“I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o’er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host, of golden daffodils”

24 years have passed away, and this is something which I very vividly remember learning when I was in Grade 2, as a proud Sherwoodian!

I still recite this poem at the age of 27, without even having to look at the book. No, I am not actually patting my own back…. I just want to highlight the fact that my English teacher made this poem so beautiful, so colorful, that I learnt it with my heart and soul. I remember the Y.T.T (YOUNG TALENT TIME), and I remember dancing on “Hawa Hawa, Dekha hai pehli baar sajan ki ankho mei pyar”, I remember the skits, I remember the uniform, my Yellow House, I remember my Cheshire Wing, most importantly I remember my prayer – THIS LITTLE ANGEL…

My darling teachers, My lovely Principal, Headmistress, contribute to what I am today. Their care nurtured me, their hands guided me, their words gave me the strength, their passion drove me, their love groomed me. Yes, I cant stop thanking Allah to bless me with such lovely, precious gems!!!

Who am I? I am Rudaba Aslam, (aka… teachers’ pet) hehe, yes that was what I was… an old student who studied in Merryland Kindergarten, and then moved on to Sherwood Academy and studied there till gr7. Now I am married, and have a daughter Areej. Times may have changed, but this year, on 23rd May 2012, when I saw my beloved Mrs Susheela George, smiling and standing to welcome me with open arms, I actually forgot that I had grown up. I remember when I used to come running to hug her. Waves of nostalgia came over me when Ms Jessie took me to the place, my home where I studied and played. No words can explain my feelings. No instrument can measure my happiness.

To cut it short, I just want to let all my lovely teachers to know that I remember each and every one of you. You people are special for me, and I love you and will keep on loving you till my last breath. A small word to all the students, please please respect your teachers and listen to every word of advice they give you, and yes make them feel special always, because I am telling you they are Angels in Disguise. Even though I live in Karachi, I come to UAE once every year.

I just want to say that you can take Rudaba out of Sherwood, but you cannot take Sherwood out of Rudaba!

With loads of Love and wishes,

Rudaba Aslam

or the cover girl of MERRY SOUNDS FOR MERRYLAND… 🙂