Name: Zahra MahmoodNickname: Zee
Nerd or a macho girl? Why??
I am neither a pure nerd nor a pure macho type. Actually, I am half and half. Yeah sure, some call me nerdy but in fact i am not and i am macho when the events turn out to be as such.
Study background:
I did my Matric and FSc (Pre-medical) from my hometown Jhelum, which is a couple of hours away from Islamabad. Now I am on the verge of graduating with a distinction in Biotechnology and looking for universities to apply to for a doctorate.
You got a chance to go to states for some exchange program how was your stay there and what was the procedure?
Yeah, that was a momentous occasion for me when I got the letter in my hand by the United States Education Foundation in Pakistan. It was the Global UGrad Exchange Program. Students throughout Pakistan were handpicked due to their talents and sent to different state universities in USA for one semester. It is a "Cultural Exchange Programme" and I wouldn't exchange my 5-month stay there, for anything in the world, not for all the gold and diamonds. The procedure is pretty much simple. Its a little work and a lotttt of waiting!!! You submit an application which is present on their website, www.usefpakistan.org. and then you wait till you get a call. Then an interview, followed by a TOEFL test and then Visa interview at the embassy, Pre-departure orientation and then finally if you make through all that you are ready to fly to the States. All expenses are paid, so its quite easy.
As we discussed above about some exchange program tell the youth that what was this program about and how did you got into all of this?
This program is a "Cultural Exchange Programme". Its all about telling the American citizens what Pakistan is all about. That its far more than just bombs and guns and bloodshed. Its about he beauty inside of us, the hospitality and the lush green pure land of Pakistan. Being a patriot is what I am. Besmirching the name of the country that gives one a nationality is a condemnable act. So if you are a true patriot this is the way for you. I just saw the ad in the newspaper, my best friend showed it to me and I just decided to apply.
How do you learn best?
a) By hearing
b) By seeing = best learning tool
c) By doing = somewhat learning!
Who are your inspirations?
My father is the one who moulded me into what I am today, so he is the biggest source of inspiration then my mom and my siblings.
If you get a well-paid job in America and you get the same well paid job in Pakistan which country would you prefer to work in?
Enough about studies/education.
As I said earlier, I am a patriot. And I would do a lot of things for the betterment of Pakistan, if I will be given freedom to spread my wings without getting them clipped off.
Which genre of songs do you listen?
I am most into Pop and Rock. And some of the old classical ghazals and old songs.
What do you do except studying?
I read and write. I have been reading novels and books since I was 7. and recently, I have started a blog to show-off my writing skills, the link is www.zestwidz.wordpress.com
Girls are too much into drama stuff? Which drama do you like?
I don't watch urdu dramas. It typical brainwashing of bahu and saas relationships. I prefer watching shows like, Bones, Grimm, Once upon a time and Castle and Merlin is a current favorite.
Any message for the Pakistani youth?
Be patriotic and be true to yourself. Believe in yourself and keep a calm and positive stance in life, I assure you you will do wonders.
Views about Islo Times ??
Umm... actually i never heard of it. My sister told me to contact you for the interview. But your page is very informative. and looks really colorful.