Why I Left Home at 15 to Chase a Dream Bigger Than Myself
At just 15 years old, I made a life-changing decision—I left my home in Pakistan and moved to the United States. Alone. It wasn’t just for a better life; it was for something bigger than myself. I wanted to change the way future generations of women saw the world.
I didn’t want them to grow up believing that barriers—whether cultural, societal, or self-imposed—should stop them from chasing their dreams. I wanted them to know that their ambitions mattered just as much as anyone else’s. And more than anything, I wanted my nieces to have a role model who defied expectations, built a life on her own terms, and proved that we belong in every space we step into.
The Challenges of Being a Brown, Muslim, Immigrant Woman Breaking Barriers
Let’s be real—being a woman pursuing big dreams is already difficult. But when you add being brown, Muslim, Immigrant, woman to the equation, the struggles multiply.
The stereotypes – We’re told to be quiet, modest, and stay within certain limits. But why should ambition be a privilege and not a right?
The cultural expectations – Many of us grow up with the idea that our worth is tied to how well we fit into predefined roles. But what if we don’t want to fit in—what if we want to lead?
The systemic challenges – In workplaces, boardrooms, and leadership roles, women like us are still underrepresented. We constantly have to prove that we belong.
I have walked into spaces where no one looked like me. I have worked twice as hard to be seen as “capable” simply because of my background. But every time I wanted to give up, I reminded myself: if I stop, I’m closing a door for the next girl who looks like me.
A Role Model for the Next Generation of Women
One of my biggest motivations has always been my nieces. I wanted them to grow up knowing that they never had to shrink themselves to fit into someone else’s expectations.
I wanted them to see a world where a woman can build her own path.
I wanted them to dream without limits, knowing they have the right to pursue anything they want.
I wanted them to have an example of a woman who chose independence, growth, and ambition—without compromising her identity.
When I was younger, I didn’t always have someone to look up to who truly understood these struggles. But today, I want to be that person for the next generation. I want every young girl to know: you don’t have to wait for permission to chase your dreams. You belong. You are enough.
Changing the Narrative: A Future Without Barriers
Women—especially women of color—are no longer waiting to be given opportunities. We are creating them. We are breaking generational cycles, rewriting the rules, and proving that success doesn’t have a single definition.
We are CEOs, engineers, artists, and entrepreneurs.
We are choosing careers, financial independence, and self-growth.
We are raising the next generation to believe they can do both—honor their roots while reaching for the stars.
I didn’t move across the world just to survive—I moved to build something bigger. And now, I want every girl who looks like me to know:
🌟 Your dreams are valid.
🌟 Your voice deserves to be heard.
🌟 You have the power to break barriers—not just for yourself, but for every woman who comes after you.
Final Thoughts: Keep Breaking Barriers
While Women’s History Month is in March, I won't be able to speak on it as I will be heads down focused on Ramadan but know that this occasion isn’t just about celebrating the past—it’s about shaping the future. So to every woman reading this:
Keep going.
Keep pushing through the challenges.
Keep breaking barriers, because your story is inspiring someone else to do the same.
The world may not always be ready for us, but we will show them that we are here to stay.
Until next time, Peace 💖
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