As the oldest of five siblings in a South Asian-American household, I’ve always juggled multiple responsibilities. Between helping my younger brothers manage ADHD and Type 1 diabetes and supporting my mother through her health challenges, I learned early how to stay calm under pressure and solve problems quickly. These experiences taught me the value of resilience, patience, and advocacy—qualities that now shape my vision for the future. I want to become an international human rights lawyer, focusing on women’s rights. This passion was ignited in middle school, when I attended an all-girls Muslim school. Before summer break, the school sent home a letter reminding families traveling “home” for the summer that Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) was illegal and against Islamic teachings. Curious, I asked my mom about it. Her explanation shocked me—millions of girls were subjected to this painful and unnecessary procedure, often justified by cultural traditions. I couldn’t believe something so wrong could still happen. That conversation sparked a fire in me to fight against systemic injustices that harm women and girls around the world. When I moved back to the United States after living in England, I faced a new kind of reality. In England, I had often been called a “Paki,” a slur meant to make me feel like I didn’t belong. In the U.S., people assumed I was Native American and didn’t question it when I stayed quiet. After 2017, with anti-Muslim rhetoric becoming normalized, I began hearing openly prejudiced comments about Pakistanis and Muslims. These moments weren’t easy to navigate, but they shaped me. I learned how to protect my identity, stay strong, and push back against stereotypes. They also solidified my determination to advocate for people who are marginalized or misunderstood. My Pakistani background has shaped the way I see the world. Pakistan has a history of both triumphs and struggles for women. Benazir Bhutto, the first woman to lead a Muslim-majority country, is a constant source of inspiration to me. She broke barriers and stood for women’s rights, showing that resilience and determination can drive change. At the same time, I’m deeply aware of the challenges Pakistani women still face—limited access to education, systemic discrimination, and even the threat of honor-based violence. These realities motivate me to pursue a career where I can work toward dismantling these harmful systems. As an international lawyer, I hope to combat practices like FGM and honor-based violence, improve access to education for girls, and strengthen legal protections for women. I envision myself working with grassroots organizations to support communities directly while shaping international policies that create lasting change. Beyond my background and career aspirations, I’ve also gained insight through volunteering. Spending time with the elderly and individuals with disabilities taught me the importance of empathy and patience. These experiences showed me that real change doesn’t come from one big moment—it’s built through small, consistent actions that prioritize understanding and care. My vision is simple: a world where every person, no matter their gender, race, or background, has the opportunity to thrive. By following the example of leaders like Benazir Bhutto and combining my South Asian values of community and resilience with my passion for international law, I hope to create a career that empowers others and makes justice a reality for those who need it most.

“When I told my mom I wasn’t interested in having Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) done, I had no idea what I was talking about. I thought it was just another harmless school announcement about health or faith. I didn’t realize I’d just mentioned something horrifying—something that would shape my life’s purpose.” This happened in eighth grade, shortly after I transferred to an all-girls Muslim school. Right before summer break, the school sent a letter reminding families traveling “home” overseas that FGM was illegal and against Islamic teachings. I didn’t know what FGM was and assumed it was just a normal practice, so I casually told my mom I wasn’t interested in having it done. She froze. Then, with visible anger and horror, she explained what it was: an inhumane and unnecessary practice millions of girls around the world are forced to endure. I couldn’t believe it. My stomach churned as I learned what it involved and how it continued to exist. That conversation didn’t just teach me about FGM—it made me see the bigger picture. I began to research harmful cultural practices, particularly those that are framed as tradition, and how they are used to justify violence against women and girls. Growing up in England as a U.S. citizen with South Asian and American roots, I saw how culture and law could shape women’s lives in vastly different ways. Being South Asian and Muslim myself, I’ve also witnessed the unique challenges women in my community face, from navigating cultural expectations to overcoming stereotypes. This is what inspired me to pursue international law and focus on women’s rights. What motivates me most is the power of the law to protect those who can’t protect themselves. Learning about FGM was my first exposure to systemic injustices, but I quickly realized it wasn’t the only one. I’ve seen women in my own community hesitate to ask for help, fearing judgment or rejection. These stories strengthened my desire to pursue a legal career where I can fight for the women and girls who feel overlooked and unheard. To turn this passion into action, I’ve sought out opportunities to learn and help. I’ve volunteered at shelters for survivors of domestic violence, where I listened to the stories of women rebuilding their lives after abuse. These experiences taught me that advocacy isn’t just about speaking for others; it’s about listening and working alongside them to create change. It also showed me how interconnected these issues are—addressing one injustice often means addressing others, like access to housing or education. I know that practicing international law won’t be easy. Fighting issues like FGM, gender-based violence, and inequality will mean challenging cultural norms and outdated legal systems. But I’m ready for the challenge. I want to be part of shaping international laws and policies that protect women’s rights, working with grassroots organizations and global institutions to make sure that women and girls everywhere have the chance to live free from violence and oppression. Through law, I hope to fight practices like FGM, expand access to justice for survivors of violence, and strengthen international protections for women. My goal is to create a world where every woman and girl, no matter where they’re from, can live with dignity and freedom. That’s the future I want to build—and the reason I want to practice law.