Per This Thread](http://www.paklinks.com/gs/showthread.php?t=240954), here is my introduction.
Shikra/Sohail A
**Introduction: **My name is Sohail. I have 2 younger brothers and 1 youngest sister. I was born in a small village of Pakistan in a poor (not really really poor) family. My father was the only one (of 8) who succeeded in his life and moved to Saudi Arab in his late 20s.
When it was time to go to school, we moved to the city. Dad would visit once or twice a year but it was still very difficult to grow up without a father being there for you. Surely we felt it when he was needed in school affairs, house repairs, shopping etc. but we still managed it without him because he was out there for us. Although I was 7 or 8, being the oldest of all brothers and sisters, it was my responsibility to help my mom run the house. So at a very young age, I was doing what an elder would be doing. i.e. Grocery shopping, any problems with the house or utilities, meeting the politicians, taking care of the guests etc. Thanks to all that work, I was never a “kid” because I never had the time to play video games, watch movies/cartoons etc. because I had more important things to think about and handle.
In late 80s, my dad took a big risk of his life and moved to the US. He was almost shot by the coastal guard (of New Orleans) but he survived. Then he applied for our visa etc. and that took 7 years to approve. We then moved to the United States in 1997. After a very long time, a family was united. Unfortunately, the awkward feelings between our dad and sons are there till the day because we were never together. I mean we are not buddies like some fathers and sons are, but that doesn’t mean we don’t appreciate him or love him.
After I graduated, I got married to the love of my life and we are now living happily. The bad days are over and good days are here, and InshAllah will stay here forever. Everybody wanted a bahu in the house because my wedding was going to be the first one in our family (chacha side), so now we have one. 
Since I came to the US in 97, I have visited Pakistan only twice. Once in 01 and onces in 04. I loved it, especially going back and staying at the village house where I was born. I miss that life.
**Education: **Here’s a break-down of my educational life.
Nau-Nehal Academy School - Grades 1 - 5
Government High School - Grades 6 - 9
Alfred High School, USA - Grades 9 - 12
University of New Orleans, USA - B.S. in Management and MIS
Professional Experience (in order):
Management of Business Banking of Capital One: 2006 - Present
Internship in Information Systems of Capital One: 2005 - 2006
Manager at the UPS Store: May 05 - Aug 05
Salesperson at the UPS Store: May 03 - Apr 05
Internship at UNO’s Math Department: Aug 02 - May 03
Internship at a private programming firm: Apr 02 - June 02
Internship at a Travel Agency: Aug 00 - May 01
Extracurricular activities: I was part of many clubs when in high school but in college, didn’t have time for all that. However, I was the president of Pakistani Students Association for 3 years and received the leadership award during my last year.
**Volunteering: **I was a volunteer in our regional hospital, the food bank, and with the city projects when needed. In addition, I spend my free time moderating on gupshup.
Hobbies: If I am not moderating, I am usually driving as I love to drive. I am fond of learning about new technology and electronics. Also, when I am on-line, I search and learn more about Islam. Last but not least, annoy my wife.
Gupshup: I did a project on Pakistan in high school back in 00 or 01 and I came across the image gallery while searching for some Pakistani Pictures. I did not join at that time. A few months later I came across the poetry section of gupshup (don’t remember how) and liked the poetry by Janu Jia. I then joined gupshup formally and Janu was my first friend here. I didn’t even know there’s a forum called café until Jia one day told me that she’s in “café”. I said “I thought you were at your home :smilestar:”…She laughed and said there’s a forum on gupshup called café, I am not in a net café. Then I registered with this ID “Shikra” and opened a formal “Hi I am new” thread in café.
I was offered the position of a moderator by Sabah in 2004, which of course I accepted. It has been a very pleasant experience. I have met many wonderful guppies in Houston, New York, Canada, Karachi, and Lahore. Faizy from Canada and &Passionate from California came to attend my wedding. I have spoken to many guppies over the phone. I am glad I came across gupshup and joined it
If you’d like to have your introduction posted here, please PM any one of the café moderators and your introduction will be reviewed and posted here. Please keep the format similar to my format and you can read some additional guidelines in the thread referenced in the first line of this post.
Comments/Questions about these introductions can be found in this thread.
…Inshallah i want 4 kids, ideally 2 of each.
