Help Saba Nisar Reach Berkeley!

Hi, my name is Saba Nisar, and I am a third-year Social Development and Policy student at Habib University in Karachi. Growing up in Larkana, a small town in Pakistan, I never imagined I could dream big. Life was simple, and leaving the city felt like something only a few lucky people could do. But watching my siblings chase their dreams inspired me to believe in myself. I realized that with hard work, I could achieve my dreams too.

Getting into Habib University was my first big step. For someone from my city, even pursuing higher education felt like a privilege. Many girls in Larkana never get the chance to study beyond high school due to societal expectations or financial challenges. I feel incredibly fortunate to have overcome these barriers, and I carry this responsibility with pride.

At Habib, I discovered my passion for data analysis, quantitative methods, and econometrics. I learned how numbers and research can tell powerful stories about society and help solve real-world problems like inequality and education gaps. My hard work paid off and I’ve maintained a CGPA of 3.86, hence I decided to dream even bigger. I applied to the UC Berkeley Summer Sessions 2025, one of the world’s best programs for students who want to make a difference. To my utter joy, I was accepted!

Berkeley will allow me to deepen my knowledge and learn from world-class experts about using data and research to tackle social challenges. But now, I need your help. The total cost of the program is $11,938 (£9,632.47), which is far more than I can afford. My father is retired, and my siblings are still studying, so covering this cost is impossible for my family. Unfortunately, there aren't many high-paying jobs in Pakistan that I can do to collect these funds in the limited time slot and so have to resort to GoFundMe. I’ve worked so hard to get this opportunity, and I don’t want finances to stand in the way of my dream.

This is more than just an academic program for me - it’s a chance to grow, learn, and bring something meaningful back to Pakistan. I want to show every girl from a small town like mine that it’s okay to dream big and fight for what you want. With the skills I gain at Berkeley, I plan to return and work on solving issues like inequality, lack of education, and economic hardships in my country.

I have until March 2025 to secure funds for Berkeley. Your support can make this dream possible. Every contribution, no matter how small, brings me closer to this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Together, we can prove that no matter where you come from, you can achieve something amazing with hard work and determination.

Thank you so much for believing in me and helping me take this big step. Your kindness and generosity mean the world to me.

Program Cost Breakdown:

Application Fee: $25 (£20.16)

Registration Fee: $550 (£443.55)

Tuition Fee (6 units): $3,690 (£2,973.39)

Housing & Meal Plan: $4,617 (£3,721.77)

Health Insurance: $300 (£241.94)

Airfare: $1,700 (£1,370.97)

Visa & SEVIS Fees: $535 (£431.45)

Books & Supplies: $300 (£241.94)

Total Cost: $11,938 (£9,632.47)

With all my heart,

Saba Nisar