Zoya Batool Global UGRAD-Pakistan Exchange Program Journey

“Whenever I recall memories from my Global UGRAD experience, I’m taken back to a world that feels nothing short of magical. Before I embarked on this journey, I had never been outside of Pakistan. So, naturally, everything about the experience felt exciting to me. Thinking about it, from the time I sat in the lab, working on my application, wondering, ‘What if this works out?’ to the moment my plane landed back in Pakistan and the exchange had completed, everything feels surreal.

Leaving for the US, I expected to experience plenty of firsts. And of course, the exchange did come with a lot of them. My favorites were travelling solo, watching a rocket launch at NASA and attending an orchestra performance. This exchange semester also came with the opportunity to learn from and interact with those who are researching in my field of choice, to be inspired by those who are on the paths that, someday, I wish to be on.

And so, I now feel much closer to my dreams. Other than that of a student, a role that I was always aware of was that of a Cultural Ambassador. Sharing the colors of the Pakistani culture, its music, art and stories through performances, presentations or just regular, friendly interactions gave me immense joy, for I considered it to be one of the most important things I could be doing.

Friendship and Growth during Global UGRAD

But these were all things that I either expected to be a part of the exchange experience or were at least on my to-do list, for they were why I wanted to go in the first place. However, what I didn’t anticipate, at least to its true extent, was how close and connected I’d feel to the people I befriended and the place that was my home for that fleeting period in time. I didn’t know I’d make friendships that I would hold as dearly as I do. I didn’t know I’d find a friendship family that would make me feel so home. I didn’t know I’d find a mentor who would inspire me so much to be a better mathematician and a better person. I didn’t realize I’d find a friendship, in such a short span of time, that I can always count on.

I was told by someone before leaving for this program that I would feel myself grow as a person. I truly understood what that statement meant when I stood by the river on my last day in the US. This program inspired and empowered me in so many ways. And for that, I’m extremely grateful to all the people and organizations that made this dream a possibility.”