Knowledge is the creator of insatiable thirst.

The more you quench your thirst, the more you

drink from the cup of life. Irrefutably, in a globalizing world, it is of pivotal importance to
understand the nuances of any field from an international perspective. Experiencing another
culture, while attaining educational benefits and gaining international exposure, presents an
opportunity which is imperative for one’s career. 

  Hailing from Pakistan and being exposed to the novel city of Miami, I have become keen
to step further out of my comfort zone and pursue my studies in a semester abroad program at the
University of Edinburgh. From a purely demographic perspective, my desire to gain exposure to
a multicultural environment is satiated by the University’s International Student body
representing 180 different countries, and composing 44% of the student body. This, on its own,
is an indication of the invariably unique experience I would have at the University of Edinburgh.
From the expansive and flexible academic courses to the top-notch faculty and diverse student
body, every aspect makes the University of Edinburgh stand out.

  Being raised by an aspiring single mother, amidst harsh financial circumstances, I never
really had a stereotypical child’s dream of becoming a doctor or a professor. The revolutionary
thought process my mind went through shaped my dreams and goals. As Walter Cronkite quotes,
“I can’t imagine a person becoming a success who doesn’t give this game of life everything he’s
got”. From excelling in high school to achieving a 100% scholarship at the University of Miami,
I have made every effort to make the most of the opportunities available to me. Amongst the
most exciting aspects of the University of Miami education, is the ability to participate in the 4.5
years Accelerated Master of Accounting Program designed specifically for high achieving
accounting students at UM. Due to completing college-level work in high school, the program
enables me to further accelerate my education and complete both bachelor’s and Masters’ in 3.5
years.

  While my short-term goals have led me to pursue a Double Major in Accounting and
Finance, Accelerated Master’s degree and Certified Public Accountant certification, my overall
goal is to explore Chartered Accountancy, a credential administered and recognized throughout
the world. Thus, the courses I would pursue at the University of Edinburgh would particularly
have an international and interdisciplinary focus. One unique aspect of The University of
Edinburgh’s undergraduate accounting degree itself is, indeed, its flexible nature and emphasis
on interdisciplinary education. With this being said, the courses I am interested in pursuing
include “Globalization and Trade”, “Behavioral Finance and Market Efficiency”, and “Database
Management System”. It is, however, the former two courses that particularly entice me with
respect to my desire to attain a more nuanced and global perspective. 

While academic pursuit is my primary motivation during this study abroad program, the personal
growth associated with being able to experience Pakistan, the United States and the United
Kingdom will surely help me see the world from a different perspective and understand different
cultures. My time at the University of Miami has already ignited a large degree of personal
growth in me, and I am a firm believer that my time at the University of Edinburgh will help me
reach my personal goal of becoming a more globalized and internationally aware individual.