The rooms were quite neat and clean. I got a room on the first floor which was airy enough; there were 10 beds in all. It was encouraging to see many girls from Hyderabad and Quetta also which showed their enthusiasm to come from a long way to get selected so that they could serve in the defense of our country.

We were called for a tea break and then we reported at the Testing Hall. The motivating address to the candidates, made me more determined to struggle. Our documents were then checked and we were allotted chest numbers which we wore forthwith. After our picture was taken, we were given various forms to fill up for which the officers gave us complete guidance.

Around 9:30 pm, we had the dinner at the dining hall where the waiters served us nicely. After having our prayers, most of us went to sleep as the lights were supposed to get off at 11'0 clock. The night was very calm and peaceful, honestly. Furthermore, the zooming sound of the aero planes passing above us made the night more beautiful as I have always been fascinated by the aeroplane. This is because the Quaid-e-Azam International Airport is very near to ISSB. In fact, to tell you the truth; till the end of our stay at the ISSB, most of the girls had become much addicted to this panoramic view of aircraft in the sky at night.

The first day was quite challenging as the screen out test decides whether the candidate could further continue his/ her stay at ISSB or not. And, Alhamdullilah, all the girls cleared this test but one for whom I feel sorry cos' in this short span of time we had made a good friendship as she was my room-mate too. But, perhaps it was good for her as Allah always makes the right decision. After our personality tests we were quite tired but then the female officer revived our spirits saying that we were about to opt for the field which required fulfilling of duty round the clock!

We came back to our rooms and the batman there asked us whether we wanted to get some clothes pressed. So, there was a complete arrangement for helping out the candidates as the nice and polite people there at our residential area were always ready to solve our problems. Further more, we were also allowed to leave a message for our family if there was something we wanted.

I met many other girls too and felt as if everyone is so much willing to join PAF. I felt the craving of flying from their conversation. Since, most of us were alike in the sense that we were all struggling to get into the same organization which made us closer to each other. Though, I was missing my family very much but the feeling inside related to my desire to serve as the defender of my country kept me balanced.

The next day we were divided into groups, six in each. And so our GTO also came to take us for the briefing. We introduced ourselves to him and he introduced himself as "our GTO". He explained us in detail all the requirements of the tests. From his conversation we were all quite contended and did not feel scared because he was very polite. The group discussions went good and I felt a lot bolder after these discussions. Although, we could not succeed in group planning but we were relaxed because we had tried our best. Also, this activity was quite new to us but I am sure, if that model is given to us again, our group can finish up the task in 5 mins!

We then dressed ourselves up in the track suits and jogged to our GTO. He took us to outdoor activities area where we were given Progressive Group Task and Half Group Task. We all participated actively and helped each other as a group. Finally, when our tasks were over, we changed our clothes and waited in the Testing Hall for our interviews. In this span of time, we made a good understanding among ourselves and we really felt like a real group, a bond which has to work together. Though, our turns came after a long time, but we learned patience and I realized that behind every task, there is a continuous process of learning here in the ISSB.

MashaAllah, my interview went good. Mostly the questions were related to my personality, others were from Maths, a bit general knowledge. Above all, there was nothing to be scared of because they were only asking about you and God knows why the people try to scare the candidates who are about to appear for the ISSB. It's very simple and interesting.

The other day, I felt somehow like a soldier because everyone was dressed in almost the same track suit which seemed like our uniform of ISSB. Secondly, as we jogged from one place to another instead of walking gave me a feeling of being trained to become the strong defenders of Pakistan. The command task was very thrilling and exciting. It was easy and required the quickness of mind once again. Furthermore, I felt a lot responsible during this activity as if I had the obligation to help my group cross the obstacle in fixed time which was actually the demand of this task. After all the command tasks were over, we were taken for the IOs. Now this needed individual effort and courage. All the obstacles seemed difficult but they were extremely easy. As my turn came and I stood in the white circle and waited for the whistle to blow up, I resolved to try my best and struggle hard as could be expected from the soldier of Pakistan. I recited Bismillah and ran hard just when the whistle was blown. Alhamdullilah I was able to cross most of the obstacles successfully. Although, I had some wounds on my fingers but that could not be compared with the satisfaction that was received that I at least tried my best.

Next, our GTO took us for the final group task. It was just the same like the previous Progressive group task. The only difference was that we had to speak English among ourselves in the task. Later, we had a small race between two groups and finally our GTO addressed us in the motivating way. He said, "you have done a great job because you all tried your best and InshaAllah everyone would get selected but if some one did not make it, she shouldn't lose hope because perhaps God wanted something else from her. Our country needs many doctors and engineers and we all have to make our nation strong"‚ his inspiring speech combined with the sound of fighter aircraft that just zoomed above us, made me more psyched and I resolved that I would render all my services to this greatest nation.

As we jogged back to our rooms, I realized that everyone was almost in the same condition. Some had scratches on their knees and elbows, some had their ankles twisted but the morale was high. Most of them talked that unfortunately they couldn't cross the obstacles cos' of the wounds they got in the initial stage but were ready to try again even in that condition!

We all sat together at night and talked a lot, noted down email addresses, phone numbers and postal addresses of each other. We reminisced about the time we had enjoyed here in this short time and laughed on our stupid mistakes. It was no doubt a unique experience which was filled with adventure and excitement combined with enthusiasm.

Next morning was quite relaxed but we were praying hard to Allah that "Please Allah make the best decision for us". We were called at the Testing Hall after the breakfast. The commandant who was the Group Captain addressed us and revived our spirits once again. He made us realize the obligations we had to full fill if we got selected. He told us that the life of Armed Forces is very different and require mental as well as physical activeness because we have the duty to protect our motherland and its people.

After the address, we were given back our pictures which were taken on the first day and we were allowed to go back to our rooms. Some of us were called back for the re-interview also. Finally, we wished best of luck to each other and approached the gate where our parents were anxiously waiting for us.

The life in ISSB is not scary but unique in a sense that at every instant we are facing new challenges which give us the "touch of Army life", as my GTO said. I guess I won't be able to forget the time I spent here and the lot many friends I made. After coming back home, I feel much more patriotic then I was ever before. My family and friends asked about ISSB in detail and the more I am telling them, the more I am missing those moments.

A little message to all the willing candidates could be to try your best and leave the result to Allah. ISSB is not difficult at all but it is the easiest and interesting test. Best of luck to everyone who would be appearing for the ISSB in future!

PAKISTAN ARMED FORCES;