To be the first can be scary, and overcoming that fear and trying to achieve something is what makes you truly successful. The following is the story of a student who bagged a scholarship from University of Richmond and got admission in Stanford University. It might not be the biggest achievement, but his efforts deserve an applause.
I think it is worth mentioning here, that his teacher, whom he gives credit for his success, has also been my teacher and guide. Her name is Nisha Ahmad. It is beautiful how life connects you back to your guru. The most wondrous part was that she remembered me as well. Out of thousands of students whom she teaches every year, she remembered me, an average student of her class.
The most enchanting thing about my interaction with Aaqil Zakarya, was his down to earth attitude and honesty. He plainly accepts what he might not be great at. He has been truly lucky but he has not let that take over him turning into pride. Here is his story:
Emerald Heights International School student, Aaqil Zakarya, who recently got accepted to Stanford University, said that while Indian universities consider only class XII board scores, universities in other countries give more importance to consistency in good performance than just excellence in certain grades. Zakarya has been able to get into Stanford University, where acceptance rate is 4.6 per cent.
Talking about his experience of applying to the university, Zakarya said, “The process of applying is extensive, where the university ensures that they know everything about the applicant.” He elaborated that he had to disclose every little detail about himself and his family, from his personal choices to his opinion on international issues.
“US universities analyse every aspect of the candidate, which includes knowledge, application of knowledge and co-curricular activities,” he said. Further, discussing the differences in the pattern of education in the USA and India, he said that American universities concentrate more on applied science and experience.
“While studying in US universities, students have to ‘learn by doing’, i.e. they have to take up internships and campus jobs,” he said Talking about the reason which drove him to apply to international universities, he said, “There is a research aspect that is a part of economics course in US universities, which Indian universities are not offering.”
While the quality of education and number of opportunities form the judgement basis for universities, an important aspect in consideration is funding. Zakarya is split between the two, as he has also been offered full scholarship from the University of Richmond, which is worth more than Rs 1.3 crores.
After going through 7 interviews and penning 25 essays for college applications, Zakarya feels more confident and clear about his goals. He said, “My ambition is to become a diplomat, or work in the World Bank and contribute my research to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).” Concluding his experience, he said, “Teachers are truly our gurus who drive us to strive for more and help us deal with the battle of achieving our ambitions.”
I think it is worth mentioning here, that his teacher, whom he gives credit for his success, has also been my teacher and guide. Her name is Nisha Ahmad. It is beautiful how life connects you back to your guru. The most wondrous part was that she remembered me as well. Out of thousands of students whom she teaches every year, she remembered me, an average student of her class.
The most enchanting thing about my interaction with Aaqil Zakarya, was his down to earth attitude and honesty. He plainly accepts what he might not be great at. He has been truly lucky but he has not let that take over him turning into pride. Here is his story:
Emerald Heights International School student, Aaqil Zakarya, who recently got accepted to Stanford University, said that while Indian universities consider only class XII board scores, universities in other countries give more importance to consistency in good performance than just excellence in certain grades. Zakarya has been able to get into Stanford University, where acceptance rate is 4.6 per cent.
Talking about his experience of applying to the university, Zakarya said, “The process of applying is extensive, where the university ensures that they know everything about the applicant.” He elaborated that he had to disclose every little detail about himself and his family, from his personal choices to his opinion on international issues.
“US universities analyse every aspect of the candidate, which includes knowledge, application of knowledge and co-curricular activities,” he said. Further, discussing the differences in the pattern of education in the USA and India, he said that American universities concentrate more on applied science and experience.
“While studying in US universities, students have to ‘learn by doing’, i.e. they have to take up internships and campus jobs,” he said Talking about the reason which drove him to apply to international universities, he said, “There is a research aspect that is a part of economics course in US universities, which Indian universities are not offering.”
While the quality of education and number of opportunities form the judgement basis for universities, an important aspect in consideration is funding. Zakarya is split between the two, as he has also been offered full scholarship from the University of Richmond, which is worth more than Rs 1.3 crores.
After going through 7 interviews and penning 25 essays for college applications, Zakarya feels more confident and clear about his goals. He said, “My ambition is to become a diplomat, or work in the World Bank and contribute my research to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).” Concluding his experience, he said, “Teachers are truly our gurus who drive us to strive for more and help us deal with the battle of achieving our ambitions.”