Mount Holyoke College Application Essay

I would like to take this opportunity to thank the Admissions Office for reconsidering me for admission at Mount Holyoke College, and even though I am waitlisted, MHC remains my first and foremost choice and the fact that it is my dream school remains unchanged. Thus, if extended an offer, I would ecstatically accept it.

Being part of a diverse and empowered community of women at Mount Holyoke will give me a voice and a strong, multifaceted identity. This is essential for me as I am the first generation in my family to attend college. I will get to be among individuals known for their opinions and tenacity. It will boost my confidence to move ahead and work for the women empowerment, I firmly believe in.

Moreover, the academic program will give me a platform where I can make substantial contribution to in-class discourse. Courses like "Political Economy of the G-20" and "Developing Economy of the Global World" taught by experts in their respective fields will help me gain knowledge that will give me an intellectual edge while preparing for a career in foreign services. From my two years of high school at Nixor College, my education was never restricted to books

but also included my experiences, I gained by immersing myself in different projects such as Nixor Corporate, Debate and Community Service. I have developed skills such as teamwork while working on the editorial team of my journalism entity, diplomacy while interacting with different delegates at Model UN Conferences and realized my social responsibilities when I worked for the well-being of someone other than myself. Similarly, at Mount Holyoke, I can foresee myself improving my practical skills further by taking part in international research, conferences and internships at various institutions through the McCulloch Center of Global Initiatives.

Moreover, as someone who has never been on the sidelines, I step in to make a positive contribution to the community I am a part of. I will make sure I add value to different projects and initiatives by passionately working for student organizations such as C.A.U.S.E. and Mount Holyoke Red Cross. I will initiate and volunteer for projects that fulfill the development of women and children's education and rights- a cause I firmly believe in. At MHC, I will gain, and contribute to the college community.

After completing four years at MHC, I will return to my homeland: Pakistan.

Gaps in education standards and provision of basic human rights are undeniable there. I will work to address the ongoing issue of sexual harassment, rape and child abuse in the society, by setting up centers to provide sex education to females. I will also set up crisis centers where victims of such atrocities are provided legal and medical assistance, and counseling to boost their self image to a level where they can stand up to their oppressors, and exert the right to freedom and independence to which they are legally entitled. My work would be conducted in conjunction with LHLRA – Lawyers for Human Rights and Legal Aid: a firm that works to provide justice even if it comes with the cost of reforming the legal

system.

During my time at MHC, I will spend some time at the Eliot House, taking a pause from the daily routine - bonding with other students and hearing their stories over cookies and milk or just spending time meditating to relax my exhausted self. Post MHC, the road to success will be quite tiresome. A breather- a break from the chaos will be necessary. A fantastic Moho initiative with the name “Girls at Dhabas” ( an initiative by Mount Holyoke alums in Pakistan) will let me spend time with different women, colleagues and Mount Holyoke alums. Here I will get to share my ideas, gather support for my initiatives and learn from the different experiences and stories shared by them. I will get to experience life in my own city in a much different way, without the fear of public spaces or any societal threats.

I look forward to spending the coming four years of my life as a Lyon at Mount Holyoke College.