Follow your dreams, your passions. Never say never. If you set out to do something with full dedication, sincerity, and motivation, you will achieve your dreams. You only live once, so live it with full zeal. – Viqar Bokhari
Times of Youth: How would you describe yourself? Do give us a brief introduction.
Viqar Bokhari: I am a Senior Mistress at Beaconhouse Margalla Campus, A-levels Branch. I have been associated with this institution for 7 years. Ending up in this profession was the best decision of my life. I have always been more of a friend to my students and the love they have given me in return is beyond imagination. A year ago I also decided to pursue my Ph.D. in Molecular Immunology. So hopefully, in 2 years time, I will be a DR as well.
Times of Youth: Who inspired you to take up this profession?
Viqar Bokhari: It was more of an accident. I had come to sign a contract for another company I was working in, and the Regional Career Advisor, Sameera Agha asked me if I would be interested in joining BMI. There has been no looking back since that day.
Times of Youth: If not this, what else would you have taken up as your 2nd career of choice and why?
Viqar Bokhari: I think I would have remained a housewife.
Times of Youth: Do tell us how has your experience has been in your current field so far.
Viqar Bokhari: It’s been an amazing experience. I think interaction with 16-18year olds is an absolute joy. The respect I have gained in this field is something I treasure more than anything.
Times of Youth: On a scale of 1-10, how would you rate yourself as a Senior Mistress, honestly?
Viqar Bokhari: I can’t praise myself, but my children love and respect me very much. I have always been more of a motherly figure.
Times of Youth: What is/are the most challenging aspect/s of your career?
Viqar Bokhari: For me, it’s a challenge trying to remember the names of at least 425 children every year.
Times of Youth: What kind of a student were you in your schooling years?
Viqar Bokhari: I was never the studious type. I passed with Honours in my High School and an A grade in M.phil, but the rest I was more of a B student. I am amazed as to how I have managed to start my Ph.D.
Times of Youth: Who according to you is an ideal student? Have you ever come across any?
Viqar Bokhari: An ideal student for me would be someone who knows the meaning of “respect”. An ideal student doesn’t need to be one who excels in academics, but a balanced personality. Oh yes, I have come across loads of ideal students in my career.
Times of Youth: In this fast-paced world, with all the craziness and workloads, how do you de-stress?
Viqar Bokhari: To be honest, I love my work. I think stress is a part of life and I just counsel myself that stress never lasts and that always elevates my mood.
Times of Youth: Which Guinness world record would you like to set?
Viqar Bokhari: I am not sure about setting a record, but I would definitely like to be remembered as an inspiration for my students.
Times of Youth: Who/what is your ideal?
Viqar Bokhari: To be honest, I don’t have an idea. But, any person who stands up for others’ rights, is honest and sincere definitely impresses me.
Times of Youth: If you could meet one person dead or alive, who would that be?
Viqar Bokhari: Definitely my dad. He would be proud to see me having a successful career along with pursuing my Ph.D., too.
Times of Youth: What message would you like to give to the youth of today?
Viqar Bokhari: Follow your dreams, your passions. Never say never. If you set out to do something with full dedication, sincerity, and motivation, you will achieve your dreams. You only live once, so live it with full zeal.
