Anjum is the youngest of three kids. “I’m from an orthodox Muslim family. Due to low-income of the family, I knew early on in life that I had to grab every opportunity for education to find a place under the sun”, she says, “I never imagined that I’d be going to the United States for study”.

I never imagined that I’d be going to the United States for study.

The 19-year-old has been selected to join the Community College initiative run by the US government’s Bureau of Education and Cultural Affairs to study a course on Early and School Care Specialist at North Virginia’s Alexandria Campus. The program encourages bright students from developing countries to acquire leadership and professional skills.

Talking about the scholarship, Anjum says “I would like to thank my teachers for instilling confidence and guiding me at each step. I owe this to them and I hope I will make them proud with my performance at my new college.” Her future plans include working for children with disabilities. “I want to start a special school for under privileged kids, because I have a brother with special needs. But my priority is to finish my graduation” concludes Anjum on a practical note.