LAHORE – While penning down my experiences for this piece, I can’t help but recall a time when I actually dreaded the thought of joining LUMS, an institution associated with many social myths and taboos. Little did I know then that this experience would turn my life around like none other.
They say that the days you spend at university are the best of one’s life. There can be no doubt then, that the university you choose can make or break your future, so pick wisely. Throughout our time as university students, we learn plenty of lessons that are geared to prepare us for our futures. However, the lessons of university life are not merely those we learn in classrooms; the many memories we accrue are from hours spent with friends on campus, the traditions we pick up on and the relationships we forge.
The sprawling green campus, spreading across acres, is a self-sufficient city in its own. The five Schools; Suleman Dawood School of Business, Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering, Sheikh Ahmed Hassan School of Law, Mushtaq Ahmad Gurmani School of Humanities and Social Sciences and Syed Ahsan Ali and Syed Maratib Ali School of Education, offer a diverse range of subject and career opportunities along with lavish facilities.
Surrounded with those majestic red bricks, standing as a bastion of innovation and progress for over three decades now, LUMS has produced some of the most dynamic leaders and individuals in various fields. LUMS taught me how to think differently, and gave me the confidence that I could never have imagined possessing. I still remember a time when I would tremble before making a presentation. The pronounced change in my personality would have never been possible had it not been for the socially active societies, uniquely designed courses and the personal effort required to get through the challenges LUMS presents its students.
Be it those late nights spent in the library chasing crazy deadlines or basking in the sun in the central courtyard doing last minute revisions; those hurried meals in PDC or simply just a stroll down the dorm corridor; as well as those hard-hitting discussions with the incredibly qualified faculty who groomed and shaped us into the leaders of our own fate; all these experiences put together make me realise that joining LUMS was perhaps one of the best decisions of my life.
Unlike many universities that may bombard students with rote knowledge, calling it education, LUMS stresses upon equipping its students with the skills necessary to put their education to practical use giving them the freedom to let their imagination roam free and pushes them to carve their ideas into reality by giving form to what many may consider merely a student’s vivid imagination.
“If I look back on how our journey at Rizq to end hunger and food wastage from Pakistan started, it was a discussion at khokha which ended up with us making a Facebook page. The overwhelming response by the LUMS community back then was something that helped it kick-start and lifted us in all possible ways. LUMS stands unique in providing a favourable ecosystem for whatever you want to do and achieve in life, so just put it out there and let the nature ACT!” says Qasim Javed Khan (Batch 2017) co-founder of the Rizq Foundation.
Universities should equip you with the ability to think on your own, to manage crises, and to deal with the most daunting situations independently.
Speaking of his LUMS experience, renowned musician, Ali Hamza (Batch 2000) says, “At LUMS, I got to consolidate the very first part of my conscious life journey. More than anything, I made human connections that I still value to date. Definitely amongst the most formative years of my life!”
Shahrukh Swati, 2016 alumnus, shared his views, “LUMS is a second home for life, a place to dream, and a place to achieve. It made me challenge myself and bring out a better version of myself, each day, each semester, each year. Those brick walls and the beautiful green campus made me dream high, told me I am never looking back in life again. The dreams that seemed beyond achievement are now a reality: my own company, NearPeer – Pakistan’s largest online learning platform. Thank you, LUMS”.
Ahmed Khan (Batch 2000), founder and owner of delivery and logistics service Cheetay.pk, is another great example of a Luminite making his dreams come true.
“My experience at LUMS was exceptional as not only did it imbue in me the ability to put my mental faculties to test, I got the best of both worlds, quality education and an opportunity to excel at sports as well. The lifelong friends and connections made there have helped me throughout my career. Being awarded the Alumni Achievement Award has been extremely humbling and gratifying since your alma mater plays a vital role in shaping your future.”
All these success stories depict the change that LUMS brought into so many lives. Your choice as well will reflect not just your next 4 years but also your lifetime learning experiences, career choices, character and personality building.
