Remembering our Mrs Manzur, the superhuman
Niloufer Manzur, the founding principal of Sunbeams School, played an instrumental role in the success of the institute. She always encouraged her students to not only focus on grades, but also on etiquette and extra-curricular activities.
At the age of three, I went to Sunbeams for my admission interview. Even though I don't remember how it went, I remember how our 'Mrs Manzur' made me feel that day. Her calm and welcoming aura could put anyone at ease.
I also visited her house when I was around 6 years old. My father worked with her family, and we were invited for an event. I was terrified because I was at my principal's house, but she was immensely welcoming.
She always put her students' needs over her own and went out of her way to care for those in need. Over the years, she always asked me about my studies and about my family during our conversations. The last time I spoke to her was a little more than a month ago.
She had called me, as I was having a hard time with the subject, Bangladesh Studies. She told me that I needed to work harder and pay attention. It occurred to me that she took the time to go through all the papers, and she saw my grades. Her gesture truly proved how much she cared about each student's progress.
To her students, Mrs Manzur was a 'larger than life' force and a 'superhuman' of sorts, who successfully turned Sunbeams into one of the top schools of the country.
I wish I could go back in time and just thank her, for being there for us and for taking care of us. Rest in peace, Mrs Manzur. We promise to treasure your legacy and make you proud.
The writer is a ninth grader at Sunbeams.
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