. According to my boss, the deputy marketing manager, "they shot our jet down and now they expect us to continue on a horse-cart." The adverse effect of the drastic measures taken by the government on the dept's revenue angered every employee. "Could there not be a better action the government could have taken? We could sure use some slackening off from them!"

There is no doubt that these steps by regulatory bodies are necessary to create a fair ground for everyone, but the question it posses is "How knowing is that watchful eye?" Obviously these steps were taken after acquiring a fair idea of the current circumstances, but do policies take into consideration every contributing factor? Take for instance Pakistan government's levy imposition on export of yarn. The government's action is completely justifiable - the protection of the rights of its citizens should most certainly be set as the high aim. But, does is that drastic a step correct? The estimated value the government had put on was, after all, an estimate and estimates are propositions based on mere prediction, leaving ample room for screwing up.

Looking at the scenario in the light of both interest groups, we can notice that putting that estimate was indeed no easy task. Assigning a figure to the potential of a firm to be successful in the international market, and that even in a market so volatile that price fluctuations cause losses worth millions of dollars globally everyday, in comparison to promoting local businesses that help open avenues of opportunities for a population dealing with 15.2% unemployment. Phew, sure spins my head around!


In conclusion, as private firms compete for higher revenues, the government cannot afford to keep its hands tied. The only way to dampen the effect of a drastic regulatory action is through proper preparation. If the companies plan on investing broadly, their risk of failure upon taking a blow can be reduced significantly.

Propaganda or Factitious : Where do we give in?

Observing the points of view of people around me, I have come to realize the spectrum of interpretations drawn from information depicted by the media. The two extremities of opinion differ greatly. On one side, the belief stands that powerful interest groups capitalize through targeting individuals' core ideals (whether they be religious, cultural or social) giving way to popular propaganda, while on the other hand, putting complete trust in all factitious information presented by the media and analyzing current issues in light of national and economic interests.

The situation is construed in different ways by different people. To most, it would be unethical to entirely obstruct either thoughts and the concept that every individual has a right to hold an opinion permits this freedom of thought. Still, some find reason to rule out arguments which they believe are baseless or irrational and hence, suppress any opposing ideas. The question now becomes, can masses accommodate both beliefs simultaneously or does an amalgamation of ideas propose a more neutral, while at the same time, peaceful solution to the co-existence of differing thoughts?

I see the solution is an entirely different principle - Economics. Just as neither planned nor free economy can exist alone (since a practically applicable economic model requires at least some degree of mixed economic nature), the belief regarding buying into propaganda or fact lies in a similar premises. Any extremity of thought in this matter gives way to rule out a rationally arguable opinion. Additionally, following Aristotle's teaching of "Mean between Extremes," we can find reason in philosophy as well to implement this belief.

In conclusion, entirely relying on either extremes of belief could pose negative effects on judgment. A commonality of belief not only helps cater varying thoughts regarding news and current affairs, but also provide different options to tackling hardships and overcoming hurdles humanity faces in these times.

Movie Mirage

Its funny how much you learn from your experiences and attending college in US sure tops my list. There are so many aspects of the entire ordeal that I don't think I could ever put it all down on my blog (which is dedicated to college. Ironic, isn't it?). Even though I'm in Pakistan for my vacation, the hilarious incidents that are somehow associated to college continue.

Lately, every person my age I get introduced to through friends, family or some other way has one very legitimate concern in their mind regarding American college life. At this point, you're probably imagining something like education standard in comparison to Pakistan or opportunities available to students there to broaden the horizon of intellect, but in reality, it is something far less thought-provoking than that. The concern is, "Dude, what's the party scene in colleges?"

You know how you meet someone new and a conversation starts building off. You two get to know each other a little. If the person mentions an interest that you two have in common, suddenly you become more keen to know more about the individual. Similarly, my interest in a conversation gradually increases but when that very legitimate concern pops-up, my interest plummets.

