I Knew This Was My Moment.

Type in ‘moment’ in the Google Search Bar, press Enter and within a blink of an eye, your screen says: ‘A very brief period of time’ or ‘An exact point in time.’ I have read stories all my life that describe the protagonist’s journey to the ‘perfect end.’ I question myself, is there really, ever a perfect moment? ‘No’ speaks the mind. There is no perfect moment itself.

As children we all have dreamt about our delightful moments. I pondered as I grew up. I pictured myself a lady very graceful. After making a long Thank You speech I would be accepting a huge trophy and a bouquet from the hands of a honorable President of an imaginary land. I always imagined that would be my perfect moment with all my friends and family around me. They would be standing on the left and right, clapping, grinning and cheering for me. The guards in their black suit & tie with sunglasses and earphones, clearing the way and making sure high-level security is served. Like the movies showed, I imagined helicopters buzzing in the air showering the sweetsmelling petals of the most gorgeous flower on Earth. I, walking down the red carpet in my go silver, glitzy gown. There, right ahead, would be the limousine. The driver, holding the door open for me so that I get in and the car drive away, finally being able to escape the crowded scenario.

Based on logical thinking the answer to "Does all that even happen?" would be a solid no. However, based on your emotions you will realise that it really does feel like it. Wait for your moment to strike and once you're in it, it's not just fantasy and imagination. It's pleasure and pride! It is a long journey with twists, curls and at times, "as easy as ABC stuff". It was through my effort that I developed as an individual and relished the fruit of my hard-work. I always kept in mind that without effort, I will definitely not reach far in life, with effort, I may not succeed all the time, yet, with continuous effort, I will surely achieve something significant in the long run. I know now that life is fair in this way and will continue to be so.

Life until fourth grade seemed like a playland. Fifth and sixth grades were when maturity struck into me. Seventh was a hurdle. Why? Mathematics was the reason. I had always dreaded math, not because of the numbers, nor the equations or its lack of practicality and usefulness in the real world. In fact the higher the level of math, the more complex the sums, the less I can explain its purpose in life. Yet, the true reason for my fear of the class were not any of these reasons, it was simply because of the hard time I would have focusing on the explanations given in class. While my physical body was imprisoned in class, my mind would wander off to a world of thoughts, ideas and possibilities. It was because of this reason that I never received high scores. I felt inferior to those who achieved higher grades and immobilized in the learning process. I did not know whether to review the lessons of the past or attempt to understand the chapters of the present. Neither was possible at that point. It struck to me how life is a competition. You have to strive to earn an unique position. To prove to others of your worthiness, it was important to take action. I began to work towards focusing in class, putting hard work outside it and studying for any tests or quizzes. It began with improvements, my scores did not match up to my potential or dedication, yet after a while, my scores improved significantly. Eventually, I would understand every explanation given in class and achieve grades that brought me satisfaction. I even began to enjoy math! It was 7^th grade, Mid-term when my teacher announced I had scored a 100% overall along with other geniuses. That was my moment. All the times when I raised my hand high up in Math class to shout out the answer and got it correct, those were my moments. I had succeeded in overcoming my greatest fear in terms of studies. I had proved to be a struggler.

But before Math was the real trouble, the new environment was my enemy. For ten years I had grown up and been educated in Middle-eastern schools. I had not a hint of the cultural Pakistani surrounding. When we moved here due to a crisis in Dubai, everything seemed disorganized. It was as if I had been dropped into a strange land. Despite the fact that I was born here, in the fertile land of Pakistan, I was unaware. Adjusting suddenly into a new environment seemed impossible. I and my brother used to beg Mum to shift back into the Middle-east. But it was only a year that took me to adjust. And, throughout the entire year, I was so engaged in my studies that I managed to score five perfect 100’s. My grades consisted of straight A*’s. I was depressed and nervous but I did not let these temporary feelings shadow my path ahead. I knew I could not let my future slowly fade away. As Julius Caesar said “Veni, vidi, vici” meaning “I came, I saw, I conquered.” In June, 2010, I was called onto the stage by my Headmistress namely, Ms Seema Rasheed. Who would have thought that I was about to be awarded certificates for ‘outstanding performance & highest scorer’, ‘neat exercise notebooks’, ‘best reader’ and ‘clean uniform.’ All together, I had managed to add 8 certificates into my ‘success collection’. While I was on the stage, while my Headmistress hugged me, 600 students clapped for me, it was as if flower petals were being showered upon me. The teachers appeared as my guards. They ensured that I not let my parents let down or give up simply due to ‘stranger in a strange land’ experiences. As I got down, I was remarked by overwhelming phrases. I knew it was my moment. My strategy had served.

Alongside winning numerous competitions on a national basis, participating in morning assemblies, achieving high grades and maintaining a respectable reputation at school, I had carved the path to the highest rank a student could attain in School life. ‘The Head girl’. A title not won by votes but earned by hard work, positive attitude, potential, and capability. The skills I developed at self-management, decision-making, writing and public speaking satisfied me. Three hundred and thirty two votes. This time, it felt right to be proud. That one day, when I got off by bus and a swarm of not bees but friends surrounded me. They shouted out congratulations’ and hugged me. I could not believe it! I had managed to win the hearts of fellow 9^th graders and other juniors. I knew I had earned the votes. It had in now possible way, bribed them or made fake promises. Students looked upon me as a role-model. It was my time to shine. The most amazing moment is when someone actually comes up to you, asks for your very own advice. I knew it was my time and that I was worth it.

On a funny note, I solemnly swear I must warn you that I am difficult to look for because I always am engaged in one task or another. I might be in the class-room studying, in the library reading, in the ground playing baseball, football or basketball or in the corridors, helping out different staff members. It is my duty and my responsibility to set an example for the others. Hence, I know it is my turn.

I knew when my moments were. At one time it was when I restored faith in myself and became confident, being able to introduce myself in public to friends or family. At another time, when I was able to carry on a real conversation among adults. When I was able to serve drinks and be the loving host at parties, the guests would remark me. My moment was when I told my little sister: “One must keep in mind that through continuous effort, the impossible is made possible, where without effort, a task remains impossible.”

All the years of dedication, promises, late night studies and involvement in numerous activities has now elevated me to a level where I have earned respect without seeking it. In a pursuit for development and change, my work has been successful and my role pivotal. Yet I know that these moments are not the end, but merely a milestone in my ongoing goal of making the world a better place. In the sequence of events and the end of my essay which you just read, my time of pride is over, yet my desires for further achievements are not.