First and foremost, a huge congratulations to all of you! Give yourself a pat on the back and be proud of making it to LUMS which is a huge milestone in your lives. I am Zaid Ahmed Qureshi, a Management Sciences Junior here at LUMS, and so far, I have had a very eventful university life. I was part of the batch where the first year was completely online and we had to start our LUMS journey in a totally new way. Along came many hurdles but we adapted, and part of that is thanks to the constant support and guidance of my peer advisor. I learnt a lot, and I wish to impart what I learnt to you guys so feel free to contact me regarding anything whether it be anxiety in socializing, managing workload, joining societies, gathering resources, or even just wanting someone to hear you out. I hope I can become someone that you know always has your back.
This journey at LUMS is about getting out of your comfort zones and exploring the diverse opportunities and experiences so you can grow as an individual and learn more about yourself, creating your identity. There is no harm in seeking help and advice. I was in your shoes a couple of years ago, and I can tell you for a fact that I have changed in a better way. From being an introverted person, I have become someone who is intrigued by everyone’s stories taking an active part in hearing them out.
While you may think that you’re placed on an unbalanced footing, let me tell you that every single one of you can excel once you set your mind to it. It’s all about finding what motivates you, becoming ambitious about it, and working hard towards it. You’re all going to reach new heights.
Yes, it can get hard at times but always remember we’re here to smooth your transition as best as we can, helping you find your own balance of things. I wish you all the best and hoping to meet everyone on campus!