The exams are over. Now what?

This is with reference to the cover article “The exams are over. Now what?” by Shahmeer Asif (YW, May 24th).

The article captured the exact mix of emotions we go through during and after exams — from stress and sleepless nights to that strange, quiet phase when it’s all over and we don’t know how to feel or what to do.

What I appreciated most were the gentle reminders: that we are more than our marks, and that it’s okay to feel a little lost after exams. I especially liked the part about self-awareness and resilience. We rarely realise how much we grow through these tough phases. And yes, the pressure of expectations is real, but this article helped me see that it’s okay to face them calmly and not lose confidence in myself.

Hafsa Noor,
Rawalpindi

One slip, one lesson

We only realise the blessing of having a healthy body when we begin to lose it or have damaged it. But sometimes, when things go wrong, we face situations we never imagined.

I am living that nightmare right now — a broken arm.

Childish jumping and playing activities are fun for every child, but once you slip, you’re down on the ground in seconds, without realising the gravity of the situation. And then we remember our mother’s words: “Don’t jump, you’ll get hurt.”

Parents don’t scold us just because they’re angry, but because they want us to stay safe. I want to remind my readers: be careful — extra careful — because not every injury is treatable.

Ahmed Fateh Mohammad,
Lahore

A haircut disaster

This is with reference to the story “A haircut disaster” by Muhammad Hussain Saeed (YW, May 17). I found the story both humorous and meaningful. The way the writer described his panic and embarrassment made it feel as if it were happening to us.

Sometimes, we only learn responsibility after facing the consequences of ignoring rules. The story was a good reminder for all students to pay attention to school rules, no matter how unimportant they may seem.

Sarah Khan,
Abbotabad

II

The story “A haircut disaster” by Muhammad Hussain Saeed was an enjoyable read, while giving readers a serious lesson — that small acts of carelessness can often lead to big moments of embarrassment.

I think this story is especially important for young readers, because it reminds us that rules aren’t made to annoy us — they’re there for a reason.

Ayaan Saquib,
Islamabad

Published in Dawn, Young World, July 19th, 2025