As a master's student at the University of Aberdeen, my official time in the International Business Management (IBM) program may have only been a year, but the experiences I gained made it feel like a lifetime. I immersed myself in every aspect of university life, balancing academics with leadership roles and student engagement, ensuring that my time here wasn’t just about earning a degree, but about creating meaningful connections and memories.
One of the highlights of my time was serving as the Vice-Chair for Postgraduate Education, representing students on the Senate and the Student Council. Even though I was based in Qatar, I attended remote meetings, often late at night due to the time difference, and I enjoyed every moment of it. Being part of these high-level discussions not only deepened my understanding of university governance, but it also taught me the value of persistence and being part of something bigger than myself.
In Qatar, I took on the role of Class Representative and actively engaged with AUSA. For one event related to the environment, I singlehandedly took charge of creating the budget and ran around various malls to compare pricing for the necessary materials. I went store-to-store, gathering and buying everything we needed for the event. The effort in planning and organizing paid off, students came up to me afterwards, praising the event and expressing their excitement for more events like it. It was a rewarding moment, seeing how dedication could turn an idea into something that brought the community together.
My advice to new students is simple: University is what you make of it. It’s more than just attending classes and studying for exams, it’s about building a network, making friends, and forming lasting connections with professors who have a lifetime of knowledge to share. Take the time to talk to them; they are always happy to go the extra mile. In fact, many of the professors I connected with have offered insights beyond the classroom, shaping my perspective on the professional world.
You will never have the time and energy you have right now, again. So, take every chance, seize every opportunity, because you never know where it might lead. Whether it’s joining a club, attending an event, or even starting something new. Be the person who others look up to for taking that initiative. Your time at university is limited, but the impact you can make is not. So, take the lead and make your mark.
It’s not always easy, but the effort is worth it. My time at Aberdeen has shaped me both personally and professionally, and I am forever grateful for the opportunities, the challenges, and the community that embraced me. The university becomes more than a place of learning; it becomes a space where you forge lifelong friendships, discover your true potential, and leave your own legacy.
So, to all the students I say: be the changemaker, get involved, and remember that every moment of your life, you are writing your own history.
