How long have you been living in Thompson?
This is my ninth year.
What do you do for a living?
I am an instructor. I teach University of Manitoba, University of Winnipeg and Brandon University courses through Inter University Services through UCN [University College of the North]. I teach computer, I teach statistics, mathematics, not just in Thompson but I also teach in The Pas and last semester I was teaching in Split Lake. I achieved my graduation and my MBA in 1997. I did other jobs as well. I did a financial management job, financial accounting jobs as well, but teaching is my profession.
Why do you want to be on the school board?
I have decided to serve the community because I am a teacher. For the last 20 years you can see I am an instructor, I was teaching before in Toronto, back home in Pakistan, so I want to serve the community, I want to make a positive change, an everlasting change through my experience and through my skills.
What is the most important educational issue you want to address if elected?
If I’m selected I want to try to make a positive change through my experience and I want to promote technology. The world is moving towards technology in every field. If you want to become a doctor, an engineer, a pilot, whatever, they need technology, so this would be my first step.
Why do should someone vote for you over the other candidates?
I am a teacher so I know the students are hardworking. They just need motivation and encouragement. So I will try my best to motivate them. As you know, in Thompson, this is my experience, sometimes the rich people are sending their children to the big cities, to the private schools in Winnipeg. So … why not Thompson? I want the same kind of education, the same kind of motivation in Thompson. This will be my main purpose. That is why I have opened my YouTube channel for students as well, [called] “Saima Academy.” I will try to help students in any subject. In my videos I do statistics, mathematics, accounting, computer and motivational videos also. This is my target. I will try my best to be there for the students.
Anything else you want to add?
I know the issues, what are the issues of the students and I want to deal with these issues. They just need motivation and encouragement.
