My foundation has evolved significantly over time. Growing up, it was rooted in resilience. Some of my earliest memories involve visiting my father in the ICU after his cancer surgery, and watching my mother tirelessly care for him while managing our family. Immigrating to a new country and moving multiple times before I was ten added instability, making it difficult to find a sense of belonging. Yet, my parents encouraged me to persevere, instilling in me a strong drive to overcome obstacles.

For many years, this perseverance defined me. However, this tendency also shut me off from the rest of the world. To appear strong, I protected myself by suppressing my authentic self. I lived in my past insecurities, believing I wasn’t enough. While I achieved outward success, I was far from self-actualized on the inside.

In my late teens, my foundation shifted to ambition. Mentors and teachers helped me recognize my potential, but my self-worth became tied to my achievements. I lived my life for a couple of years thinking that my worth came from my potential, not from the person I was in the present. I worked tirelessly, yet the version of me I could finally be proud of always seemed out of reach.

Today, my foundation is built on forgiveness, acceptance, and self-love. Through working on myself and with the support of loved ones, I’ve learned to live authentically and focus on the process rather than controlling outcomes. I no longer define myself by past struggles or future aspirations but embrace who I am in the present. While I am not perfect, I remain valuable. My foundation now lies in the peace I have with who I am. As long as this remains true, I believe all will be well.

My vision for the future is a world free from senseless cruelty. I imagine a world where innocent people can live dignified lives, free from violence, in an environment that nurtures their physical, mental, and social well-being. While this may seem overly optimistic, many people already benefit from such privileges. We should dare to believe in a world where these privileges are extended to everyone.

I see my future as a doctor working locally and internationally to help suffering communities. I am particularly passionate about global child health, shaped by my upbringing in Pakistan and witnessing the hardships endured by millions of children. I aspire to work with organizations like Doctors Without Borders, providing critical care to those in need. I also recognize the importance of strong institutions and international collaborations in alleviating suffering. I envision contributing to partnerships that emphasize our shared humanity and promote mutual benefits for all involved. My ultimate hope is to uplift individuals and communities who have been victims of cruelty while enabling others to do the same.

The work I am doing now is moving me closer to this vision. My medical education and patient interactions are helping me develop into a kind, empathetic, and knowledgeable physician. Leading a nonprofit in Calgary has taught me how to collaborate with local organizations and community members. My role as co-president of my medical school class has furthered my ability to lead initiatives, represent diverse voices, and work within institutions to bring about meaningful change.

While I hope for measurable progress, I know it is beyond my control. The only reward I am entitled to is helping others and living according to my values. Still, knowing that the positive impact of my actions may not be immediately visible gives me hope that my efforts will remain fruitful.