From Bahawalpur to the UGRAD Program: My Journey to Empower Others
Hailing from Bahawalpur, a small city in Southern Punjab, Pakistan—a place often overshadowed by the challenges inherent in developing countries—I have embarked on an extraordinary journey, overcoming numerous obstacles along the way. I am Laiba Shafique, and I am honoured to be the principal candidate for the Spring 2025 semester of the UGRAD program. I am excited to share my personal story with you and detail how this opportunity has come to fruition.
From a young age, I harboured dreams of achieving something significant, driven by a desire to make my parents and friends proud. Growing up in the shadow of my elder sisters, who excelled in academics and extracurricular activities, I often felt like the overshadowed and overly pampered youngest child. My educational journey began at Sadiq Public School in Bahawalpur, which is renowned as one of the largest schools in Asia. This institution provided me with a strong foundation, despite the personal challenges I faced.
One of the defining aspects of my life has been my struggle with stuttering. Far from allowing this challenge to limit me, I chose to embrace it as a unique strength that has fostered my resilience. My stuttering has not only shaped who I am but has also inspired me to dedicate my life to making a positive impact on others.
Driven by a commitment to empowering individuals with disabilities, I pursued a degree in Special Education at one of Pakistan's most esteemed universities. This choice was deeply rooted in my desire to offer support to those who face similar trials to those I have experienced. I believe that every individual, regardless of their physical condition, deserves the chance to learn, grow, and thrive.
My aspiration to fulfil this dream on a global stage led me to discover the UGRAD program. In the last week of September 2023, I learned about this remarkable opportunity, with the application deadline looming just three days away. Faced with the urgency and my initial panic, I resolved to make the most of this chance. I began working diligently on my application and crafting my Statement of Purpose (SOP), aiming to present myself in a way that would distinguish me from other candidates. I poured my heart into every word, submitting my application with hope and determination.
A month later, I received the exhilarating news that I had been selected for an interview. At that time, I was interning at an autism centre, and I shared the exciting news with my colleagues, who celebrated my achievement with me. The joy continued as I returned home to share the news with my friends and family. After two intense weeks of preparation, I traveled to Lahore for the interview. By the grace of Almighty, I received the wonderful news of my selection as a Principal candidate for the Spring 2025 semester of the UGRAD program.
The moment I saw the proud smiles on my parents' faces was truly the happiest of my life. This experience has reinforced my belief in the importance of pursuing one's dreams.
To everyone reading this, I want to emphasise: 'Never forget your dreams.' With perseverance and dedication, you can achieve them.
I am incredibly excited about this new chapter in my life and look forward to sharing my experiences and adventures with you all once I arrive in the United States.
For ongoing updates and to follow my journey, please connect with me on Instagram @laibashafique_ .
Thank you for joining me on this exciting journey!
