The Journey of Azifa Kiran: Dreams, Struggles, and Triumph

I come from a small, breathtaking city in Pakistan — Gilgit-Baltistan. Designing was always close to my heart, my first love, but Computer Science was my backup option. After a difficult university application process at home left me feeling stuck, my sister said something that changed everything: "If luck didn't work in Pakistan, maybe it's waiting for her abroad." That single sentence sent me searching for opportunities overseas.

One day, I heard about the Shams Family Foundation (SFF) and its financial assistance. To qualify for full financial assistance, I needed to complete two courses — CS50: Introduction to Computer Science and Business Analytics. I poured my heart into it. I was then shortlisted for a second round of financial assistance with Education Focused Foundation (EFF), and after a warm interview, I received the email that changed everything: full financial assistance to study abroad.

The road to North Macedonia wasn't easy — there was no Macedonian embassy in Pakistan at the time — but SFF and EFF found a way. We flew from Karachi to Dubai, then Istanbul, and finally arrived in North Macedonia as a group of ten students. The language barrier made finding work difficult at first, but I learned to adapt, manage money wisely, and hold onto my culture while building a new life.

On June 7, 2025, I graduated — a day I had dreamed about for years. Today, I bow my head with gratitude to my family and to the two foundations, SFF and EFF, whose work has transformed not just my life but the lives of thousands of students like me. Hard work, discipline, and a positive mindset can turn dreams into reality.