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Maheen's space program

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Photo courtesy: Freepik.com 

It was September in Quetta, a month when the chilly wind signaled the impending winter season. The snow-capped mountains added to the valley's beauty, and the cold air filled Maheen's lungs. Despite the picturesque scenery and the cold air, Maheen, a physics fanatic, was consumed by her dream of joining the country's space agency, SUPARCO( Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission, Pakistan).

Her father, on the other hand, had always hoped to see her become a successful doctor in the city. She was the only female from her village pursuing higher studies. 

The day before, Maheen had taken her medical entrance test at the Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering, and Management Sciences (BUITEMS). Failing it for the second time, she realized it was because her true passion lay in physics and his dream of becoming an astronaut.

She didn't want to disappoint her father, but as she realized her helplessness, a desire to sob, cry, and shriek welled up within her. Her heart ached, and a lump formed in her throat. After returning from the exam center, she retreated to her room, shutting the door behind her. Instead of going to her bed, she opened her cupboard and took out her science fiction book featuring Dr. Yarjan Samad, the first space scientist from Balochistan working for ESA (European Space Agency).

"If only I could pursue my dream of becoming a space scientist," she thought to herself looking at the scientist's photo. After a tiring and uneventful day, she went to sleep after having dinner.

The next day, after her father found out about Maheen's failure, he didn't speak to her for the rest of the day and left for the office with a somber look. Maheen was consumed by regret, wondering why she hadn't told her father about her passion for physics from the beginning. Would her dad be happy with her if she chose space science? And on top of that, why hadn't she communicated to her dad that she wouldn't be happy pursuing a career in medicine and surgery? 

These thoughts weighed on her until her grandmother Mrs. Imrana asked, "Is everything alright, my son?"

Mrs. Imrana, an elderly woman with wavy, dark brown hair flowing down her back and hazel-colored eyes, had a deep understanding of every aspect of Maheen's life.

"Yes, Mom," Maheen said with a somber expression. After assessing the situation and feeling her grandmother's warmth, she decided to open up immediately. "Mama, you know, it's the second time in a row that I've failed the medical entrance test, and that's because I have a strong passion for space science. I want to become a future astronaut." Maheen discloses to her grandma.

Don't settle for a career that will lead to a lifetime of regret

Maheen's grandmother, having noticed her interest through the pictures of space scientists like Neil Armstrong, Yuri Gagarin,Valentina Tereshkova,Buzz Aldrin,Dr. Yarjan Samad, and others on her room's walls, responded, "Oh, I see. My baby has been keeping this a secret from me." She exclaimed with a gentle smile on her face.

"Listen, my son, there are three crucial factors to consider when choosing a career path. First and foremost, you must have a deep passion for it, as this passion will drive your dedication. Secondly, opt for a field that genuinely brings you happiness. And lastly, be prepared to put in the hard work, even during late hours, to turn your dream into reality. If studying physics brings you joy, then pursue it. Don't settle for a career that will lead to a lifetime of regret," Mrs. Imrana advises.

" But father won't be happy if I chose physics," Questions Maheen

"Your father will be much happier, knowing that his child is content. Remember, my son, you are the only girl from our village pursuing higher studies, and I would be immensely proud to see you become an astronaut," she adds. "Balochistan doesn't just need doctors or engineers; it needs scientists to lead our space program to the moon. It needs tour guides to showcase our historical sites, museums, and geographic wonders and teachers to instill values in our youth. Ambassadors, architects, pharmacists, and diplomats to demonstrate to the world that we respect all professions. We will surely thrive when scientists are allowed to be scientists and doctors are allowed to be doctors." Her grandma's words touched her heart. 

In the evening, Maheen decided to share her passion for physics with her father, silently echoing her physics teacher's words from the coaching class," I don't want to be an unpowered and unguided missile."


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