Personal Statement * 500 words

I have completed a master’s degree in archaeology from Quaid-i-Azam University in 2016.

After completion of my degree I started teaching than I felt I should get professional training
before teaching. Then I engaged myself in learning of languages, teaching practice and
volunteerism. Along with that I was working with one of the community-based institutions as
volunteer through which I got chance to meet people with cultural diversity and visit some
archaeological sites, Makli site in Karachi, Multan Sufi tombs, sites in Taxila and rocket art
of Gilgit. Then I realize that I should continue my degree to explore further and work on
these types of sites to educate people about its importance. For that, I have to go for further
studies, explore new learning venues and update my existing qualification. Therefore, I want
to pursue a degree from an internationally known, well-reputed and one of the prestigious
universities.

The whole journey of learning taught many lessons and prepared me to handle every kind of
challenge. I am multi-tasked, having the growth mindset, critical thinker and believe in
collaborative learning and sharing of knowledge. In addition to the above, I get some
academic skills such as I have teaching and research skills. I have conducted research during
my master’s studies on one of the endangered language of Hunza valley. To further improve
my research skills I am certified with qualitative and qualitative research training under
AKU-IED in 2018 which instill inspiration in me to go further in this field. I am very
enthusiastic to learn and I always try to engage myself with learning by online courses and
reading books. As well as, I love working with diverse people, I always keep some time from
my schedule for volunteerism because it’s a source of tranquility and serenity for me. I feel
mentally and spiritually powerful and charged when I serve people in different capacities.
I have some subject relevant experiences such as I have participated in excavations at
Badalpur site, Taxila, attended seminars and conducted surveys & documentation of Sites
and Monuments in Azad Jammu & Kashmir & Gilgit-Baltistan. This helped me to
experience my interest practically. I was the second toper in my class and received Award
from GB Council Quaid –i-Azam University for best performance in studies and awarded with Prime
minister Youth Laptop Scheme. I am also a member of Archaeological Associations of Pakistan
(AAP), Islamabad.

One of the most appealing aspects of studying archaeology is the vast range of topics encompassed
by the field because my interests are broad and I value an interdisciplinary approach. I would like to
pursue graduate study in cultural and heritage. I have already skills in this area and this program will
help me to other opportunities I am eager to explore, such as the variety of fieldwork and museum
experiences available. I believe that my strong background in archaeology and archaeological
methods has prepared me well for this program, and I am convinced that, I will flourish in this
program.