In this interview, we have had the privilege to speak with a young woman from Gilgit-Baltistan who has achieved remarkable success in her academic and professional life. She has not only excelled in her studies, but she has also made a positive impact in her community through her work in education and social entrepreneurship. Her story is an inspiration to many young people who aspire to achieve greatness in their lives.

The Karakoram: Can you tell us about your journey from Khaplu to Oxford Brooks University? What inspired you to pursue higher education, and what were some of the challenges you faced along the way?

Maria Akbar: I grew up in a small valley called Ghursay in Ghanche, and I attended Public School & College Skardu for my entire schooling. Throughout my childhood, I possessed leadership skills and aspired to lead in every aspect of my life, which was inspired by my father’s never-give-up attitude despite facing numerous struggles. Additionally, my mother’s keen interest in our academic career motivated me to excel in academics.

While in college, I discovered a passion for debating, which grew exponentially, and I started taking part in debate competitions both at school and regionally. Despite my parents’ lack of support, fearing that they might affect my studies, I continued to practice my speeches secretly and won several competitions. I also developed an interest in training sessions led by motivational speakers and NGOs and participated in them during my college days.

After completing my Bachelor’s in Management Sciences at Pakistan’s top-ranked university, Quaid Azam University, Islamabad, I realized my potential to start my own nonprofit organization. With the support of my university friends, I started MAJU (Make Ambition & Join Us), where we collected donations from university students and our pocket money to conduct community service projects. Through this experience, I learned about leadership, team management, and project management.

I applied for the UGRAD program in 2016 and 2017, and after being selected in 2017, it was a turning point in my life. The opportunity gave me exposure to the US and the chance to study one semester in a US university. This experience was followed by an internship opportunity in Turkey through AIESEC in 2019, and in 2021, I represented Pakistan in Russia in Eurasia Global, which further developed my leadership, communication, and networking skills.

After completing my Bachelor’s, I then applied for the Faculty Development Program in Tourism & Hospitality Management by the University of Baltistan and chose Oxford Brookes University, UK, because it is one of the top 10 universities in the world and ranks first in the UK for Tourism and Hospitality studies.

Through my journey, I learned the importance of perseverance, hard work, and resilience. I developed leadership, team management, project management, and networking skills that have helped me become the person I am today. I believe that my experiences have prepared me for future challenges and opportunities, and I look forward to what lies ahead.

The Karakorum: What are some of the most important lessons you learned during your university years, both inside and outside the classroom, that have helped you succeed in your career and personal life?

Maria Akbar: During my university years, both inside and outside the classroom, I learned several valuable lessons that have helped me succeed in my career and personal life. Firstly, I learned the importance of utilizing free time for extracurricular activities, internships, and other opportunities. It’s essential to develop skills that complement your academic qualifications, such as communication and networking skills, to succeed in the job market. I also learned that self-funding your education and gaining field experience can be valuable experiences and a way to relieve the burden on parents.

Furthermore, I learned that maintaining a balance between academic work and social life is crucial for personal and professional development. Participating in extracurricular activities can help you make new friends, build your network, and gain leadership skills that are invaluable in your career. I also learned the importance of time management, prioritizing tasks, and setting goals. These skills have helped me in my career to prioritize my workload, manage my time effectively, and achieve my targets.

Finally, I learned that success is not only about grades but also about experience, skills, and attitude. I learned that employers value skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, and adaptability, and that these skills are often developed outside the classroom. Therefore, I recommend students to focus on developing these skills through internships, volunteer work, and other opportunities while in university. Overall, my university years taught me valuable lessons that have helped me succeed in my career and personal life.

The Karakoram: You have an impressive list of academic and extracurricular achievements. How did you balance your responsibilities, and what advice would you give to other students who want to excel in both areas?

