Issue 1, Volume 3 marks the beginning of a new chapter in the brief history of Shaheens Quarterly. With a new editor and team, change is to be expected. So, along with keeping the previous features intact, we incorporated many fresh ideas. One was to unite the newsletter around one theme. For this issue, that was “Metamorphosis”, to reflect the post-pandemic world. Our cover story was on an orphanage, to increase awareness of the various social issues in our society. We also interviewed our inaugural editor and eulogized the passing of the great essayist Joan Didion. With upcoming issues, we hope to broaden our reach and diversify our content. As always, the emphasis is on telling the Gen Story. For Generians, By Generians.

Inside this issue:

1. The Thankful and the Thankless
   by Aaliyan Rizvi
2. Black Swan
   by Rabia Lakhani
3. Chatting with Misha Asim
4. Becoming
   by Eman Ali Azfar
5. Metamorphosis
   by Ayan Arif
6. Karachi: The Teenager
   by Amna Azam

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Editors’ Message:

Welcome Readers! In front of you is a brand new copy of the Senior Section’s own ‘Shaheens Quarterly.’ If you’re unsure what this is, that’s okay. In July 2020, as COVID-19 raged, Misha Asim (O-level, 2021) decided to finally make one of her dreams a reality. Thus, was born Shaheens Quarterly, a student-led newsletter, for students.

The theme for Issue 1, Volume 3 was “Metamorphosis”. The past year and a half have been a transformative period. Seemingly, with all the carnage we see in the news, nothing good happened due to the pandemic. But that’s not true, is it?

It taught everyone the significance of life, time and perseverance. Most importantly, I believe we collectively emerged as much stronger human beings than we imagined ourselves to be.

The butterfly, the inspiration behind this theme, is so beautiful. But remember when it was an insignificant, rather ugly
caterpillar?

The following pages tell this tale of perseverance, hard work and in the end, the final blooming. Aaliyan Rizvi writes about visiting an orphanage and how transformative a trip it was. Amna Azam, in “Karachi: The Teenager” paints a vivid portrait of our continuously evolving home city. And Rabia Lakhani’s “Black Swan” will keep you wondering till the end.

Finally, to pay homage to our founding editor, I sat down for a chat with Misha. Her responses were hilarious, illuminating, honest and, quite controversial.

Happy reading!
Zainab Zaidi

Messages:

If the Covid-19 pandemic has taught us anything, it is that in the middle of difficulties lie opportunities. Kudos to the editorial team of Shaheens Quarterly Society for providing a platform for our talented writers to publish their captivating stories and poems. Having read the previous volumes, I am inspired by the depth and maturity in my students’ penmanship. I’m sure that penning down their thoughts must
have been cathartic, as has been reading these gems for the audience.

May Allah bless you all for not giving up and setting an example for others to follow.

Ms. Farnaz Akhtar
Former Headmistress, Senior Section

For Generians, By Generians!

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