They say it takes a moment of inspiration to change ones life. And this is exactly what happened with Fatima Hussain, a student of Dawood Public School (DPS), who had always wanted to become a dentist, but after winning SUPARCO’s Water Rocket Competition and being selected for representing Pakistan at the Asia-Pacific Space Agency (APSA) Forum, she has changed her mind and decided to become a scientist.
Fatima, 15, a student of class IX, has been selected to represent Pakistan at the APSA Forum scheduled to start from December 3 in Singapore.
In 2010, she had participated in the WRC, which was organised by the Space and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission (SUPARCO). Based on her excellent performance, SUPARCO selected her to represent Pakistan at the Singapore forum.
Talking with Pakistan Today, Fatima said from her early childhood, she had wished to be a dentist but when she was selected for WRC and won the competition, she realised that she can be a better scientist. “I have decided to work in the field of rocket engineering after completing graduation,” she said.
“My teachers and parents proved to be the driving force behind me when I won the WRC and representing Pakistan at the APSA Forum is indeed a great honour for me, my school and particularly my parents,” the girl said, visibly excited.
Fatima’s father, Muhammad Hussain Khan, was of the view that her daughter’s representation of Pakistan at an international forum is a matter of immense pleasure for him, the DPS and the country at large. “I am a merchant navy officer and have travelled across the globe but I also could not do what my 15-year-old daughter has done.”
“I am on leave these days and focussing on Fatima to support her in winning the international event,” he said. “I cannot explain my happiness over this fantastic achievement and I wish my daughter returns to Pakistan with another success.”
Ghulam Murtaza, Fatima’s physics teacher, told Pakistan Today that the girl had shown potential for WRC during her practical work with her batch. “When the DPS decided to participate in SUPARCO’s WRC competition, I chose Fatima because she is excellent in practical work and my decision proved correct when she won the competition.”
Speaking with Pakistan Today, DPS Secondary Section Principal Viqar Afza said it is a matter of great pride for Pakistan and the DPS that Fatima was selected for the international event in Singapore. “Pakistan has talented and creative students like Fatima, who if provided with a learning environment, can become valuable assets for the country.”
She said that besides academics, the DPS focuses on regular extra-curricular activities to explore hidden talents in its student. “The school starts at 8:00 am but the students are asked to report 30 minutes earlier for different types of extra-curricular activities.”
Fatima Hussain: the science whiz on the block
