“It’s time for women to stand out in their own right”
On June 18th, we graduated the Class of 2020 and celebrated the extraordinary accomplishments of over 400 women, who have proven their courage, commitment, and brilliance during an incredibly challenging pandemic year. If you missed the virtual event, you can catch up now on our YouTube channel.
One of the ceremony highlights was the heartfelt, articulate, and inspiring speech delivered by this year’s Valedictorian, Iqra Naeem, Business Management & Entrepreneurship diploma recipient. Below, Iqra shares her leadership journey, career goals, and advice to the future leaders who follow in her footsteps as Davis College and Akilah students.
I was born in Pakistan and came to Rwanda in 2012 when my father accepted an employment opportunity here. At first, we were all worried about moving to not just a different country, but also a completely different continent. After arriving here though, we soon got used to the new routines and life, and I am now really glad that my father made the wise decision of moving us to Rwanda.
After I finished high school, I was searching for universities that I could join to help me enhance my education. Then one day a friend contacted me and told me about Akilah; she said it’s an amazing place and I would love it, which sparked me to do more research. I had already looked at many other universities, but Akilah stood out to me because it was a women’s Institute and I felt like I would be most comfortable here. So I decided to apply and luckily I got accepted. At first, I was a bit worried that maybe because of my nationality I might not be accepted because one university had rejected me twice before based on my nationality, but Akilah welcomed me into their community and I became a proud Davis College and Akilah student.
Before joining Akilah, I would say that I was quite immature. I had many fears, lacked confidence, and was also very shy. But through my studies here I learned many new skills that made me feel more confident to express myself. Soon, the shyness in me no longer existed and I was able to take on leadership roles such as being a class rep and becoming vice president of clubs. These roles allowed me to meet many people, learn from them, help them, and work together with them. After gaining all these skills from Akilah’s academic and social life, I feel very prepared for my professional life and I’m eager to begin my career because I am confident that I’ll be able to apply all that I have learned in the workplace and become a successful person.
The key lessons I learned during my leadership roles is that if you want to be a good leader then you need to take responsibility and become a role model. Also, communication is really important; listen and talk to everyone (even those you would not usually talk to), make sure you are always asking your colleagues what they need, where they are facing problems so you can help them, and be very observant of the situations around you. To become a better leader, I believe you always need to remember that you are in that position because of your peers, they are the ones who chose you, so it is your responsibility to do as much as you can to support and give them a better experience.
The highlights from my Akilah journey are the moments I spent with my classmates and the valuable life lessons I gained from my instructors. As a cohort, we had our own unique culture; we would throw a party in class at the end of every semester with cake and snacks, and we used to give surprises to each other and our beloved instructors. I myself was surprised on my birthday when my classmates organized a cake and a small event. It was my very first surprise birthday party and I will never forget that. I will also not forget the stories our instructors shared that taught me to never give up and that have built me into the person I am today. What I loved about Akilah was the way we were very comfortable and conversant with our instructors. If we ever had any problems or concerns it was very easy for any of us to reach out to them and share our minds, which I think most universities lack. The team work and fun activities we used to have during the lessons are also highlights of my studying experience. I didn’t know that just by having fun during the class we could learn so many meaningful lessons which could help us in life.
When I was told that I was the Valedictorian of the Class of 2020, I didn’t believe it (at some point, I even thought it was a mistake or they were joking with me!). But when I realized that it was real and that I had really managed to achieve something, I felt so proud. During my studies, I never thought about being the best in the class, I just concentrated on doing the best I could. For instance, if I knew I was able to get 4 then why should I settle on 2.8? Even if it required me to have a redo, I would go to the instructor and ask them for another chance. Being Valedictorian means a lot to me because ever since I was young I have never achieved the first rank in my class. My father always used to ask me when would I ever achieve first rank, and at that time I used to tell him it’s very difficult and I can’t do it. So being Valedictorian gives me a feeling of accomplishment that I have finally fulfilled my father’s dream and proven that I can do it. Yet this is not just my success, but the success of everyone who helped me to reach this position; I did not make it here alone — my parents, instructors, and colleagues all played a very important role in my achievement.
I have heard people say that educating women and girls is very important because they raise the next generation. While I agree with this, I believe it is not just about raising children — women should pursue higher education so they can support themselves, be successful, and carve their own identity in this world. Getting an education allows women to achieve their dreams, improve their own lifestyle, and be independent. I believe it’s time for women in every society to stand out in their own right. Life is very unpredictable and the world can be cruel; women should not rely on men to live their lives, but rather pursue higher education so they can face the world like a real leader who can confidently achieve anything she wants.
After graduating from Akilah, my career goal is to have my own business that will help me support my family. Due to COVID-19 though a lot of businesses have been affected and fast-growing technology is also turning a lot of industries digital, so keeping all that in mind I wish to own an online retail store that will supply affordable, high-quality home essentials.
To my fellow Davis and Akilah students, I would like to encourage them to pursue their dreams too. Whatever they want to achieve in life, then do it themselves and don’t rely on other people. Show others your strengths and that you are capable, stand up for yourself when necessary, and do everything you can to achieve your aim. Furthermore, networking is also very important; try to have friends who are always willing to help you, and in your heart, you should also be willing to help them as well. Take every tough situation as an opportunity for you to test your limits — learn from them, and find your abilities and weaknesses. And then take all the happy moments as rewards for passing those tough situations — make good memories and cherish those moments. While the time you spend at Akilah may sometimes be tough, is also the time of making great memories. Trust me, one day when it is over, you will think back or look at old pictures with friends and there will be more to rejoice and laugh about than to be sad about.
All of the experiences I’ve had at Akilah have transformed me into who I am today. Every moment has made me stronger, bolder, wiser, more responsible, courageous, determined, confident, and so much more. I am filled with hope and excitement about what lies ahead for me in the future.
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