Hello everyone! My name is Minahil Babar, a proud student currently in my 8th semester at the National University of Modern Languages (NUML) in Islamabad. I'm excited to share with you today the amazing journey I went on while participating in a semester-long exchange program at Goucher College in Baltimore, Maryland.
Thanks to the fully financed Global UGRAD scholarship, which opened doors to a variety of experiences and shaped my view on life, education, and culture, I was able to start my life altering adventure.
Academics with a Twist:
The country of opportunities is something you can never really comprehend until you see it for yourself.
Studying at Goucher College introduced me to a whole new dimension of education. I was participating in vigorous discussions in this vibrant academic setting, where different points of view were not just accepted but actively encouraged. I gained practical abilities that went beyond the academic sphere because of the emphasis on interactive learning, group projects, and realworld applications. This helped me gain a deeper understanding of the subjects and prepared me for the challenges of the working world. My intellectual horizons were genuinely broadened by Goucher College's creative approach to education, which had a long-lasting effect on my academic career. 
Friendship and cultural diversity:
I was ready to dive into the cultural melting pot that is the United States, so the voyage started the moment I stepped foot on American territory. People from various walks of life came together to create a tapestry of experiences, and the diversity I saw was fascinating. This was a vast cry from Rawalpindi, where I used to live. However, the individuals I encountered along the road were what really made my trip meaningful. I developed relationships with both foreign and American students, building an international network that cut across boundaries. The conversations, friendships, and shared experiences that broadened my perspective on the world also constituted cultural exchanges outside of the classroom.
Volunteering for purpose:
Apart from studying and traveling, I devoted my time to diverse volunteer endeavors. I had the honor of working as a tutor at an elementary school, where I saw the eagerness and inquisitiveness of the students. I also helped a food recovery program make sure that extra food was given to people who needed it. My participation in mental health awareness initiatives emphasized the significance of overall well-being.
From Coast to Coast:
The chance to go to ten different states was one of the most thrilling parts of my stay in the United States. Every location, from the recognizable skyscrapers of New York to the tranquil West Coast vistas, has its own special beauty. Highlights included walking through Philadelphia's ancient streets, feeling the excitement of Miami's colorful culture, and seeing the magnificent Niagara Falls.
Reflecting on the Journey I am incredibly appreciative of the Global UGRAD program for making this voyage possible and for kindling my love for community service and cross-cultural exchange as I reflect on this lifechanging event. My academic and personal journeys have been profoundly impacted by my semester spent in the United States; it has opened my eyes to new ideas and given me a greater feeling of responsibility for my global community. In conclusion, my semester in the United States was a journey of self-discovery, cultural immersion, and good impact creating, much more than just an academic endeavor. I am delighted to bring the lessons learned and the experiences gained back to my academic efforts at NUML, with a renewed sense of purpose and a broader worldview.
Here's to the power of education, exploration, and the endless possibilities that lie beyond our comfort zones!
