Coming from Pakistan, I always believed opportunities were limited to what was around me. Studying abroad, traveling the world, and building a global career felt distant — but I decided to explore beyond my comfort zone anyway.

During my bachelor’s degree in Economics, I was always interested in learning beyond the classroom. I actively participated in volunteer work and youth organizations to build my skills and gain exposure.

A major turning point came in my seventh semester when I was selected as a research assistant for a project related to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Through this experience, I connected with mentors who had international exposure, and one of them encouraged me to start exploring global scholarships and opportunities.

That advice changed everything.

I began searching for scholarships and came across platforms like Scholarships Corner, which helped me discover international programs. I applied to multiple opportunities and even received a scholarship offer from the University of Pisa in Italy. Unfortunately, due to delays, I missed that chance — but instead of giving up, I kept applying.

Soon after, I secured admission to the International Master in Global Finance at National Chung Cheng University in Taiwan. This opportunity allowed me to study in a multicultural environment and experience life in a completely new country.

Alongside my studies, I continued exploring global experiences. I worked as a summer camp counselor in New York, where I taught horseback riding — one of my lifelong passions. I also became part of organizations like AIESEC and Global Shapers, which gave me the opportunity to participate in international programs, including a cultural exchange in Indonesia.

So far, I have visited 10 countries, and each experience has helped me grow both personally and professionally. My goal is to visit 30 countries by the age of 30 while continuing to learn from different cultures.

I still consider myself a work in progress. I am not successful yet — but every step, every challenge, and every opportunity is bringing me closer to my goals.