The First Member of the Class of 2029

How did you first learn about Minerva University and what drew you to its unique educational model?

I first learned about Minerva in 2021 through a social media post by a friend from Turkey. He shared his excitement about Minerva University, which led me to research. I was intrigued by Minerva’s innovative approach to education—combining global immersion, active learning, and a focus on real-world problem-solving. Since then, I have dreamed of becoming a part of this transformative community

What was your favorite accomplishment that you submitted in your Minerva application?

I’m incredibly proud of founding WEIM Pakistan (Women’s Empowerment Initiative for Menstruation). It’s a nonprofit organization I started two years ago to eradicate period stigma and empower young women through education. What began as a small effort with just two people has now grown to a team of 32, and we’ve reached over 7,000 people so far. Tackling taboos and promoting awareness about menstruation has been a deeply fulfilling journey, and I’m excited to continue addressing social challenges like this at Minerva.

What are some of your academic interests, and how do you hope to explore them at Minerva?

I have always been fascinated by the complexity of the human mind and behavior; over the two years, I have developed an interest in Cognitive Sciences and Business, and I plan to double major in Social Sciences and Business at Minerva. My goal is to understand how human behavior can be integrated with entrepreneurship to address the global challenges of our century.

‍Are there any extracurricular activities or hobbies you’re particularly excited to pursue during your time at Minerva?

Sports have been an integral part of my life, especially martial arts, where I’ve trained for several years and competed at high levels. I would love the opportunity to continue this passion and share it with others at Minerva. I also have a deep love for music and am excited about participating in musically related projects. Lastly, debate is something I’m very interested in, as I enjoy engaging in thoughtful discussions that challenge my perspectives. Most of all, I’m looking forward to meeting my cohort, hearing their stories, and learning from their unique experiences.

‍Which city in Minerva’s global rotation are you most looking forward to, and why?

Two cities stand out for me: San Francisco and Seoul. I’ve visited San Francisco briefly before—just for a day—but it left such a lasting impression that I’ve always wanted to return and experience what it’s like to live there. Seoul, on the other hand, fascinates me not only for its remarkable economic development in recent decades but also for the way it has gained global influence by sharing its unique cultural heritage through traditions, music, and innovation. I’m eager to immerse myself in the dynamic blend of culture and technology that defines South Korea.

What aspects of the Minerva experience do you think will challenge you the most, and how do you plan to embrace those challenges?

I’ve always been a top student who thrives on structured projects and deadlines, so Minerva’s capstone project and the self-directed learning approach might be a big adjustment for me. However, I’m ready to embrace it as a chance to grow. Having lived in many different cities already, I know the global rotation will also come with its own challenges—but I see it as an opportunity to build resilience and adaptability, and I’m looking forward to it.

What are some personal or professional goals you hope to achieve through your education at Minerva?

Ten years from now, I hope to be working on solving some of the greatest challenges of the 21st century, particularly environmental issues. Through Minerva, I’m looking forward to meeting like-minded peers who are equally driven by a desire to create change. I hope we can collaborate on impactful projects that leave a lasting mark on the world.

What excites you most about joining the Minerva community in your first year?

I’m excited to meet my cohort, get to know my future roommates and just meet students like me from all over the world. Learning about their cultures and personal stories is something I’m really looking forward to. I strongly believe that being in this diverse community will lead to incredible ideas and projects that wouldn’t be possible anywhere else.

If you were inspired by Nida's story and are seeking a college experience that will teach you valuable pragmatic skills that will enable you to change the world, apply to join Minerva today.