Maria Akbar: As a university student, I learned the importance of balancing academic and extracurricular responsibilities. While it’s important to prioritize studying and completing coursework, it’s also crucial to utilize free time for personal development and pursuing activities that inspire and motivate you. For example, during my university years, I discovered my fascination with radio programs and got an opportunity to host a program called Rgano Na Rgaskat on Pakistan’s largest radio network, Suno FM, and also at Radio Zamindar. This provided an excellent opportunity to develop my communication skills and build connections with high professionals and talented youth of Gilgit Baltistan. Additionally, I always sought out productive and fruitful endeavors during my free time, such as being part of community policing, hosting an inspiring YouTube story from the platform Today Pakistan, voice acting for international campaigns, being a climate change activist, being part of peace initiatives, and appearing as a guest on TV programs to inspire youth.

To excel in both academic and extracurricular areas, students need to adopt a proactive and independent mindset, taking ownership of their lives and stepping out of their comfort zones. Merely obtaining a degree is not enough, and students must focus on building communication and networking skills while actively seeking out opportunities. It’s important to acknowledge that doing unpaid internships or part-time jobs is not a source of shame, and students should not hesitate to embrace these opportunities to gain practical experience.

During exam times, I prioritize my studies and spend long hours in the library. However, I always strive to maintain a healthy work-life balance and make time for activities that help me recharge and stay motivated. Finding a balance between academic and extracurricular responsibilities is a personal journey, and students should experiment with different approaches to find what works best for them. With hard work, dedication, and a proactive mindset, students can excel in both academic and extracurricular areas and set themselves up for success in their future careers.

The Karakoram: You initiated a nonprofit organization, Make Ambition & Join Us, and have successfully hosted numerous events. Can you share more about the work you do and how it has impacted your community? What advice would you give to other young individuals who aspire to start their own initiatives?

Maria Akbar: In 2017, I co-founded the nonprofit organization Make Ambition & Join Us along with my university fellow, Mr. Junaid Ahmad, and with the support of my close friends, Sana, Wafda, Laiba & Hamna. Our organization’s core mission is to promote voluntarism among university students who are often not involved in community service. Within two years, we realized that while there were many social organizations in Islamabad doing great work in multiple sectors, there were limited volunteering opportunities available for students at our university. Therefore, we decided to start our own initiative. To date, we have successfully completed over 30 events in Islamabad and Gilgit-Baltistan, focusing on topics such as career counseling in more than 16 schools and colleges of GB, climate change programs, women empowerment projects like anti-harassment campaigns, Self Esteem trainings to underprivileged females of far-flung border areas villages with Felix Foundation, street children education, ration distribution, supporting old age homes, promoting sports events, and supporting people with disabilities. Our diverse initiatives allow volunteers to participate in events that align with their interests. Through this initiative, I have gained valuable skills in event management, coordination with other organizations, leading events, running campaigns, managing large groups of teams, and persuading students to volunteer. Additionally, it provided me with tremendous networking opportunities, and due to this initiative’s success and vision, I received the opportunity to study in the United States. For any students who aspire to start their own initiative, my advice would be to stay focused, determined, and consistent in pursuing their goals. Collaborate with supportive organizations, and work towards long-term societal improvement. With a strong vision and mission, anyone can achieve their dreams and bring positive change in society.

The Karakoram: How have your international experiences in the US, UK, Russia, and Turkey helped you grow as a person, and what lessons have you learned that can benefit other young people who want to expand their horizons and gain new perspectives?

Maria Akbar: I once read a quote that stated, “The goal of life is to die with memories, not with dreams.” From a young age, I dreamt of studying in an international country and traveling the world. As a child, I used to cut out pictures of foreign countries from newspapers and post them in my diary, telling myself that one day I would visit those countries. Little did I know that these dreams would be fulfilled at such a young age.

