Gujranwala, a city often referred to as the City of Wrestlers, is the 5th largest city in terms of population and the people of gujranwala despite making the whole country proud at the international level, are often neglected on the provincial and national levels.
This large population does not find any government university to study, but students like me, having the wrestling spirit , do not give up without a fight. My name is Ali Ashraf, and my journey from this vibrant city has been marked by resilience and determination. It is this fighting spirit that has driven me to pursue opportunities that may seem impossible.
The road to my success was bumpy. Due to my father’s death, my mother became very protective of me and my brothers, which unfortunately infused many fears in me. I became an introvert and used to stutter even when talking to a friend. Speaking on stage or giving a presentation felt like solving the hardest physics equation.
I left my studies after completing FSC because I wanted to clear my personality doubts and give myself a push. I began researching which field I should choose. I chose mass communication, a field that requires a lot of effort and is all about the power of voice. I thought if I didn't work on my communication and fears now, there would not be another time. I chose it, taking the name of Almighty, and openly faced all the challenges in my debates, presentations, and seminars. Facing these challenges somehow started healing my fears, which had been with me from a very young age.
The opportunity to participate in the GLOBAL UGRAD (Undergraduate Exchange Program) came at a pivotal moment in my life. I first learned about this prestigious scholarship through a voice note shared by a UGRAD alumnus in my university’s class group. Driven by faith and determination, I tirelessly worked on this application. I still remember the interview call from USEFP. I was in the middle of an exam at my university when I saw my phone ring. I knew it was from USEFP because I had missed a call before, and I knew they would call me again. I dashed out of the exam room, heart pounding, I Picked up the phone and to Damn! I GOT SHORTLISTED!
The journey was not without its hurdles. Preparing for the interview required immense effort and dedication, but the reward came in the form of an email confirming my selection for the UGRAD program. This was a moment of profound joy, as i was selected as a Principal Candidate For Global UGRAD Spring 2025 and the feeling was exceptional. Alhamdulilah!
As I prepare to embark on this exciting chapter in the United States, I am deeply grateful to Usman Bhai and the Global Scholarship Network for their invaluable support throughout the interview phase. Their guidance and assistance have been helpful.
To everyone pursuing their dreams, I offer this piece of advice: “Never lose courage. Even when the path seems bumpy, believe in your abilities and stay committed to your goals. Setbacks are merely a stepping stone to success.”
I look forward to sharing my experiences and adventures with you all. For insights into my journey and help regarding GLOBAL UGRAD 2025, you can follow my Instagram handle @realaliashraf.( https://www.instagram.com/realaliashraf?igsh=MWNrNjFoZW54OG5qZQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr )
Thank you for joining me on this incredible journey.