Its not the question that bothers me but the idea behind it. Who was that first person who thought to himself one day, "wouldn't it be super to make up a story about college life with unlimited booze, dope and really fine ladies… turn it into a ridiculous movie and put it out there for all the hormone charged kids?" Just yesterday I got asked by a Pakistani college student if everything in the movie "Road Trip; Bear Pong" is true. Since I was in no mood to turn it into an hour long debate, I cut the story short and replied no. Probably just to cover up his perception, he threw his excuse, "They probably don't invite you." I just sighed since I couldn't care less about his ridiculous imagination luring from the movies that do no more than to excite these kids and help create a fantasyland in their mind.

This idea is no different than a mere opinion and I don't blame the mind triggering these thoughts in almost every nineteen year old. In fact, it’s the outcome that disappoints me in this situation. Imagine yourself, an everyday individual living your life, enjoying the little things that it rolls along. Content with your accomplishments, still standing tall to the difficulties you face. Its all so realistic, isn't it? But if you had forever considered yourself beyond any imaginable prowess. Till you end up utterly disappointed, falling in your own trap of false-hope. All that you had aspired, the dedication you had put in absorbs in the mist as if it had never existed. Put this in context of a young and rising individual, who could, in his right mind, conquer more than his imagination, yet falls to the shackles of false hope. That oasis that he had always pictured so perfect was nothing but a mirage in the heat of the desert sand.


I surely did not intend to portray the mind of most adolescents (who should at least pretend to act as grown-ups) with such gloom. There is much good within the soul too. Only thing required is a change in attitude, recognizing that thin line between fantasy and reality. I hope there comes a change, a future that's bright, brighter than a thousand suns.

Pakistan's Poor Economic Performance: Who deserves the blame?

State Bank of Pakistan issued a statement in yesterday's paper that Pakistan's Economic performance for the previous fiscal hasn't been favorable. Doesn't come as a surprise, does it? As one of the world's most booming population looms over the issues at hand, most blatantly overlook the outcomes of this dreaded scenario. Pakistan's "average Joe" has little time from searching for shortcuts and running after mirages of get-rich-quick schemes to dedicate his efforts to the prosperity of the once struggled-for nation. But he is certainly not to blame, right? He sits in the choraha (street corner) talking black about the government he was cheering for only a couple of months ago. "It’s the politicians!" Isn't that all we hear? The corrupt leaders who put their selfish desires ahead of their country. Wait, if that's the case, what makes the "average Joe" any different here? Did you not blame the corrupt politician for not serving you with all luxuries of life? While you were searching every opportunity to escape your country so you can things better only for you and your family? Correct me if I'm wrong, but that is self interest. In all your intents and instincts, the only motivation you receive to drag your lousy self to a job you so obviously dread is the desire that you will someday make it to the high-life.

Yet, this doesn't solve the problem by far. The poor man still toils under the scorching sun eagerly awaiting a solution to this affliction. An optimist would suggest a mere change in attitude, but reality asks for much more. The fact of the matter is that we, the people, are the driving force behind it all. Every revolution stems from the might of the citizens. If that citizen only fights for his interest, it'll do the entire society no good and the scornful acts of the ruler would ultimately come back to him in the form of a miserable life.

Charity always begins at home! An improvement within the individual grows outwardly in an improvement of the society. The man must educate himself for the betterment of his soul and in turn, serve the community in a way that inspires others. Today, those who do take the certain necessary step give in to greed and the opportunity to be somewhere better, doing something better all under the false banner of "present unalterable circumstances".

As change instills, much is needed for. Still, we hope.

The Long Awaited Internship

I recently began my internship at Kohinoor Textile Mills Ltd. based in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. My emphasis is primarily upon finance, but I do aim to avail this opportunity to acquaint myself with all aspects of a firm (marketing, accounting, sales, human resource etc). I hope that this will enrich my exposure to the business world.

Here are certain aims that I have set for myself and might even help prospective intern on how to make the most of an internship

• Refresh Cambridge Advanced Levels Accounting & Economics knowledge and apply it in understanding and analyzing the company’s financial reports.
• Learn about the different jobs within a financial department of a company, the nature they are of, the tasks they are required to carry out and the type of professionals who are employed at those positions.
• Analyze how the size of the firm affects its operations, running and management; also the responsibilities of its employees. Learn about the pros and cons of working at a small vs. large firm.
• Outline the skills certain specific positions in the department require. Understand how these skills are essential to their work and further explore into the ways these skills are developed while in college or early-on in the career.
• Identify the use of technology/computer software in finance related work. Recognize how it aids to an efficient running of financial operations.
• Get a wholesome exposure to the firm’s operations, even outside its finance department. Analyze how these various departments come together to deliver the firm’s services to its clients.
• Understand and develop work ethics (networking, work habits, etc). Recognize their importance in a work setting for the individual’s career and progress of the firm.

