Hello!

I am Naba Imran – a Social Development and Policy Sophomore at Habib University, Pakistan. It is with the greatest and rawest joy that I share that I have gotten accepted for a summer abroad session to one of the world’s most renowned and esteemed institutions, Stanford University, for their International Honors Program. Right since I first heard of it, Stanford University had evolved in a far-fetched dream for me, specifically with the way their flagship Human Biology Program was targeted on solving healthcare disparities utilizing public policy. Despite realizing that it was as if the program was tailor-made for my aspirations, the dream had remained elusive and out of reach due to its impossibly high tuition fee and a daunting acceptance rate of a mere 3%. Yet, against all odds, an unexpected opportunity has now come knocking at my door, leaving me at the threshold of achieving something that had always been unimaginable for me. The cost for the entire program is $18,649, and I am humbled to share that I have been selected out of a pool of over 100 exceptionally talented students to be given a 50% grant for the funding required by my university. This selection was done after a rigorous assessment procedure in which students are evaluated based on their academic standing, involvement in extracurricular activities, performance in the interview, and their passion to give back to the society. And now all that stands as a hurdle to bridge my dreams to reality is the remaining funds, which will be estimatedly $9,900 including all miscellaneous expenses and tax deductions.

And so I have decided to turn to all of you to tell you my story with both nervous excitement and vulnerability.

Born and raised in Karachi within a conservative community and a humble background, where young women are married off upon the first sign of worldly understanding, I emerged as the anomaly — the first in my family to step into a university. I was very young when I became acutely aware that I had to prove with every achievement of mine that I merited education and yet, realized that I would not be able to expect financial support after all the cultural battles that my parents were fighting for me. Hence, owing to the highly multidimensional personality that I possess, I worked with every ounce of my being, to excel at every arena I entered, whether that be academic or extra-curricular. And through this determination I have been able to accomplish some huge milestones which are extensively described in the drive link below:

https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1OPIry_CS46AR11xAanrmrz20xKsgDCPi?usp=sharing

My Journey:

It was while volunteering at a debilitating, nearing collapse, government hospital that I had the gutting realization that while Clinical Health might possess the power to mend bodies, the true healing of communities demanded systemic change that could only come from Public Health and Health Policy and Management. This epiphany, coupled with the realization of the deep-rooted health challenges that our Pakistani society faces, the necessity for targeted health policy changes in my city and my own experiences with societal stigmas made me forego clinical health after high school and apply for a Bachelor of Science in Social Development and Policy. After being awarded a 100% Merit scholarship for my four-year journey in the university, I added on a Bioscience minor to further compliment my future aspirations.

Why Stanford:

Being amongst the world’s top three universities, there is no second-guessing what goes into the academic experiences that Stanford offers, as its established excellence and comprehensive curriculum with the best research facilities around the world offer precisely what I need to advance my knowledge and skills.

The International Honors Program at Stanford can be a paramount step toward my goals since it will present me with an opportunity to study interdisciplinary courses that are an intersection of my interests in Social Sciences and Health Policy Management. Not only will this fulfill my dreams by allowing me to earn a diploma from an esteemed university like Stanford and give me a chance to grow in a globally competitive environment, but will also enable me to forge a path ahead that does not just benefit me, but my entire community.

Personal and Community Impact:

I hold this opportunity in high regards in light of my hopes to sponge knowledge from a diverse and dynamic community of scholars, researchers, and changemakers. I aspire to bring those insights back to benefit the people of my city by paving a path in Health Policy Management. This chance promises to broaden my horizons beyond the sheltered wings of my family, expose me to diverse cultures, and ignite hope in the hearts of countless young women in my family who harbor untapped transformative potential. As I forge ahead to leave the confines of my own country, I aim to inspire, to redefine norms, and to demonstrate the immense potential that lies within each of us, especially when we dare to step beyond barriers.

And with every achievement, I will not be just advancing my own cause; I will be paving the way for my younger siblings and cousins. Their futures, their possibilities, will be directly shaped by my actions and my successes, and I want to do the best I can to lead the women out of a century-long curse. I can truly assure you, with the utmost sincerity, that I realise the magnitude of this opportunity and will work to the best of my capability to work towards its meaningful success.

Thank you for being a part of this journey, and for making a meaningful impact in the lives of those who dare to dream.

This fundraiser is being organized on my behalf by my senior, Aoun Hussain, as the GoFundMe Services are not yet operational in Pakistan. The funds will be transferred directly to the University’s Bank account by my Uncle and Beneficiary, Muhammad Irfan.

With deep gratitude,

Naba Imran