I was selected for the undergraduate semester program at Emporia State University in the US, where I studied marketing. The cultural exchange journey allowed me to learn so much, particularly about diversity and interacting with students from other countries. Being challenged or accomplishing things on my own in a foreign country made me appreciate the learning opportunities at every step. As an international student, I learned how to conduct research and write academically. I must mention amazing professors who really encouraged me, such as Ms. Amy Sage, Ms. Deanna, and Ms. Joyce Zhou – they were more of a mentor than an instructor. I also learned how to travel alone and inspire girls who may not have access to such opportunities but can start dreaming and aiming for them.

This US opportunity was a turning point, and during my journey, I decided that every year I would explore a new country, and that was my aim for the coming years. One of my favorite lines from the book ‘Alchemist’ is “When you truly want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it,” and that exactly happened in my life. This led me to do an internship in Turkey through the AIESEC program and then to Russia in Eurasia Global, representing Pakistan among 120 other countries through Future Team Pakistan.

I am now pursuing a Master’s degree from Oxford Brookes University through the Faculty Development Program, and I haven’t stopped. Here as well, I am an active member of the student union as a Democracy Assistant and participated in all major sessions happening here. Fortunately, in this year I explored half of Europe, and more to go in the coming months. So, when we say dream big it actually matters, that’s also a lesson as a human being. Recently, as a spokesperson of Youth Parliament and with the President of YPP, Mr. Ubaid Qureshi, we led a group of Pakistani fellows on a complete tour of UK Parliaments & Universities, followed by discussions on future opportunities for Pakistani students.

The lessons learned from these experiences are that humans have immense potential and can achieve anything if they work hard and follow their dreams. I learned about diverse cultures and met people from different nations, leading discussions on sustainable development goals and raising the Pakistani flag with pride gave me true happiness. I realized that every human being is unique and special in their own way and started accepting new ideologies and respecting other points of view. I became more open-minded and accepting of different perspectives on life. Traveling is necessary to learn great lessons in life.

Young people should have a nature of seeking opportunities, staying motivated, and not being discouraged by failures, which are just a way to gain better experience. Never be afraid to dream big.

The Karakoram: As a successful woman from Gilgit-Baltistan and a role model for many young people in your community, who are some of the individuals that have inspired and mentored you on your journey to success, and how have their guidance and support influenced your personal and professional growth?

Maria Akbar: Thank you for the opportunity to share my journey with The Karakoram magazine. I am honored to be considered a role model for young people in my community, but I still consider myself a student of life, constantly learning and growing.

As the great poet Allama Iqbal once said,

“ستاروں سے آگے جہاں اور بھی ہیں 

ابھی عشق کے امتحان اور بھی ہیں

“There are still other worlds beyond the stars and trials of love yet to be faced.” I see myself as a student with diverse experiences, constantly striving for continuous improvement.

Throughout my journey, I have been fortunate to have many inspiring mentors who have played a pivotal role in my personal and professional growth. My parents have been my biggest source of motivation, instilling in me a passion for education and encouraging me to strive for excellence. My father’s dedication to the education sector has been truly remarkable, and my mother’s unwavering commitment to ensuring all her children receive a high-quality education has been outstanding. I am also proud of my grandmother, Syeda Fatima, who stood against societal norms and became the first mother in her village to educate all of her daughters, who are now serving in the education sector of GB.

In addition to my parents and grandmother, I have had many other mentors who have guided and motivated me during my journey. My school teachers recognized my potential and encouraged me to pursue my dreams. Ehsan Danish, the famous poet, Dr. Shujat Mesam, a young politician, and Mr. Waqar Abbas, the youngest ex-finance minister of GB, are some of the mentors who have had a significant impact on my personal and professional growth.

During my time at MCB Arif Habib, my boss, Mr. Murtaza Akhtar, challenged me to meet sales targets, which helped me excel in the marketing sector. I also had the privilege of meeting Mr. Bilal Hussain, the CFO of a renowned textile company, who became a source of inspiration and motivated me not to give up during tough times. His guidance made me more confident in the sector, and the lessons I learned have stayed with me throughout my career.

