I Chose to Study Online To Break All Barriers  

I come from a small village in northern Pakistan, where women’s education is not encouraged. The local school only goes up to the 8th grade for girls. My parents, challenging the norms, moved us to a nearby city so we could continue our education. Adjusting to the new school was difficult, but my parents made sure we received a good education despite financial difficulties. 

Daring to Dream Despite Societal Norms  

I always aspired to break barriers and pursue my dreams. I wanted to break away from societal norms. I dreamed about becoming a Software Engineer and supporting my parents financially. 

I achieved top scores in a one-year IT diploma program in my province. Subsequently, I enrolled in university to earn a bachelor’s degree in computer science, where I consistently ranked first in each semester. This academic excellence earned me a scholarship, empowering me tremendously on my educational journey.  

In the final year of my undergraduate studies, I moved to Europe for one year and took a leave of absence from the university for my mother’s cancer treatment. It was a choice I made to stay close to my family and support them financially. Although I was deeply saddened to discontinue my higher studies, I did not lose hope. I constantly searched for a university to which I could transfer my course credits from my university in Pakistan and continue learning while living in Europe. 

Finding Hope in UoPeople 

While looking for reputed online education options, I found out about University of the People. After researching their transfer credit policy, I felt hopeful. I wanted desperately for my credits to be accepted. I sent my documents to the U.S. for recognition and attestation to determine if my courses aligned with those being offered at UoPeople. Eventually around 60 credits were accepted that allowed me to begin my journey in online education in 2017. Finding a college that didn’t drown me in debt was the exact thing I needed at that point. 

I simultaneously began a two-year diploma program in web and mobile application development in Italy. The remote learning format at UoPeople allowed me to complete my diploma alongside my bachelor’s degree. I got hired by a company called Synesthesia that valued my dedication to continuing my bachelor’s degree online. I began working full-time and earned my degree in 2021. The rigorous curriculum and practical experience at UoPeople were instrumental in developing my technical and time-management skills, making me a competitive candidate in the job market. 

This multifaceted educational journey supported by UoPeople, enabled me to secure admission into a master’s program in Software Engineering at the University of Antwerp, Belgium, in 2022. The strong foundation I built at UoPeople has been pivotal in my academic and professional growth, and I am now in my final year of the master’s program. 

Learning the Art of Juggling

Balancing my degree with work and family responsibilities required careful time management and dedication. I created a structured schedule that allocated specific times for studying, working, and family commitments. The flexibility of online learning at UoPeople allowed me to study during non-work hours and stay on track with my academic goals.  

Prioritizing tasks and setting realistic goals also helped me manage my workload effectively. By staying disciplined and motivated, I was able to successfully balance my studies, work, and family life.  

Dreams and Aspirations for the Future  

UoPeople taught me how to effectively combine work and studies, providing me with the skills and discipline I needed to excel. This experience was crucial in preparing me for the demands of advanced academic and professional environments. I felt supported to achieve my dreams and unlock my potential.

Now I aim to secure a good job and settle down in Belgium, a place that now feels like home to me. Additionally, I aspire to become an entrepreneur, investing in and growing my business alongside my professional career.  

My Two Cents for Current and Prospective UoPeople Learners  

My advice for prospective and current Computer Science students at UoPeople is to stay disciplined and manage time effectively. I highly recommend maintaining a healthy work-life balance to avoid burnout. Work on your skills consistently and seek internships and part-time job opportunities to gain practical experience. Building a helpful professional network is equally important. Engage actively in your courses, utilize available resources, and continuously learn beyond the curriculum. The flexibility at UoPeople helps you pursue multiple goals simultaneously. So, remember to take full advantage of it. 

My life’s philosophy is centered on the belief that hard work never goes in vain. Continuously looking for opportunities, setting realistic goals, and sticking to them have been crucial to my success. Believe me, consistently believing in yourself and your dreams will guide you through challenges and help you be successful. Stay self-motivated and focused on your long-term objectives. 

About the Author:  

Annila M. is in the final year of her master’s in software engineering at the University of Antwerp. She worked as a Software Developer at Synesthesia from 2019 to 2023. Currently, she is focused on completing her degree and is now actively seeking a tech job in Belgium where she hopes to continue her career. In her spare time, Annila enjoys traveling to new destinations, reading, and cycling around her city. She credits her parents and her sister, Ambreen for everything she has been able to achieve so far.