When I am an ex-viqi and also a mother

Tasmiah Nuhiya Ahmed of DOT : 
It was back in 1995, I was admitted in class one of Viqarunnisa Noon School and College (VNSC). Prior to this admission, I had to sit for a test where approximately 10,000 students participated, if I’m not wrong. Among them, only 500 students were selected. That was quite a tough thing for me, a child of 6.5 years only; to understand how this competition works. I didn’t understand properly – why do I need to, sit for this test, perform well, and get admission in VNSC. My parents used to tell me if I get admission in this school, I’ll have good friends (which attracted me the most), good teachers and I’ll be one of the best students of this country. Really I didn’t understand all these things. But what made me study hard at that age, is the desire to get special attention from my family members. They worked really hard to develop this desire in myself at the age of five or six. Even though I’m very much thankful to my parents, teachers, and everyone for encouraging me to become what I am today, I do have a regret that I could not enjoy my childhood because of this useless system which compelled me to leave my playground at the age of six. At the age when I could enjoy playing and singing with my brother, cousins and friends, I had been under tremendous pressure of proving myself in front my teachers and family members.
Why this system has to be like this? Why Aritri, who stood third in the admission test of VNSC and knew seven languages, had to bring mobile phone in the exam hall with answers?
I achieved a lot being a part of VNSC but I lost my childhood as well. I could have been raised up differently. I could have my school life stress free. But that didn’t happen to me. I claim myself a mother of five kids, among them only two are born out of my womb. I do not want my kids to ruin their childhood being into this race. They should be left to think freely. They should be allowed to enjoy the learning journey without being under this insane pressure. I wish I can! I really wish so!
The writer is Executive Editor, Daily Our Time