I must also acknowledge the support of my colleagues and team members who have been instrumental in my journey. I am grateful to have worked with many amazing people, including Ms. Javeria, Ms. Aman, Mr. Waseem Purkistani, Ms. Amna Riaz, Mr. Ubaid Qureshi, Mr. Waqas Johar, Mr. Jalal Khan, the PUAN family, the FTP family, and many others who have helped me build my journey in the right direction.

In conclusion, I believe that having mentors who support and guide us during our journey is crucial for personal and professional growth. With the right guidance and support, anyone can achieve their dreams and make a positive impact on their community.

The Karakoram: How do you plan to use your education and experiences to contribute to the development of Gilgit-Baltistan and Pakistan? What are your future goals and aspirations, and how do you plan to achieve them?

Maria Akbar: I am excited to utilize my education and experiences to give back to my community in Gilgit-Baltistan and Pakistan. As a faculty member at the University of Baltistan, I aim to implement innovative teaching methods to empower my students and equip them with the necessary skills to excel in their respective fields. Additionally, I am involved in several projects aimed at promoting entrepreneurship and economic development in the region, with collaborations underway with local organizations and international partners.

My long-term goal is to become an entrepreneur and support women-led businesses in Gilgit-Baltistan. I believe that empowering women is crucial to the development of our society and economy, and I want to do my part in supporting their growth and success.

Through your forum, I am disclosing for the first time that I am considering contesting in the elections and aspiring to become a women leader to bring real change to society, particularly for the women of Gilgit-Baltistan. While I am unsure what the future holds, I am determined to dream big and work hard to achieve my goals.

The Karakoram: Finally, your story is an inspiration to many young people. What message would you like to share with young people who may face challenges or obstacles in pursuing their dreams, and what advice would you give to those who want to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond?

Maria Akbar: Challenges and obstacles are an inherent part of life, and they will always be there. However, we must never give up and persist in our hard work, as Mirza Ghalib once said,

“مشکلیں مجھ پہ اتنی پڑی کہ آسان ہو گئی”

Continuous struggle is the utmost requirement, and success will eventually follow. I believe that those who aspire to bring positive change in society and possess a genuine passion for it will find their way. My story is a mere illustration of this notion. I have faced numerous setbacks and challenges, such as living far from my family, and encountering failures and mental lows along the way, but I have never given up and have always kept myself motivated. Whenever I encountered difficult times, I pushed myself to stand up again. Success is never handed to us on a plate; we must fight for it and struggle with our comfort zones, financial situations, sleepless nights, being away from our parents, and so on. It is never an easy journey, but having a direction and a plan is crucial. Without direction, we cannot reach our destination.

To all the young people who are facing challenges, I want to say that never let setbacks and failures discourage you. They are a part of the journey, and they are meant to make us stronger. Believe in yourself, and never underestimate your potential. Surround yourself with positive and supportive people who can lift you up in difficult times. And most importantly, never stop learning and growing. Be curious, ask questions, and seek out opportunities to improve yourself.

For those who want to make a positive impact in their communities and beyond, I encourage you to start small and act. Even small steps can make a big difference in the lives of others. Find a cause that you are passionate about and get involved. Volunteer your time, skills, and resources to support local organizations and initiatives. And never forget that every positive action counts, no matter how small it may seem. At the end of the day, we all have the power to create a better world, and it starts with each one of us.

In conclusion, I would like to share these lines from a poem by Allama Iqbal:

“اُقابی روح جب بیدار ہوتی ہے جوانوں میں

نظر آتی ہے ان کو اپنی منزل آسمانوں میں”

Translated, this means: “When the soaring spirit of youth awakens, they see their destination in the skies.” So, dream big, work hard, and never give up on your aspirations. You never know where life may take you, but with determination and perseverance, you can overcome any obstacle and achieve your goals.