Resilience and Representation: Laiba Bintay Khurram’s UC Berkeley Story
My journey to UC Berkeley started with the application process, where I had to present my case to a jury. Being selected with a 75% grant felt surreal, and what made it even more special was receiving the remaining funding from a donor who has been supporting Habib students for the past five years.
Once in the U.S., I stopped in New York to reunite with my brother after ten months apart before flying to California to begin the program.
Adjusting to Berkeley Life
At Berkeley, I had to learn how to do everything on my own, managing time, finances, travel, studying, scheduling, living in a dorm, and adjusting to constant changes. It was challenging, but those challenges are what taught me resilience and independence.
Campus and Bay Area Experiences
At the same time, it was also incredibly rewarding. I got to experience the Berkeley campus in full swing, attending classes, building friendships, forming relationships with professors, and finding comfort in campus spaces that slowly became my own. The Campanile Tower, quiet corners in libraries, and even different patches of grass turned into special spots for reflection and connection.
I also took the chance to explore beyond campus, visiting iconic San Francisco landmarks like Pier 39, the Palace of Fine Arts, SFMOMA, and, of course, the Golden Gate Bridge. I experienced the natural beauty of the Bay Area, from redwood trails to beaches, which was such a refreshing break from Karachi’s fast-paced city life. Along the way, I made good friends from different cultures, some of whom I’m still in touch with today, and even celebrated my 22nd birthday in California, which is something I’ll always remember.
Lessons Beyond Academics
Along the way, I realized that this journey is about more than just academics. It’s about learning how to tell your story and carry it with you. When applying, don’t just list achievements, show how your classes, projects, and leadership roles connect to the bigger goals you’re pursuing.
I found that fully using the opportunities at Habib, whether through student clubs, internships, or research, helped me shape experiences that became meaningful stories in my application. I also felt incredibly grateful to Habib for giving me this opportunity and trusting me to represent it and Pakistan, as a whole, in the US. I could not have become the person I am today without the support this university has been giving me since day one.
The Value of Support and Representation
Another important lesson was the value of reaching out for help. Strong recommendation letters and guidance from professors and peers made all the difference, and I learned that it’s okay to ask for support when you need it.
At the same time, being at Berkeley reminded me how important it is to represent where you come from. I carried my perspective as a Habib student and a Pakistani into classrooms, and that diversity of thought mattered just as much as the coursework itself.
Final Reflections and Tips
If I had to leave a few tips, I’d say: spend money wisely, don’t let the fear of missing out dictate your experience, and remember to make the most of your time, whether that’s traveling, exploring, or even working on long-term projects. Sometimes, it’s okay to spend time with yourself if you haven’t made friends immediately after landing. For me, that meant using my spare time to work on my final-year thesis proposal.
In the end, this journey wasn’t just about studying abroad; it was about growing, sharing, and returning with lessons that I hope to use for the career I aim to build for myself after graduation.
