Positive thinking is more than just a tagline. It changes the way we behave.
Continuous learning is one of the important processes of life. The day we stop learning new things personally and professionally, would be the end of life. Learning gives creativity, creativity leads to thinking, thinking provides knowledge, and knowledge makes you great. If we stop learning and thinking, then there is no creativity and knowledge in our life. We, humans, have so much potential that we could do anything even the ones we are considering are intractable. Just remember never to lose hope and keep moving.
Before joining Amal I was an undergraduate student so I had the least experience of professional life. I was focused more on getting a degree rather than improving my professional skills and getting experience related to career-oriented goals.
Life was all about revolving around a bundle of study notes and books that all of a sudden Covid-19 happened and we were locked up in our homes. At that time, I came across the advertisement for Amal Academy on Facebook. When I do some research about it, I discovered that it was an amazing opportunity for students like me and I couldn’t find any other option to spend that time more productively so, I decided to avail myself this opportunity Therefore I got myself registered and was successfully selected after passing fairly through various steps of the selection procedure.
The journey at Amal academy as a fellow is a mindful experience starting from self-reflection, strengths, areas of improvement, and goals to career preparation and guidelines.
The discussion about goals and SMART goals was the most thoughtful experience. My communication skills got better and I practically started to become a good listener. Teamwork was the ultimate part of the fellowship.
Comprehensive guidelines about Resume, covering letter and interview preparation, Gratitude, Thank you for an email, Mentorship, Excel, Powerpoint, Linkedin, positive thinking, Elevator pitch, self-reliance projects, and one on one Session with Sir Noor are unforgettable. One-on-one sessions made me think in a new way like I never did before. Personalized guidance by Ma’am Arfa is exactly what you want when you get stuck and find no way elsewhere.
Amal values which we learned during fellowship was, “the extra mile, honesty, growth, humility, acceptance, and responsibility”, all have equal importance. By applying all these values we can definitely become successful people in life. You always have to go the extra mile in Amal. I wrote blogs for the first time in my life because of Amal. I could never think of myself as a writer but Amal made me be one.
The most impressive event for me is the Amal sessions. The seasons are so impactful and so engaging. During these sessions, everyone can participate easily. Even our PA/PM encourages the fellows to participate more and get out of their comfort zone to learn new things.
The environment during the session was so friendly and we can discuss everything regarding our project work and career. I am inspired by the way of conducting online sessions. There are a lot of new changes which I can see in myself. I started to wait for weekend classes because of all the golden points, guidance, and mindful activities to learn extensively from Sir Noor and ma’am Arfa. I got a chance to learn from fellows and teammates as well.
I would like to be grateful to my group mates (Circle 5) as I couldn’t have gotten better. The passion and dedication which each and everyone showed during all the Meetings, Project Work, and Megaproject was just a breath of fresh air at the end of all of them. The most difficult phase which I experienced with the circle was when we had to decide the topic for the Megaproject. Through so much brainstorming and persistence, we were able to choose the perfect topic for us. I am very glad to have them as my mega project group members. I feel very comfortable all the time working with them. I wish I will meet them all in person. I am very thankful to all that we worked like the best team. We considered the Amal principle Ek aur Ek gyarah. I missed how all my members supported me.
When I look back on my past, I was an introvert and hesitate from discussions. I didn’t have the power of decision-making that I have now. I was unaware of what path I should choose and how? But now I have a clear vision of myself and know what exactly I need to do in my life. What path is best for me and aligned with my prospects.
Now when my fellowship journey is about to end, I can clearly see the difference between my life before and after the Fellowship. Now when I look back and connect the dots, I realize how my life has been transformed from an immature and unprofessional version of myself to a professional version. I can see much improvement in my leadership, communication, time management as well as other professional skills.
Now fellowship is at its end and I’m missing all this already. I don’t want it to end. Their weekend sessions, fellow fellows, and especially my circle 5, without them it was not possible. It's been an amazing journey with Amal Academy. They are our family now.
Overall, I can say that this time period of three months is a point of deflection for my life where I learned a lot. This fellowship has revived my zeal and passion.