Notes has been instrumental in helping me meet many successful students, who took me back a couple of years to when I was still in college. Among the many to leave a lasting impression on me is Jaser Faruq, a grade 13 Indian student of Dubai British School.
Jaser will soon complete his GCSE (General Certificate of Secondary Education) and will pursue his studies at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. He will join the College of Engineering this August or September.
Cornell is an Ivy League institution — one of eight private higher education establishments known for its academic excellence.
The second among three siblings, Jaser credits his parents, who are both doctors, for being an inspiration to him. Just as he himself is an inspiration to his younger sister.
For all those who hope to achieve their goal of studying at their dream college, Jaser's story will be a motivating one. It carries an encouraging message of a young, confident and ambitious dreamer who has successfully plotted his academic journey so far.
Why did you choose Cornell University in particular?
There are lots of reasons that made me choose Cornell. First, I went to the US on a research quest. I visited many campuses and universities. And I have to tell you it was a very hard decision to choose between them all. However, after listing all the options and weighing them, Cornell always came in the first place — campus wise, education wise, for its extracurricular activities and especially for the major I want to pursue, which is engineering. I wanted a university that can help me grow as a person and can help me develop psychologically, mentally and physically as a well-rounded person.
Who helped you apply there?
Trying to apply to an American university from a British school was not ideal. Nevertheless, my teachers evidently did an excellent job of picking up on the procedures, and helped me put it all together in time.
But even with all the help, it was a massive task, which I personally had to undertake. Besides, I applied to the early decision programme. That is, you apply earlier than the usual application period, and this is only permitted for those who have made their decision, because once you apply and get accepted you can't apply to any other college. And that is why I got the application results earlier than the others. Basically it was a brave decision that I had to make.
How did you feel once you knew you were accepted?
I was confident that I would go there, because if it is the place for me, then I am the one for it. I followed my instinct and it has fruitfully led me there.
However, I am so excited and happy about this progress and I feel I am going towards the first productive step in my academic life.
How do you divide and spend your time?
I think setting priorities are important. At different times of the year different things get prioritised at different levels, I try to spend time proportionally to the priority level of the tasks. Moreover, I am a member of the MakePovertyHistory social organisation, so when there is an event there, I stay late nights organising them.
In general, I make sure I do an hour or two of exercise every day, whether at the gym, practising Kung Fu, snowboarding or sometimes tennis or swimming.
I also make sure I manage to have time to play the guitar, meet my friends, sit with my parents and join any fun activities.
What are your future plans?
I would like to say that I never was able to answer this question, simply because I think there's too much to life to try and plan it out. If you try and plan one course of action, you mentally cut yourself off from any other possibilities.
Especially, right now when there are so many things I would like to pursue: such as working in Africa for the United Nations with those that need help the most, working at CERN (Conseil Européen pour la Recherche Nucléaire based in Geneva,
Switzerland) developing a cost-effective solar cell with nanoparticles, or even hitting slopes all over the world as a pro snowboarder.
I don't want to plan anything out because I want to leave every option I like to pursue open, and not limit myself to only one.
Anything you would like to add?
If there is one thing that brought me waves of success, is the belief that it's important to work towards what you believe in. No matter who or what pressures you face to follow a path that's different to what you choose.
There have been times when lots of people told me what they think was right for me, but I've had to take a stand and do what I knew I had to do.
I advise all those who are my age to follow their dreams in the face of adversity and then believe that you will realise them.
Jaser's five tips for success
- "My parents, they are a constant inspiration, I am only what they made me, and owe everything to them."
- "Determination to fulfill my dreams. And having a strong academic base that helps in succeeding."
- " Excellent guidance. I have teachers who are highly intellectual, passionate, fun driven and inspirational."
- "Independent thinking. I usually make my own decisions and do not succumb to pressure from others."
- "Ambition to make a difference in the world."
Describe your personality in a few words?
"I am ambitious, focused, philanthropic, a problem-solver, a decision-maker and a socially-active person. I love meeting new people and learning new things. Moreover, I am an open minded and flexible person. I feel I can be a spontaneous leader, who is not afraid to take bold steps."
