Science and Mathematics have always fascinated me ever since elementary school.

In addition to
achieving the first position in two Mathematics competitions, I managed to maintain a top
ranking in class throughout school. Being passionate in mathematics, I visualized my ideal
major, Engineering.
My diligence and love of Mathematics won me a highly competitive scholarship to pursue my
undergraduate degree in Civil Engineering in Pakistan. Studying at Imperial College of Business
Studies in Lahore not only exposed me to cultural diversity, but also benefited me with quality
education. In the realm of Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering thrilled me the most.
Learning the importance of sustainable development and realizing the urgency of environmental
protection globally, I resolved to play my part in my own city, Kabul, which is becoming
polluted at an alarmingly fast pace.
After graduation, I joined Afghan Community and Health Rehabilitation Organization as an
Environmental Engineer. I was the technical person of Community Based Protection Project
funded by UNHCR working for protection of vulnerable returnees and internal displaced people
in Kabul. There, I observed that displaced people in Kabul collect and burn rubbish for cooking
and heating purposes, with no specific government control in place, which threaten the
environment and public health. To solve this, we managed to get recycling companies hire
garbage collectors. Through this work, the environment became cleaner, and garbage collectors
found a regular source of income, enabling them to purchase innocuous heating supplies. As part
of my personal initiatives, I organized several environmental campaigns including cycling tours
and tree planting campaigns to highlight the importance of environmental protection and
sustainability.
My activism and field experience have taken my passion to another level, urging me to expand
my knowledge and skills. To achieve this, I plan to pursue my Masters in Environmental
Engineering with specialization in solid waste management. This degree allows me to acquire the
necessary skills and knowledge to serve as a waste management specialist at Kabul Municipality
or similar organizations upon my return. As a waste management specialist, I will contribute in
developing a proper solid waste management system that can effectively collect, transport,
recycle and dispose the 0.6kg/capita/day (3600 tons/day)1 solid waste generated in Kabul. This
would prevent outbreaks of diseases and guarantee a clean and safe environment. Moreover, my
long term plan is to serve in policy-making position to expand my efforts for working a
sustainable future in Afghanistan.
Taking relevant courses such as Environmental Engineering and Engineering Hydrology in my
undergraduate studies, as well as my two-year firsthand field experience have provided me with
a strong foundation to succeed in graduate-level courses. I believe with the environmental
concern trending globally, there is an urgent need in solid waste management research and
studies. While studying in the US, I also plan to build a network of professionals with similar
concern for preserving the environment and working for a joint solution globally.
Considering the fact that MS program in Environmental Engineering is not offered in any
Afghan universities, Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Program is the best
opportunity for me to realize my dream of getting education in my desired field of study in the
US, a country which is at the frontline of environmental studies.
As I was researching on the internet, I found out that the MS program in Environmental
Engineering at the University of New Haven best fits my academic goals because this program
offers the courses that allow me to focus on solid waste management. Particularly, I will focus
my studies on how to reduce the negative impact of improper solid waste management on health
and environment. Moreover, I can immensely benefit from tunes of research facilities at the
university such as the Career Development Center at the University of New Haven which is
recognized as one of the best in the country, especially given that I plan to find internship
opportunities during my studies. Furthermore, the university’s location in 300 Boston Post Road,
West Haven CT, offers me the distinct advantage of avoiding living expenses by staying at my
brother’s house which is only a five-minute walk from the university.
Considering these advantages, I have personally applied to the university and fortunately
received an admission letter. Moreover, the admission committee has recognized me as an
outstanding candidate for the Dean’s Scholarship which covers 20% of my tuition. Awarding
Agha Khan Foundation Scholarship would be a great contribution to my studies at the University
of New Haven which otherwise would not be possible given my financial situation. If selected, I
will apply the same level of diligence much as I did during my undergraduate through Pakistan
Government Scholarship. I will represent Aga Khan Foundation well during my studies in the
US and beyond. I sincerely hope this scholarship will help me in launching the next chapter of
my life.

1- Predicting Solid Waste Management Strategies in the Short, Medium and Long Term, Published on July
25, 2018. (Accessed on March 28, 2020) http://km.gov.af/files/%D9%BE
%D9%84%D8%A7%D9%86%20%D8%AA%D9%86%D8%B8%DB%8C%D9%81%DB%8C.pdf