Lost in transition: generations of migration

The sense of continuity from multiple generations settled in the same place is not something affordable for immigrants.

A perfect winter hobby…

I've said this in a previous post that I found knitting a great self-taught hobby with tonnes of room to improve. But to be honest my last attempt at pursuing knitting with fruitful results didn't go down well. It was summer, a lot was going on and I couldn't produce final products which eventually took…

Winter break reading list

I started this post a while ago with the intention of setting a reading list target. I even started a good reads shelf 'winter-break' but as time went plans changed. I had planned to read mainly but recently picked up a big knitting project (more on that soon!) and have started catching up a lot…

Morning water therapy

I have a not-so-great morning routine. I wake up stumbling out of my bed and have just enough time to get dressed, grab my stuff and a quick breakfast (that will be eaten in the office). This kind of rushed morning takes a toll on small things we must do that matter. Inspiration and processOne…

(Falling) behind!

Fall is in full swing. But for university students it is also a time of great struggle. The autumnal magic outside is gripping but you are stuck on your desk grappling with a paper. Starbucks is offering double rewards on PSLs but you have two midterms in a day.

How to beat the fall blues

The month of October is invariably when I burn out. Over the last few years, this month has become emotionally, mentally and physically taxing due to a number of reasons. As school and university got busy, I basically took up a lot to do in summers: high school programs, part time jobs, summer classes and…

Productivity 101: how I use my academic planner

I remember the old school days in Pakistan when our course book and notebook sets would include a 'diary'. It was to remember assignments, dates and deadlines. If only they came in pretty pink paisleys or funky geo prints - they didn't, thanks to school logos. So, as soon as my school didn't ask me…

The what, why and how of journaling

I have had an on-and-off relationship with writing about my life. Be it blogging or journaling, I'd have phases of doing lots and then nothing. I had to find a purpose and its meaning in my life. Recently as I got back to blogging, I also got back to focused journaling. The past few years…

3 things I have learned from working as a student

Ever since I started university in North America, I wanted to work alongside studying. I had done a long internship at The Express Tribune throughout high school so I knew that was something I can manage. When I finally got to work upon moving to Vancouver, I left no position (which I qualified for) unapplied.…

What’s this back to campus business?

I am a big fan of dorm decor ever since I saw my first-year double room, with grainy walls, low lighting and scruffy furniture. It adds character, homeliness and a dash of warmth to often drab spaces. However, having lived in 3 residence spaces in my university career so far I have figured one thing.…