Health Science Student, Saltanat A. Aspires to be Financially Independent and Self-Reliant

Raised by parents who have always supported her dream of working in healthcare, Saltanat feels fortunate to be earning her bachelor’s in health science at UoPeople. She wants to make a positive impact by improving the lives of the Afghan people as a medical professional.

“My parents’ encouragement means a lot to me. I want to evolve into a strong person who is financially independent and self-reliant. My larger goal is to be a doctor—a dentist, to be precise, but I know getting into medical school will take more time. In the meantime, I am working to get my bachelor’s in health science and create a solid foundation for furthering my education,” she says.

Saltanat, who has always been a bright student, worked hard to pass school with honors and scored exceptionally well in math and science.

Though she did manage to get into a prestigious medical school in her country after working very hard for two years, she was unable to continue her education due to political unrest in the region.

New laws prohibited many women like her from attending universities and colleges. She was rendered hopeless in such a scenario; she saw her dreams collapsing. UoPeople became her ray of hope. It allowed her to stay home and continue her education.

“The opportunity to earn a degree online at an American university is a godsend for me. I am once again hopeful of making a positive impact on people’s lives. What drives me is the desire to contribute to the betterment of society and to help others reach their full potential. I am fueled by the belief that every individual deserves equal opportunities and support to thrive. Whether it’s through my work, volunteering, or personal relationships, I am driven by the joy and fulfillment that comes from making a difference, no matter how small,” she says.

According to Saltanat, the Health Science program at UoPeople offers a comprehensive understanding of healthcare, covering topics like anatomy, physiology, public health, and healthcare ethics.

“I chose UoPeople because of its flexible online learning model and its commitment to providing accessible education to students worldwide. The university’s mission to make higher education affordable and inclusive resonated with me, as it aligns with my values of equal opportunity and lifelong learning,” Saltanat notes.

“My experience with UoPeople has been incredibly rewarding. The faculty and staff are dedicated and supportive, and the online learning platform is user-friendly and interactive. The diverse student community has enriched my educational journey, allowing for meaningful cross-cultural exchanges. UoPeople’s emphasis on peer collaboration and active learning has fostered a dynamic and engaging academic environment. Overall, UoPeople has provided me with an exceptional education and valuable skills that will contribute to my personal and professional growth,” she adds.

Saltanat is currently balancing her full-time studies with a part-time job as an English teacher. She teaches over a hundred Afghan girls who have been deprived of their right to education.

“Managing these commitments requires careful planning, effective time management, and a strong sense of dedication. To excel in both my education and teaching responsibilities, I prioritize and establish a structured schedule that allows me to allocate specific time slots for my studies and teaching. This helps me maintain a balance between the two and ensures that I can dedicate sufficient attention to each task,” she says.

“Also, I practice effective communication and collaboration with my peers and instructors. Open lines of communication help me seek support when needed. Lastly, self-care and maintaining a healthy work-life balance are crucial. I ensure that I take breaks, engage in activities that recharge me, and

seek support from my family and friends when necessary. This allows me to remain motivated, focused, and resilient in managing my various responsibilities,” explains Saltanat.

Saltanat’s goal in life is to become a dentist. Dentistry, she says, combines her interests in science and healthcare.

“The opportunity to directly improve people’s oral health and overall well-being excites me. Moreover, the field of dentistry aligns with my personal values of empathy, service, and the desire to help others. I am committed to promoting oral health awareness, addressing dental disparities, and ensuring that individuals have access to quality dental care,” she says with great enthusiasm.

Above all, Saltanat aspires to be a catalyst for change in her country and aims to promote equality and inclusivity for all. UoPeople is happy to be able to support Saltanat’s mission in life. We wish her all the best for the future.