Feature
The Bringer of Hope-Fahbia Sheik
Interview taken by Sarah Z H
TODAY we are going to learn about an achiever who is rightfully called 'fabulous' by her teachers, someone who has made proud her family, friends and nevertheless the people of her country in a far-flung land. Fahbia Sheik(FS), a 9th grader in High school is one of the 36 winners in the Turning Points Essay Contest. Reading the letter that had been sent to her by The Learning Partnership-Champions of Public Education Across Canada, I was lucky to have received all the details of her success. The readers will surely have no other choice but to be awestruck by the fine specifications of Fahbia's extraordinary achievement. The number of submissions for the competition was somewhat over 10, 204, all significantly exceptional in their style and substance. Yet Fahbia with her willingness to share her experience and sincerity won the contest only to establish the fact that success is all about overcoming our own difficulties and believing in our own worth.
SC: Congratulations! So, what are your usual interests?
FS: I am very enthusiastic about environment. I have volunteered in a number of programs, which gave me a chance to associate myself more closely with issues concerning the environment both in and out of Toronto.
SC: I have heard that you attend a special program at school, which is quite thorough, and not to mention very exclusive concurrently. Tell us something about the program.
FS: The program I attend is an unrelentingly selective program, which allows only 20 people per class to be educated in the most highly structured way possible. We get special treatment as students as our teachers are one of the most well paid instructors in the region.
SC: What extra curricular activities do you find exciting especially when you can choose from a sea of options?
FS: I love playing violin. As I have told before, I am alarmed about what is happening to our environment. For that, matter I eagerly take part in seminars and global summits that help concentrate on problems dealing with the environment.
SC: Are you into sports?
FS: A lot actually! Basketball is one of my favourites.
SC: You have a whole certificate book with appreciation letters from libraries and different institutions. Amazingly, the US President George W. Bush has acknowledged you and a letter was sent to the Canadian Prime Minister. How does it feel to know that all these accomplishments belong to none other than you?
FS: Honestly, I feel lucky and blessed. I am thankful to my parents and my elder sister, Fatima Sheik who is a student at the University of Toronto. My family has always been my inspiration and helped me sustain the unflinching determination that has brought me where I am today. I want to thank my Dad, Nazim Ahmed who has worked unimaginably hard to give us what we have required so far to excel in our lives.
SC: As we love talking about the future, what would you like to pursue as a career with your multi lateral talents?
FS: I find Law as a subject reasonably interesting. I guess I will go for a corporate lawyer when it comes to choosing a profession.
SC: All Bangladeshi people living abroad face this question at a certain point in their lives. What plans do you have for your country in the years to come?
FS: I definitely want to give back. Perhaps I will set up some sort of a school for the children who feel they need to make changes. I will try to make sure that they have all the fun while they learn everything they need to.
SC: Any last words for the ones who wish to be super achievers like you someday. What exactly would you like to say to them?
FS: Never give up as long as you have a drive in it. The drive will take you wherever you want to go.
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