My name is Laiba, and I am a girl who did not succumb to what was expected of her. I know my worth. I know what I deserve. Oh, and I would not settle for less. 

Born and raised in Hyderabad, when the time of deciding one's career — one of the most grueling decision of one's life, perhaps — approached, I was torn between the dilemma of choosing what would please my family and relatives and what my heart yearned for. They wanted me to prepare for ECAT and pursue a career in engineering, the traditional path that all my friends were blindly following, perhaps never once questioning if that was what they really wanted or they were doing so because it was shoved down their throats. However, upon their insisting, I decided to explore a potential university I could get admission in, was I to give in to their satisfaction. But, one visit to that university and my mind seethed at the thought of spending next four years of my life there. No, that place does not provide the platform for the personal and professional growth I deserve. 

I had to then learn to be greeted with raised brows and frowned faces when I told them I seek something beyond this. Something that wil set me free. Something that presented itself in the form of LUMS. Against their better judgement, I prepared for SAT instead of ECAT. This itself was an eye-opening experience. I met so many kindred souls while preparing who had similar aspirations and they are the type of people I want to associate with and achieve my goals with. My escape from that mundane life came in the form of 120% scholarship from LUMS to study economics at HSS. Words fail to encapsulate how elated I feel. This is where I want to be. This is what I enjoy learning. This is my gateway to many opportunities to come.