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At just 23 years old, Emaan S. from Jhelum, Pakistan, is proving that determination can turn barriers into bridges. A Bachelor of Science in Computer Science student at  SA���ʴ�ý of the People, she’s redefining what it means to chase a dream against the odds. 

Growing up in a society where girls’ education is often considered secondary, Emaan’s path could have easily been limited. But thanks to her father—who believed education has no gender—she and her siblings were given the chance to study in good schools, even when times were tough. “My father always said education is not defined by gender; it’s defined by the courage to learn,” Emaan recalls. 

Like many students in Pakistan, Emaan began her academic journey studying FSc Pre-Medical, hoping to secure a place in medical school. When her merit didn’t make the cut, she faced a moment of uncertainty. But instead of giving up, she turned inward to rediscover her true passion—technology. “The logic, creativity, and innovation behind technology always fascinated me,” she says. However, financial and situational constraints prevented her from enrolling in a computer science program locally. 

Still, she refused to let her dream fade. She began taking online courses on Coursera while enrolling in a BSc (Hons) in Food Science and Technology at the SA���ʴ�ý of Sargodha. “It wasn’t my first choice, but it was my chance to keep learning,” she reflects. Looking back, she believes both fields shaped her into a multidisciplinary learner—combining curiosity, logic, and creativity. 

Financial struggles were a constant challenge for Emaan’s family. As one of four siblings, she often saw her father stretch beyond limits to support their education. “We couldn’t afford private universities, but my father never compromised on our studies,” she says. “That taught me that limitations aren’t barriers—they’re lessons in perseverance.” 

Her search for affordable, flexible education eventually led her to SA���ʴ�ý of the People. “I first saw an ad for UoPeople on Facebook,” she recalls. “A tuition-free, accredited university sounded too good to be true—but I decided to give it a try. Maybe this was the door I had been waiting for.” Her intuition proved right. 

Emaan’s journey hasn’t been easy—she’s been balancing two degrees simultaneously. Yet, she says the flexibility of UoPeople made it all possible. “I could study early in the mornings, late at night, and on the weekends. Education here truly adapts to your life,” she explains. “When passion becomes your timekeeper, learning knows no boundaries.” 

Her prior learning also counted. Emaan transferred several credits from Coursera courses to UoPeople with ease. “The transfer process was smooth and quick—within a few days, my credits were added,” she says. “I would recommend this to every learner who’s been upskilling online. It’s a wonderful way to get recognized for your hard work.” 

For Emaan, what stands out most about UoPeople is its inclusivity and community. “I’ve met peers from all over the world. Every discussion feels like a window into a different perspective. When learning becomes borderless, it becomes limitless.” 

She credits UoPeople with reigniting her hope. “At a time when I felt my dreams slipping away, UoPeople became my bridge between what I wanted and what I am now achieving.” 

Looking ahead, Emaan plans to pursue a master’s degree in computer science, specializing in artificial intelligence, data analytics, and software development. “I want to work on projects that make technology more meaningful and accessible,” she says. “AI isn’t just a trend—it’s a tool to solve real-world problems and empower people.” 

Beyond academics, Emaan finds joy in graphic design. “It’s my creative escape—a space where logic meets imagination. Every design begins as a thought and ends as a voice—a silent yet powerful one.” She has completed around 60 online courses from platforms like Coursera, Google Career Certificates, and Stanford, and is now exploring AI tools that merge creativity with technology. 

Grateful for her family’s support and UoPeople’s mission, Emaan reflects, “Balancing two degrees, freelance work, and personal commitments isn’t easy—but when passion and purpose align, everything becomes possible. You don’t need perfect conditions to grow. You just need the courage to begin.” 

We’re thrilled to see the incredible strides Emaan is making in her academic journey and wish her all the best in everything she sets out to achieve.