Greetings, Batch of '27! Congratulations on making it this far!!
I'm Hafsa Aatif, a Management Science major at LUMS. Welcome to the most thrilling yet demanding four years of your life. My LUMS journey so far has been a roller coaster ride, and trust me, I wouldn't have wanted it any other way because it was truly a great learning experience for me. While I managed to bag DHL and be in leadership positions in societies that include LEAF and FINTRA, there have been times when I was at my lowest physically and emotionally. While the former made me confident in myself, the latter helped me develop constant gratitude, an attitude that takes you far in life.
My advice to you would be to recognize your own pace and work on what interests you. This is your golden chance to discover who you are. Join your favourite societies, take courses outside your major to expand your intellectual horizons, take up leadership roles, and, most importantly, have fun. You absolutely need this balance to keep yourself sane. Your favourite memories from this place would be sipping chai at Khoka with your friends, ranting about your day at the cricket ground swings, and cracking the lamest jokes at Jamin while enjoying the weather.
Having said that, your physical and emotional well-being should always come first. There are endless opportunities out there, and you will make it in life as long as you keep your health and sanity intact. Don't stress over matters too much; things have a way of always working out at the end (mysteriously), trust me.
Now that you have made it here, I always want you to remember that you belong here, and if you ever have those moments where you feel otherwise, I am your go-to person. There is nothing an open conversation (and chai) can't fix. Whether you need guidance related to academics, social, mental health, or any other personal concerns, or you need someone to lend an ear, I will always be a text away. All the best for an exciting journey ahead. I am so excited about all the lovely memories you will make in a place you'll soon start calling your second home.