Afza returned to Pakistan poised to make an impact after studying in the United States as a Global Undergraduate Exchange Program in Pakistan fellow. In March 2011, she helped organize an International Women’s Day conference with women business leaders in Islamabad to discuss topics such as women and law, the female mortality rate, and women in the financial sector.
Afza, from the city of Rawalpindi, worked with her university to help organize this unique event inspired by her leadership opportunities in the US In the fall of 2010, Afza studied at Chadron State College in Nebraska as part of the inaugural cohort of the Global UGRAD-Pakistan program. Afza reflects on her experiences in the US and how they influenced her outlook on civic engagement.
Why did you want to become a Global UGRAD-Pakistan fellow?
Being a Global UGRAD-Pakistan fellow meant being an ambassador of a country, and the Muslim world, to make friends around the globe, to have a chance to meet community leaders, and most of all to try to develop a better understanding of issues around the world. The most interesting component was finding out similarities between the cultures, which can bring us closer.
What was the most memorable experience of your stay in the US?
The most memorable experience was during International Education week, during which the international students exhibited their countries through various activities. When local children visited the college to meet international students, a little seven-year-old boy shouted with joy and said, “I know about Pakistan, I read the book Three Cups of Tea.” He innocently asked, “So did you also used to sit on the ground in your school and do your homework with a stick on the ground?” At that moment I realized how lucky I was to get this opportunity to answer those inquisitive questions and realized how much more is to be done.
How has your view of America or Americans changed since you studied in the US?
American campuses offer a continuous self learning process because of the diversity. Not only has it made me more considerate towards other cultures, but it also instilled a notion of humanity. I learned not to stereotype at all. Sometimes there are cultural constraints and we should never put a label on anyone.
Can you explain the International Women’s Day conference you helped organize?
I helped the Shahina Aftab Foundation organize a women’s day conference, to provide a platform to working women who are successful in their spheres but not usually known. The organizer is a very successful professional who has been working on the Board of Finance at the First Women Bank. I worked with other university students to help organize the event, including informing media and sponsors. The community service activities in America helped me to volunteer for such a cause.
What are your plans for the future?
My future plans include working with [US State Department] Alumni association in Pakistan, which is a very diverse and active community. Since I have one year to go until graduation, I plan to influence the university to organize events involving community leaders to ensure maximum student exposure.
The Global Undergraduate Exchange Program in Pakistan is funded by the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, United States Department of State, and administered by IREX.