Rihha's Summer at UC Berkeley: A DREAM IN MAKING

This is Rihha Rehmatullah from Pakistan, a zealous young girl tracking her roots from Rural Sindh to now getting selected for the University of California, Berkeley, The 4th Best College in the world. This is her story in the making, subjected to your help for culmination.

Here’s My Story:

I am a 19-year-old, third-year Social Development and Policy student at Habib University, The First Liberal Arts and Science University in Pakistan. I am currently studying on a 75 percent scholarship plus need-based assistance at Habib. I am also the recipient of the Aga Khan Undergraduate Scholarship to support my undergrad studies, as Habib is also one of the most expensive universities in Pakistan.

Belonging to the rural areas of Sindh, this is an honor for my parents, who, back in the day, migrated to Karachi for my education. My parents sacrificed a luxurious life so my brother and I could fulfill our dreams. I can't help vividly reminiscing the happiness and light in my parent’s eyes when all scholarship/assistance was gathered, and I was all set to go to Habib. This has always inspired me to strive for academic excellence, which I may not have always succeeded in. But today, I have.

Out of 1000+ students studying at Habib University, I am among the few ones selected to study for the summer semester at UC Berkeley. I was selected based on my academic excellence, extra-curricular portfolio, professional goals, and demonstration of my confidence and leadership skills. However, due to financial constraints, I am on the verge of losing this opportunity.

Hence, I request you to please help me availing this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Why me?

In the field of social science, I aim to pursue Public Health (PH) which, living in Pakistan, is quite a challenge. According to WHO, PH education in Pakistan lacks a coherent structure and needs to incorporate global standards.

Hence, my time at Berkeley will, firstly, allow me to study PH semester-length courses within just one summer. Not to mention, it entails priceless exposure enabling me to study across borders in a profoundly diverse and conducive environment. Secondly, this summer exchange is a stepping stone for my Master’s degree as I aspire to pursue a Master's in Public Health at UC Berkeley after my undergrad. Therefore, the opportunity to study at an institute where I see my future since the beginning of my undergrad means the world to me.

Upon returning to Pakistan, I aim to serve my university and country. I have comprehensively covered my plans along with other key aspects (e.g., achievements, etc.) in my sponsorship proposal, which you can visit here.

So at the end of the day, here I am at the shore of my dream, choicelessly staring at my destination, so close yet so far.

Please help culminate my story. Every penny counts