Business Student, Safi Says Transferring Credits to UoPeople Has Been His Best Strategic Career Move  

Born in Islamabad, Pakistan, a city known for its beautiful scenery, Safi moved to the United States at a young age. He was raised in the vibrant and diverse city of Dallas, Texas. Growing up, Safi experienced a regular American childhood, attending local schools, participating in community activities, and forming close friendships. His life in Dallas allowed him to enjoy the best of both worlds, blending the experiences and values from his Pakistani background with those of his American upbringing. As an American-Pakistani, Safi appreciates the diversity and opportunities that come from living in a multicultural environment, which has shaped him into a well-rounded and culturally aware individual. 

From the start, Safi’s parents and extended family, whom he describes as integral to his existence, encouraged him in any field he wanted to pursue. “I was always interested in joining the family business, which has a vintage of over thirty years in the insurance industry. My upbringing gave me a unique perspective on growth and the value of hard work and dedication. I learned quite early in life the importance of perseverance and the benefits of being part of a supportive community,” he adds.  

However, Safi’s growth trajectory wasn’t always smooth. There were times when he felt beaten, but never gave up.  “Struggles are a part of life and help shape who we are. At twenty years of age, I faced some of the hardest challenges in my life—both in school and at work. I felt like I would never graduate college and there was so much pressure that I thought I would never be successful. Every day felt like a battle, and the future seemed unclear and scary,” he shares. 

How did Safi stay positive through his struggles? “Balancing academic demands with work responsibilities was incredibly tough, and there were moments when I doubted my ability to succeed. These experiences taught me resilience and perseverance, shaping me into the person I am today. In moments of extreme stress, my nephew, Rayyan, helped me sail through. The joy, curiosity, and pure enthusiasm with which his nephew approaches life have reminded me of the importance of maintaining a positive outlook and finding joy in the little things. Watching him grow and learn has inspired me to be a role model and to strive for success,” he explains.  

How did Safi find out about UoPeople? “Traditional colleges and universities are often prohibitively expensive and inflexible, especially for working students. Before mentioning how I joined UoPeople, I want to share that I had no intention of going back to get my undergraduate degree, as I thought back then that it wasn’t a feasible option. I was concerned about the high costs and the rigid schedules that would clash with my work commitments. However, everything changed when my uncle introduced me to UoPeople. He explained how the university offers affordable and flexible education, which perfectly suits my needs. Eventually, he convinced me to give it a try, and I am so glad he did. I must credit him for this because I am absolutely enjoying my time earning my bachelor’s degree in business administration here.” 

Before joining UoPeople, Safi was already on his educational journey, attending a community college for nearly two years. His decision to transfer credits to UoPeople was a strategic move that he found to be highly beneficial. How was his experience transferring credits to UoPeople? “I highly recommend that students transfer their credits to UoPeople. It makes the process much easier and helps you get to the finish line faster. My experience with transferring credits was smooth, saving me a lot of time,”‘ he adds. This streamlined process allowed Safi to seamlessly continue his education without losing the progress he had already made.“ 

Having been a UoPeople student for over two years, Safi has gained a deep appreciation for the unique aspects of his education. What does he like most about earning his degree here? “The overall approach to higher education, I feel. It’s 100% online, to begin with. Our instructors and classmates are from different parts of the world. I believe this is where traditional universities need to rethink their approach to higher education. UoPeople has redefined diversity and shown that a global classroom can be very effective. This international exposure and the flexibility of online learning have greatly enriched my educational experience, making it unique and invaluable,“ he elaborates.  

Safi enjoys the flexibility of completing his assignments from the comfort of his home or office, allowing him to integrate his studies with his professional responsibilities seamlessly. He finds the courses offered by UoPeople to be exceptional, saying, “As the CEO running my family business independently, I see my UoPeople courses to be instrumental in providing me with the knowledge and skills needed to manage and grow the business successfully.” 

Balancing the demands of being a business owner and a student is no small challenge, yet Safi manages it with remarkable dedication and efficiency. His ability to juggle these responsibilities reflects his commitment and work ethic. In his downtime, Safi enjoys unwinding by watching movies, listening to music, and exploring new places through travel, which provides him with a well-rounded and enriching lifestyle. 

As a university with a mission to educate beyond boundaries, we are thrilled for Safi. He plans on earning his MBA degree eventually. “I believe further education will open more opportunities and give me the skills I need to succeed. Once I have my BBA, I also want to relocate to California and take my business to a whole new level. It will allow me to expand my network, reach more clients, and grow my business in new ways,” he adds, gleaming excitedly.  

We wish all his dreams come true. We are happy to have been a part of his unique journey and wish him all the best.