I’m thrilled to share my journey to becoming a MEXT scholar—a dream that I’ve carried in my heart for as long as I can remember. My academic journey began in the picturesque town of Skardu, Baltistan, where my incredible mother worked tirelessly to provide me and my siblings with a private education, despite the financial struggles we faced. Her unwavering dedication and constant prayers were the driving forces behind my success.
My father’s modest salary made it difficult to afford education, but my mother’s determination was unmatched. By day, she worked as a tailor, and by night, she managed a small shop. Despite the challenges, she never gave up on providing the best for us. Her hands, worn from years of hard work, never stopped sewing—but they were also always raised in prayer for my future.
In the tranquil valleys of Skardu, surrounded by towering mountains and serene lakes, I faced more than just financial struggles. To support my education, I worked two jobs. During the day, I taught at a local school, trying to inspire young minds with the same passion I had for learning. By night, I worked an online job, often staying up until the early hours of the morning. Sleep became a luxury I could seldom afford, but I knew that every sacrifice I made would bring me closer to a better future.
At first, I tried reaching out to professors in China, but despite my best efforts, I didn’t receive any responses. It was a discouraging time, but I refused to give up. My breakthrough came when I joined the MEXT scholarship WhatsApp group in September 2023. The guidance and support I found there became a turning point in my journey.
But even then, the path was not easy. I faced multiple setbacks. After submitting my application, I was rejected by Shizuoka University. Later, Kumamoto University also rejected me after the interview stage. These rejections were devastating and made me question my abilities. To make matters worse, I received a B grade on my thesis—another blow to my confidence. But no matter how hard it got, I never gave up. I drew strength from my mother’s relentless spirit and the belief that Allah has a plan for me.
Finally, my persistence paid off when I received an acceptance letter from Obihiro University of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine. It felt like a dream realized. My research, which aligned with the professor’s ongoing projects, played a key role in my acceptance. This recognition was a powerful validation of my hard work and dedication. I am incredibly grateful to Allah for guiding me through this journey.
I want to express my deepest gratitude to my “iron lady” mother, my supportive friends, my brother, my supervisor Dr. Fawad Ali, and my co-supervisor Mr. Muhammad Ayub from SSO PARC Skardu. I’m also thankful to all my teachers, friends, and family for their encouragement. Special thanks to Afzal Sir—without his guidance, this journey would not have been possible.
As the first female student from Baltistan to achieve this milestone, I hope my story can inspire others to chase their dreams, just as my mother’s unwavering faith and sacrifices inspired me. With Allah’s grace and the blessings of the 14 Masoomeen (AS), I am proud to represent my region and my country in Japan. I look forward to this new chapter in my academic journey.
I’m overjoyed to announce that my visa process is now complete, and I am excited to begin this new chapter of my academic journey!
