Who I am?
An ambitious and driven second-year BSc Business Information Technology student at the University of Kent, with a strong focus on leveraging data and design to address complex problems and deliver impactful solutions. Alongside the problem solving nature, floods of innovation through the thrive in self-directed learning from online certifications and diplomas which has cultivated a diverse understanding of various industries and deepened insights into different skills. With a keen entrepreneurial mindset, consistently seeks innovative opportunities to create value and drive growth.
Life during the pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic turned out to be a major turning point for me, offering an unexpected chance to focus on self-improvement and skill development. With my daily routine disrupted and plenty of time on my hands, I decided to dive into self-learning with renewed enthusiasm. 🌟
I began by exploring a range of online courses that captured my interest. I tackled speed typing courses to improve my efficiency ⌨️ and advanced MS Excel training to sharpen my data analysis skills 📊. However, the courses that truly fascinated me were in digital marketing. I immersed myself in learning about SEO, social media strategies, and digital advertising, which not only broadened my digital skill set but also sparked a deeper interest in the business world 📈💻.
In addition to these technical skills, I recognized the importance of employability skills and took proactive steps to develop them. I engaged in training focused on psychometric tests and interview techniques, gaining valuable insights into the hiring process 🧠. I practiced various types of psychometric tests, learning how to tackle aptitude, reasoning, and personality assessments effectively. This preparation helped me understand what employers look for and how to present myself in the best light ✨.
The newfound passion for business and the development of employability skills led me to choose business studies as a subject for my A-levels (which I ended up being 1 mark off of A* in, sigh) 📚😅. The practical skills and insights gained from my self-learning journey have inspired me to explore the field further and pursue a career where I can blend creativity with strategic thinking 🚀.
Apart from all of that, I found some fun and creative ways to stay active and keep my spirits up. One of the highlights was discovering the charm of drive-thru cinemas 🎥🍿. It was such a unique experience to catch the latest films from the comfort of our car, complete with a cozy blanket and a stash of snacks. Watching movies under the stars while socially distanced became a favorite pastime and a nice escape from the monotony of lockdown life 🌌.
In addition to movie nights, I took up early morning runs in the nearby woods 🌲🏃♂️. There’s something incredibly invigorating about jogging through the forest just as the sun is coming up. The fresh air, the sound of birds chirping, and the peaceful solitude made it a perfect way to start the day. It was a great mix of exercise and mental relaxation, and it helped me stay fit and grounded throughout the pandemic 🌅.
These simple but enjoyable activities not only kept me active but also helped me find joy in the little things during a time of uncertainty. They provided a much-needed sense of normalcy and adventure, turning challenging days into moments of discovery and self-care 🌟🌈.
Overall, the pandemic was a period of significant personal and professional growth. It taught me that even during challenging times, there are endless opportunities to learn, adapt, and discover new interests. This journey has equipped me with valuable skills and a clear sense of direction for my future endeavours 🚀.
My time at uni
Going to university in the UK isn’t just about lectures and deadlines; it’s also about mastering the art of networking and finding your tribe 🌍. Over the past year, I’ve been busy being a campus social guru, and despite being a first-year, I got elected as the Social Secretary for the Pakistani Society 🎉🇵🇰.
On top of that, I’ve been living out my cricket dreams 🏏. Cricket has been my lifelong passion, and I’m thrilled to have aced through the trials and been selected for the university’s cricket team. Now I’m not just organizing events but also swinging the ball and hitting the stumps! 🏆
And let’s not forget the perks of student life , like having endless time to explore new interests 🎨📚. I took full advantage by attending a number of networking and employability sessions organised by the university each month. I also completed a certification in Foundations of UX Design by Google, which ignited my love for web design and product management 💻✨. To maximise my university networking experience, I joined the Kent Corporate Society, which connects students with employers from leading multinational companies. This has provided invaluable opportunities to expand my professional network and sharpen my employability skills 🌐🤝.
So yeah, it has been an exhilarating blend of opportunities, growth, and fun, making every day an adventure 🚀🎉.
The story...
Ahh, relocating 3 different countries and changing 8 different schools is definitely not for the weak!
But guess what? I did it and wouldn't change a thing. Here's why:
1) Change in nature: Each move introduced me to a whole new set of people, transforming me from a very reserved child into a lot more outgoing. Making friends in different countries has significantly expanded my social network and enriched my day to day life with diverse relationships, meaning I get along with anyone!
2) Cultural Enrichment: Experiencing the vibrant culture of Pakistan, the futuristic dynamism of the UAE, and the historical depth of the UK has given me a rich and varied understanding of the world. Each country offered not only the unique traditions and perspectives but also new things to learn, for ex; my fluency in Arabic and English.
3) I learnt what "resilience" is: Adapting to 3 different educational curriculums and social environments across the 3 countries has strengthened my ability to handle change with resilience. These experiences have taught me to embrace new challenges with a positive mindset and made me so much more confident and adaptable.
4) Improved my Problem-Solving Skills: Navigating different schooling systems and cultural settings has honed my problem-solving abilities. Whether it was adjusting to the Arabic sign boards in the shopping malls in Dubai or understanding that the "weather talk" is a British social norm, these experiences have sharpened my analytical and creative thinking skills.
In the end, these experiences have not only broadened my horizons but have also shaped me into a more resilient, empathetic, and versatile individual. And while the journey was far from easy, it has been incredibly rewarding.
