“Some people dream of success, while other people get up every morning and make it happen” – Wayne Huizenga
Scholar Success Story – Alfiya Khan’s belief in her strength and her disciplined approach helped her in the journey towards her goals. Her ambition and hard work paved way for winning the L’Oreal India For Young Women in Science Scholarship. She credits her achievements to consistency and self-belief.
Her inspiring story will motivate you in working towards your own dreams. Below are the excerpts from Alfiya’s interview with Buddy4Study.
Alfiya: I passed Class 12 (PCM) with 90.8% marks from Government Padma Raje Girls’ School, Gwalior. I scored 98 in Mathematics, it being my favourite subject. While preparing for 12th board, I used to wake up at 5 a.m. every day to study so that I could score well in my exams which would ultimately help me to pursue an undergraduate degree. I worked really hard to obtain good grades in my school. It has been a great journey so far, and I have learned a lot during this period.
Buddy4study: What motivated you to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Science?
Alfiya: My idol is Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam Azad. Not only was he a great scientist but a great personality as well. I was immensely inspired by the works of APJ Kalam so I decided to pursue studies in Mathematics and become a scientist someday. Currently, I am pursuing B.Sc (Science) and wish to pursue scientific academic research later in my career.
Buddy4study: What were the key challenges faced by you during the course of your journey to reach here?
Alfiya: When I was in Class 11, I encountered a lot of problems that were adversely impacting my studies, one of them being financial difficulties. So I started giving tuition to Class 9 students to cover my school and tuition fee expenses. It was getting difficult for me to access better education. However, my persistent hard work showed result and I scored well in my Class 12 board exam. Also, I got selected for L’Oreal Scholarship. It gives me immense happiness to think that my hard work has finally paid off.
Buddy4study: What has been your source of inspiration?
Alfiya: My source of inspiration is my mother. As a single mother, she has undertaken all the hardships to raise and educate me. I will always be indebted to her.
Buddy4Study: How has your family supported you in your venture to pursue this course?
Alfiya: I live with my mother, sister and brother and they have always been supportive in my studies. They have always helped me at every step of the way.
Buddy4study: How did you come to know about L’Oreal India For Young Women in Science Scholarship? What were the steps followed to avail the scholarship?
Alfiya: I came to know about L’Oreal India For Young Women in Science Scholarship through the Buddy4study platform. I filled the scholarship application form and submitted it online through the Buddy4Study web portal. I underwent two rounds of interviews, a telephonic interview and then, the final interview. After a few days, I received a call informing that I have been selected for the scholarship.
Buddy4study: What are your ambition in the future and how do you plan to execute them?
Alfiya: Right now, I am pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Science. I want to become a scientist and to accomplish that, I plan to earn a postgraduate degree and pursue research studies.
Buddy4study: Any piece of advice that you would like to impart to other potential aspirants like you who are constraint by various challenges towards pursuing higher education.
Alfiya: I want to say that – Destiny is for losers. It’s just a lame excuse to wait for things to happen by itself instead of making them happen. My only advice is that one should not wait for the destiny to work for him/her rather they should make their own destiny by working hard and possessing strong willpower.
