In The Spotlight: Ahmer Farooq

Tell us about what you do now. Has your time at the School influenced your life today? 

I am a multi-disciplinary visual artist. I have been practicing art since I graduated from BMS. Joining BMS was a turning point in my life as I came from Pakistan, a country with a very different culture. Everything was a new experience for me.

Tell us about your time at BMS. Do you have any special memories you would like to share? 

I was a boarder and School House was a home away from home for me. I made some of the most cherished memories of my life there. I have many interesting stores to tell from my time at BMS, but this one brings a smile on my face: a fellow boarder and I decided to go to cinema to watch ‘Titanic’. The movie ended way past our bedtime. When we finally got back to the boarding house, we were welcomed by our furious House Master and the police. We had been reported missing! That movie cost us a week of being grounded.

Who was someone from your time at BMS who had an impact on you and why? 

I believe everyone at BMS had an impact on me, from my teachers who were patient with me and my lack of understanding of the English language to the House Masters who made sure that everyone at School House would feel at home, and my fellow boarders who taught me about different cultures of the world. Most of all I must say that my Art teachers had the most influence on me and the artwork which I produce today. I am here today because of all that I was taught in the BMS Art classrooms.  

What do you like to do in your spare time? 

I hardly get any free time, but whatever little free time I get I like to spend it with my family. I love going for long walks. It gives my much needed ‘me time’.

What advice would you give to your younger self? 

Don’t be too shy or lazy to take up all the opportunities that life throws your way.

Are there any other thoughts you would like to share with the OBM and BMS community?

I am sure many OBMs would agree with me when I say this to BMS community: your time at Bedford Modern School is going to be one of the best times of your life, full of opportunities and experiences. You should make the most of it.