Team Bertho

When I was 14, I lost my cousin Tahir, and with him, a part of my heart. He was not just a person in my life; he was someone I cared about deeply. His kindness, presence, and the way he made people feel valued left a lasting impact on everyone around him. Then one day, without any warning, I received news that changed everything. It felt unreal, as if the world had suddenly stopped while everyone else continued moving forward.

For a long time, I carried a pain that words could never fully explain. I kept thinking about the memories we shared and the moments that would never come. There were days when the sadness felt heavier than I could bear. I questioned why life could be so unfair and why good people sometimes leave too soon. The loss didn’t just break my heart it changed the way I looked at life.

But as time passed, I realized that the people we love never truly leave us. They live on through the memories they gave us, the lessons they taught us, and the love they left behind. Instead of letting this loss define me, I chose to let it strengthen me. What shattered me also shaped me. It taught me to appreciate every moment, cherish every person, and keep moving forward even when my heart feels heavy. And if I could survive one of the hardest chapters of my life, then I know I can face whatever comes next.

(Marwa Naik Muhammad, 15, Pakistan)

I was recently diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder and I have also found out that I have had this disorder since a very young age. So living and existing itself is the most painful and self-destructive experience I have ever had. But chosing my pain and craziness is the most beautiful thing ever. I am still very young and know about 1% of what the universe holds.

No one is born with the knowledge of what their life means but you can surely look for one. And you may come to the conclusion many many times that life is meaningless and isn't that the most exciting and depressing thing ever? To me, my personal life lesson has almost always been in my mind but the meaning keeps changes.

I keep saying the same words in the same sequence but the meaning behind them keeps changing. Just like any other "code of life" you may come across. All the religions, all the philosophies, all the schools of thought and all the theories unite here. And the harmony is almost like a song only you can sing for yourself. Just like a third eye, you need a third ear to hear it. Sometimes there is ear wax in there, you have to find the right q-tip for yourself.

The catch is, there is none. Burn yourself alive and give birth to your ashes. That is how it is supposed to be. That is how existing is supposed to be. Be your own asteroid and your dinosaurs and your own Big Bang.

(Tamanna-e-Sohail, 23, Pakistan)

Strength is not about never falling, rather it’s about getting back from lots of hardships, struggles never giving up. As a student, I face difficulties and challenges doing my schoolwork, exams, and personal responsibilities. Sometimes from there I cried that it's enough; I can’t do them, then a voice came from my soul that you can do it, just the things is believe in yourself…
So I'm moving on.

In 2023, I lost my dad. I was 12 when that was the biggest heartbreak in my whole life. I thought my life had ended here, with no more going, but I’m still alive with memories. I faced lots of hardship during this but the thing is, I never gave up. I know after lots of hardship and lots of difficulties, there is a big thing for me. The things just to believe in yourself.

I have learned not to give up on yourself, on your dreams. Every difficulty, every hardship has helped me grow, become more responsible, more patient, more confident, and thankful to the one who appreciated me in my hardest times. I have learned success will not come to you overnight; rather, you need to go to success every day, every challenge, every difficulty you need to face.

(Fatima Akbar, 17, Pakistan)