Summer Agenda

I certainly had a lot in mind for the longest summer break I'll ever have my whole life. Four months of nothing to do is the pinnacle of being unproductive, in my opinion. So, the agenda for this summer is... (Lets see how much of it actually gets done)

First and foremost, spending some quality time with my wonderful family who I won't be seeing for the next ten months. Adding to it is the prospect of life just getting more and more hectic from here. Therefore, lets just have a good time.

El español - Since I'll be taking my first Spanish class this fall, I think I should get started on the bare-basics now. Since the other kids will at least have a high school exposure to the language, I wouldn't want to be at a disadvantage.

Something valuable I consider is attaining some technical skills that might aid to my capabilities, whether it be in my major or not. I'm hoping to get started on learning some web development skills.

Stay consistent on the evening soccer/work-out, since the physical activity keeps you healthy. Plus, its another opportunity to stay social and enjoy the break. So far, till the weather's bearable with the humidity and temperature, its the best way to avail the out-doors as well.

A Hope For Revival

I regret not staying consistent in writing this blog. College life sure has its million different ways to keep students busy but now that summer break is here, I hope to get back into my writing mode and contribute to this blog as much as I can.

Since you last heard from me, a lot has changed. My freshman year of college has come to an end and hopefully I move on to much bigger and better things from here. Currently, I'm having my four-month summer break. This break just started a week ago. My main objective for this break is spending some quality time with my family who I got to see for the first time after eight months (and that sure was a long time, no doubt!)

One thing I've realized from this past year is how much I mean to my family, especially my parents and more importantly what they mean to me. Well, you know what they say, "you don't really know what you got till its gone." I've learnt to become more appreciative of the small things I have been blessed with. After all, life is all about the little things, right? These little occasions and gestures that make us feel we're in the right place with the right people.

This much for now, I hope to keep this blog alive throughout summer. Hope ya'll enjoy it!

Work begins

Second semester at BYU has made me realize that college isn't all about studies and friends. Its one step towards becoming more responsible by balancing all aspects of life, and one important aspect of life is WORK.

Last semester, I got a job on campus but given my whimsical attitude, never really took work seriously. But this semester, things have surely changed for the good. With 4-days a week 8:00 am classes and regular 11:00 pm max bedtime, I feel far more productive than before. This, of course, comes with the cost of a hectic schedule (breakfast-classes-lunch-work-swimming-dinner-homework-sleep!) and the feeling of always being on the run.

Don't get me wrong, it isn't all that torturous. Work limits to 20 hours per week and on top of that, I limit myself to around 16 hours. Giving time to study, hang out with friends and relax. Especially with the exciting basketball season rolling, every weekend brings with it an adrenaline-rushing b-ball thrill.

I guess that as college goes on, it'll keep getting worse, or better. Depends on how you look at it. But for me, its definitely getting better.

The Long Awaited Articles Gets Published

As this blog as been my little diary of events and experiences, it fascinates a lot of people to look at life through my perspective. I admit that maybe my writing isn't top-notch, but I do have some darn good stories to tell, eh? (haha)

Reading through these experiences, a reporter for the Deseret News decided to do a story on my little experiences. After having a brief interview on the phone and a photo-shoot in the middle of the library, I was eagerly waiting to see the article published. I wanted to add that article to my presentation as the icing on the cake, but I guess it needed some more time therefore I couldn't. So during the Winter break while I was in Houston, a got a facebook message from friend saying "Dude, you're famous!" Finally, it was out.

It was uplifting to read the article and the comments that followed, especially the encouraging remarks many people had written. Going through them I got the feeling of finally putting a message out there, a positive message for that matter.

I can tell you're dying to read it, well here it is!