I am an ordinary housewife who got married right after my M.A. in English literature. Being a housewife requires a genuine 24/7 duty towards family. Especially in the initial days of married life, things aren’t in favor of the bride, as she has to adjust to a new home and culture and adopt the norms of her in-laws as soon as possible.
However, I was the luckiest lady, as my mother-in-law and my mother, the support system of my dreams, remained confident that I should achieve my dreams. Hence, my journey in the education field took a new turn.
Though my childhood dream was to be a doctor, Allah al-mighty adhered to my wishes by steering the wheel of my lifeboat toward immense success. My horny journey of life unlimitedly kept me juggling ups and downs. I remained focused on turning the tables during this marital pressure and societal expectations.
Finally, I enrolled in an M.A. in Linguistics, not just this but also raising my two school-going kids. I was competent enough to thrive in my career at Bahria Foundation College and the Pakistan Navy Communication Center (PNS Bahadur).
Furthermore, I stepped ahead to pursue an M.Phil. right after my M.A. in Linguistics. Here was the actual task and my examination, as the M.Phil. studies require solitary time and space. It is not an easy job but requires heart and soul.
“Great things come from hard work and perseverance. No excuses.”
Kobe Bryant
To write my thesis, I had to burn the boats to finish the task. I used to wake up around 2.00 at midnight to work on my thesis. The enthusiastic approach lifted my morals enough to remain steadfast throughout the arduous journey. I sacrificed my precious sleep and rest.
Once, I have successfully trodden the path that consumed my entire being, so the fruitful results were the best gifts I cherish. I got a chance to work at prestigious universities, including IoBM, MAJU, NUML, and Bahria University.
Being the rock star of my exciting journey, I craved and thirsted for more. I sought to gain diversified exposure from universities of business and the armed forces to the arts and health sciences. I left a close-grained mark on the universities that employed me.
“There is a subtle line between the peacefulness of solitude and the pessimistic term loneliness. Experience solitude often to unravel your sweet spot.”
Syeda Uzma Paiam
The desire to quench the thirst for more and more left me defeatless. Every stone turned pushed me towards another milestone to target and aim for. I was one of the first in the pandemic to collaborate with the Canadian company AUKSUN to create an online English learning platform for IUHS.
The workshops that I conducted with devotion and dedication are as follows.
- Common grammatical errors.
- Fossilized pronunciation errors.
- Creative writing.
- Writing Skills.
- Vocabulary building
The list of particular Academic Projects is as follows.
- Business English Program from IBA Karachi.
- IELTS (Academics) from Dominos.
- Member of SPELT.
- Business English from the University of Washington.
- Tricky English Grammar from the University of California, Irvine.
- Styles of Learning at PNS Rehnuma.
- Educational Development course at PNS Rehnuma.
- Teaching Communication Grammar at Bahria Institute of Teachers Training.
- Online Course “Leadership – Ten Rules for Impact and Meaning.
“Patience is the sword of the exalted and intellectuals. Only the mindful, consistent, and conscious earn this.”
Syeda Uzma Paiam
My Achievements:
- Pioneering Online Education: During the pandemic, I was the first to collaborate with the Canadian company AUKSUN to develop an online English learning platform for IUHS.
- Recognition for Excellence: I received the “Best Instructor Award” from the Pakistan Navy.
- Innovative Research: My research is advancing the field of ESL pedagogy, with the potential to revolutionize English teaching worldwide, a prospect that brings me immense satisfaction.
- Global Scholar: I have presented my research papers at numerous international conferences.
- Proud Parent: My son, Syed Hasnain Ali, is a national award-winning writer and gold medalist in creative writing at 11. My daughter, Syeda Anoushey Azmat, is an English debate champion who has won debates against 45 schools in Sci Vision. My children’s inclination towards knowledge and exemplary behavior are my most outstanding achievements.
“Things are repaired with the component they are made of. The inside emptiness can never be complemented by exogenous products.”
Syed Uzma Paiam
Selected Research Publications:
- Code-Switching in Language Centers: “Effects of code-switching on the teaching-learning process in the language centers of Karachi.”
- Communication Barriers: “The communication barriers and their impacts on the academic performance of graduate students.”
- Classroom Silence: “Learning factors causing silence in English Language (L2) classrooms at the graduate level.”
- Teaching Approaches: “Comparative Analysis of the Use of Code-Switching and Immersive Approaches for ESL learners.”
- Leadership and Wellbeing: “Leadership Qualities and Socio-Emotional Wellbeing of Learners: A Case Study.”
“Just like you work on the aesthetics and organization of your material belongings, orchestrate the clutter in your head and heart, dispose of the corroding trash to let your soul, breath inside out.”
Syed Uzma Paiam
Overcoming Struggles and Hurdles:
- Marriage and Societal Expectations: Navigating the complexities of marriage and societal expectations while pursuing my professional and academic goals.
- Parenting and Education: Raising children while continuing my education.
- Balancing Act: Juggling demanding careers, studies, and family life, including working two jobs while completing my studies.
“Words shape your entire wellbeing be it conscious or unconscious utterance so choose your words judiciously.”
Syeda Uzma Paiam
Dream Big, Achieve More:
Uzma Paiam’s remarkable journey is a testament to the power of perseverance and passion. Her story, from navigating the challenges of marriage and motherhood to becoming a leading figure in education, demonstrates that dreams are achievable with dedication and resilience. For every young girl reading this, remember that obstacles are opportunities in disguise. Embrace your ambitions with courage, keep learning, and let your determination be your guide. Just like Uzma, you have the potential to shape your own destiny and make an indelible mark on the world. Dream big, work hard, and let your journey be a beacon of hope for others. Your future is limitless.