ABOUT ME

I am a senior at The University of Florida pursuing a Bachelor's of Science of degree in Environmental Science. My degree track and the experiences I have had, are credited for the way I perceive the world. I realize that the world is interconnected from the environment, political realm, economic atmosphere and the social scheme; it is a large web. Due to this inherent understanding of how the world operates, the international stage fascinates me. The cultures, languages, food, history, economy, and every respective topic that defines a country, exacerbates my curiosity. 

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I believe the experiences that we have, defines us- if you so choose to let it. My experiences have led me to create an exceptionally inquisitive mind. I have a voracious appetite for reading and writing. I challenge myself to write in every medium that I can. If I am not reading or writing, I will probably be in the gym sculpting my mind and body. I have a very strict routine and I have found that I grow most wherever I am intensely disciplined. I have implemented that mindset in any activity that I participate in and it has resulted in largest net flow of happiness. I understand that my name means more to me than anything and when I am longer on this planet, I want that legacy to live for eons to come. 

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REFLECTION

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Adaptation forces us to get out of our comfort zone and creates a platform for innovation.  Immigrating from Pakistan to the United States exemplified that forced adaptation. At the age of Six, the Pakistani school system left a sour taste in my mouth due to me being physically disciplined in class. The gregarious personality and inquisitive nature I had, was inhibited. Following the Pakistan school system chapter, my father brought our family to the United States. The school system in the U.S provided a conducive environment for increasing curiosity and decreasing ignorance. Due to the positive effect, I had more avenue for self expression. 

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 This new culture provided me another perspective on how life could be lived. More liberal minds proliferated the streets and the cultural practices were uniquely distinct compared to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan. For example, freedom of speech was more prominent in the United States, as compared to Pakistan. Having integrated myself into the country, I was able to see through the eyes of two cultures. This vision gave me an unconventional sentiment on life. I followed to utilize this new found vision in my daily life, however, it became more apparent that conflicts would arise, when my mother and I started clashing. My participation in groups more diverse and more culturally unfamiliar, became the catalyst for the clashing. I understood that with the familial perspective weighing me down, I would not be able to have the largest degree of growth. With that in mind, after completing high school, I moved to Gainesville, FL to attend Santa Fe College. 

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Santa Fe College provided a haven for me to expand intellectually, emotionally, and physically. Initially, I felt homesick for about six months because the change was so drastic. I could not see my parents often, I lost my friend base, and the layout of the city was not familiar. After getting acclimated with the city, I settled down and it was not as difficult. I joined Student Government and multiple other organizations which alleviated the lack of friends. The classes provided a challenge, considering they were completely different compared to high school. With each class and successive interaction, I learned more about the person I am and the person I wanted to become. During this process, I found that I have a fascination with civic engagement. I volunteered with local organizations, took alternative break trips, and continuously catered this mindset. I furthered my experiences until my time at Santa Fe College was complete and I could move onto my next chapter.

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The next chapter brought more challenges and more growth. I transferred into the University of Florida and as expected, the classes were on another level. The amount of time necessary to study increased, the amount of sleep decreased, and my old work ethic was deceased. I had to reevaluate how I processed information and how I perceived myself. This process of auditing how I managed my time and the person I wanted to ultimately become, provided a paradigm shit in my life. I developed an unfamiliar work ethic where I published an article, won multiple awards, excelled in classes, and became more confident of who I am. 

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Due to the international coursework, my degree track, and my passions, I have a better understanding of what I want to do moving forward. I want to bring clean water to impoverished nations and to build schools there. Water arguably is the most important resource in the world and to have my life dedicated to providing that on a global scale, is a life well lived. Taking that into consideration, any other skills that can propel me to that stage, I am pursuing. For example, I am in the process of writing a book of poetry that discusses topics from love to international security. This book will provide a larger platform for me to project my voice and to bring about some form of change. Furthermore, I will be attending law school this coming fall to understand Intellectual Property law and International law, which will further bolster the skills necessary for me to achieve my goals. 

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I am proud of the work I have done and what I have accomplished in these past four years. Not having the ability to graduate with an International certificate from the program at Santa Fe and being able to do so from the University of Florida, exemplifies perseverance. The International Scholars Program at the University of Florida has provided me the network and potential to expand without limits. Due to the program and my degree track, I have opened the door to my mind, realizing that whatever I will do from here on out, I will do so without fear. I walk hand-in-hand with my new found passion, knowing I am capable of anything and everything.