LIVING A LIFE OF PURPOSE

When I first came to the UK, I had no idea that I’d be going to UWC Atlantic, studying with the most amazing people in the world and seeing places some could only dream of. Most importantly of all though, I had no idea that I would get to contribute to changing the lives of others.

I come from Pakistan. Although I was fortunate enough to be born into a middle-class family, and was not as negatively impacted as others were, this soon changed when my family and I arrived in the UK.

My family live in one of the most deprived areas of England – indeed, it’s in the top 3% areas of multiple deprivation and my parents have always struggled to find employment opportunities.  Despite these barriers, I seized every opportunity given to me and climbed to where I am today, in large part thanks to those who saw that potential in me.

One of those to whom I am eternally grateful is my former school the Tile Cross Academy in Birmingham. They realised that even if they couldn’t always directly help their pupils, they could connect them to those who could.

It was there that I was introduced to the Royal National Children’s SpringBoard Foundation (RNCSF). The Foundation works with independent schools in the UK to offer bursaries to young people that have faced challenging circumstances in their lives - young people on the edge of care, or growing up in households and communities where opportunities to thrive are limited. With their continuous support and a tremendous scholarship from the Pears Foundation, my dream came true and I was offered a place to study at UWC Atlantic! I wouldn’t be here today without these two amazing foundations and I simply cannot thank them enough.

Perhaps the most notable project in my time at UWC is the AILEM project - the first ever language app specifically for refugees and asylum seekers. I have poured my heart and soul into this project alongside my incredible friends, and it brings me immense joy when I reflect on our journey together.

You may ask ‘why?’. Put simply, we want to make the world a better place. It is an app that was created by refugees for refugees, trying to ensure they do not have to face the troubles that we did; to lessen the pains and troubles of arriving in a new country, and trying to start a new life.

It is rarely an easy thing emigrating from one country to another, let alone coming from a disadvantaged background. Having been unable to even ask “how are you” five years ago, I jumped at the chance to make this an easier task for those in a similar situation, through an app that provides digestible education tailored for the needs of refugees and asylum seekers.

AILEM has become so much more than just an app, and seeing it grow (the app has been translated into eight languages now) and seeing its impact has filled me with the motivation to do more for others. AILEM has been my opportunity to give back to the world and to give hope to innocent children fleeing bleak futures, war-torn countries and troublesome pasts.

I work so hard and aim so high. Not for the sake of material gain and a luxurious lifestyle, but as thanks to my parents who sacrificed so much for me. To inspire other kids like me, who still live in turmoil and deprivation, and to help them see that there is a future for them.

Having the opportunity to attend UWC Atlantic through the help of generous donors allows students like me to broaden their horizons, to open their eyes and make our world a better place. My friends here are testaments to this fact. We are living proof that one kindness leads to another and that changing one life can change many.