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Studying at Indus was the most eye opening experience of my otherwise oblivious life. It was a new school of thought created by a strong group of art and design professionals who wanted to see social awareness bloom in Karachi. Conscientious professional in the fields of architecture, design, textile, economics, journalism, psychology and sociology who routinely visited as teachers and critics brought about a variety of discussions I would have been deprived of elsewhere. The Architecture program at Indus was very intense. Two years of pre-engineering with Math and Physics (in high school) came in handy through the five year program where foundation course (freshman year) required a total 21 and 24 credit hours in first and second semesters respectively. There were 4 studios in each semester, namely Communication skills, Design, Fine Art and Calligraphy. There were long days with no breaks except for lunch. Complaining had a 'one size fit all' answer: Drop out! Architecture was an uncommon profession in Pakistan at the time. The only other profession that required 5 years after high school was medicine. People used to ask me if I wanted to dedicate so many years to education why didn't I choose to study medicine?

As the undergrad finished, I left Karachi with my husband. He had a job in CT and the political conditions in Karachi were destabilizing. It was after i left Karachi that I found my bond with the city. It made me feel the pain of those who have to migrate from a place that they so love. I now understood why every conversation of my preceding generation revolved around India/Pakistan partition. Unlike me, they left without the hope of going back every year.

All things happen for a reason and I now feel that I would not be able to grow intellectually, spiritually, and professionally if I had remained in one place. For example, being out of that system I now see the brutal discrimination that was happening right before my eyes against social and religious sects and I never noticed because I belonged to the majority. I keep a close connection with Karachi and my architecture school. One day I hope that I can contribute all my life experience to teaching in the profession of architecture. Recently I was honored to critique a 4th year design project at IVSAA. I really enjoyed interacting with the students and would like to reach out to them again. 

Over the years I have worked part and full time in Architecture and Interior Design Offices. In 2012 i started the process for Architectural Licensure which is now complete. While studying for licensure, i made up my mind to stay periodically involved with teaching and research as it gave me great pleasure to study and discuss. I have realized that the real learning comes from teaching which often exposes what you don't know. It is certainly a humbling process. 

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