There are journeys in life that begin quietly, without any grand declarations or celebrations. They start with a child's innocent footsteps echoing through school corridors, with a satchel full of books and a heart full of dreams. My journey is one of those, a quiet, beautiful unfolding of time, love, learning, and purpose, all rooted in the soil of one special place:

Hamid Chara Army Goodwill School, Chandigam Lolab

I still remember my very first day in class UKG. I was a small child with wide eyes, holding tightly to my brother’s hand as we entered the school gate. The building looked enormous, and everything felt new, the classrooms, the playground, the uniforms, even the chalk on the blackboard. That day, I had no idea that this place would become my second home for the next many years, nurturing me, guiding me, and shaping me into the person I am today.
Among the many guiding lights in my journey, one name that shines with unmatched strength and inspiration is Ms. Zahida, our respected Principal, lovingly and proudly known as the Iron Lady of Lolab. Her leadership is a symbol of discipline, dedication, and dignity. She doesn't just lead the school, she uplifts it with her unshakable commitment, her strong moral values, and her ability to stand tall in every challenge. Under her firm yet caring guidance, Hamid Chara Army Goodwill School has not only grown in academic excellence but has become a place of character-building. For me, and for many like me, she is more than a Principal, she is a living example of grace wrapped in strength, and a true architect of empowered futures.

The Foundation Years

As I grew through each class, from UKG to primary and then into middle school, the school became more than just a place for books and exams. It became a space where I discovered the world. Every subject opened a window, English taught me how to express, Urdu gave me rhythm and emotion, science sparked my curiosity, and social studies helped me understand the world beyond the valleys of Lolab. The teachers I had during those years were more than educators. They were mentors, role models, and sometimes even second parents. Their kindness, discipline, and commitment left deep impressions on me. I remember one teacher who noticed my love for writing and encouraged me to participate in a school magazine. That moment was small, but the confidence it gave me was lifelong.

Dreams Taking Shape

As I moved to the higher classes, particularly 9th through 12th, life became more focused, and responsibilities grew. These were the years of teenage dreams, board exam pressure, and imagining what lay beyond school. Yet, through it all, Hamid Chara Army Goodwill School remained a constant source of support. The environment, full of discipline yet warmth, helped me focus not just on academics, but on values, humility, respect, and resilience.
The friendships I made in those years are still etched in my heart. We weren’t just classmates, we were companions in growth, laughing together, struggling together, learning together. Together, we faced the exams, the competitions, and the moments of self-doubt. And with every step, we had the encouragement of a school that believed in us, even before we learned to believe in ourselves.

From Alumni to Educator

After completing my 12th standard from the same school, I stepped out for a while to pursue further studies and prepare myself for the next stage of life. But deep inside, a dream had started forming, a dream to return, not as a student, but as a teacher. I wanted to be for others what so many of my teachers had been for me, a guide, a mentor, a source of encouragement.

Dream Came True

Returning to Hamid Chara Army Goodwill School as a teacher was a deeply emotional moment. The same gates, the same corridors, the same classrooms. but this time, I stood on the other side. I was no longer the child holding a pencil in awe, but the person holding the Marker, ready to pass on everything I had learned, not just from books but from life.

A Full Circle of Gratitude

Today, as I walk through the school each morning, greet my students, and prepare my lessons, I carry with me not just the responsibility of teaching but the privilege of giving back. I see myself in the eyes of every young child who walks into the classroom, full of dreams, questions, and hope.
The journey from a little student in UKG to a teacher in the same school is not just a personal achievement. It is a story of belonging, of faith, of community, and above all, of the magic that happens when one place believes in you and nurtures you year after year. Hamid Chara Army Goodwill School is more than just an institution to me. It is my root, my wings, my memory, and my future. Every wall here holds a story of my growth, and every classroom is a chapter of my life. I am proud to be a part of it — as a student once, and now as someone who helps shape the journeys of others.

A Message for Every Student

To the students who now sit where I once did, know that you are in a place where dreams are quietly built. Respect your teachers, cherish your friends, and believe in your potential. One day, you too might return here, not as a student, but as a leader, a guide, or even a teacher.
And to my fellow educators, thank you for keeping the spirit of this school alive. We do not just teach lessons; we shape lives.
In the heart of Lolab, among the deodars and the echoing mountains, lies a school that gave me everything, my knowledge, my strength, and my purpose. And as I continue walking its halls, now as a teacher, I walk with pride, with love, and with a deep sense of gratitude.
This journey is not just mine, it is a tribute to every student who dares to dream, every teacher who lights the path, and every school that becomes more than just a building- a true family.

Email:----------------------------aliyawrites35@gmail.com