York University’s Community of Change makers

I’m incredibly humbled and proud to be featured as part of York University’s Community of Changemakers.

This recognition means more to me than words can express. I didn’t grow up imagining I would go to university. In fact, for a long time, survival—not education—was the priority. I come from a background filled with adversity, government systems, and statistics that don’t typically lead to stories like this. I am the first in my family to attend university, and now, as I prepare to enter my final year this fall, I can finally look back and see how far I’ve come—with immense gratitude in my heart.

York University has been so much more than just a place of education for me. It’s been a space for healing, discovery, and growth. Through every class, every paper, every late-night study session, and every meaningful conversation with peers and professors—I’ve found not only my voice, but my purpose.

Thank you to Ramsha Alam for your tireless dedication to telling this story with care. I know the filming days were long, but your commitment never wavered, and it shows in every frame.
And to Isabella Randell, thank you for being such a thoughtful and graceful interviewer. You created a space where I felt seen, heard, and safe to share pieces of my life that aren’t always easy to say out loud. That kind of trust means everything.

To my dear friends Emma Sinani, Salwa Beheiry and Afkaheen Alam —thank you for being by my side through this journey and for being part of the video. Your support is endlessly appreciated, and I’m so glad this story got to include pieces of our friendship.

This feature isn’t just about me—it’s about possibility. It’s about reminding others who may feel stuck in their circumstances that they are not defined by what they’ve been through. You can rewrite your story. You can break cycles. You can become the person you once needed.

To my peers, my professors, and the community at York University – Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies —thank you. Your support, kindness, and belief in me have been the fuel I needed to keep going, even on the hardest days.

If you’re reading this and questioning your path, let me be living proof: you belong in every room you step into. You are capable. You are worthy. And you are never too far gone to begin again.

Let’s continue creating change—together.

Please watch my video here: https://lnkd.in/d-Avjg3H