Azka Jawed knew that her academic interests lay in science before even starting her Cambridge O Levels at St Joseph’s Convent High School in Karachi.
'I have always enjoyed studying science,’ she said, ‘but when I started my Cambridge O Levels, physics quickly became my favourite subject. As a result, I opted to study all the sciences for my Cambridge International A Levels, which I completed at Karachi Grammar School. My love of physics continued and was the reason I decided to pursue a degree course in Mechanical Engineering.’
Azka gained a place at NUST, Pakistan’s renowned National University of Sciences and Technology, where her Cambridge qualifications proved to be an ideal foundation for her undergraduate studies.
'My Cambridge courses, and the Cambridge learning style, have given me a very strong base for my engineering degree,’ she said.
'I’ve found that nearly every technical subject in my degree course has been easier for me to comprehend because of my Cambridge studies. Also, I was already used to studying throughout the year, rather than just before an exam, and this has proved to be another plus point at university.'
Azka admitted that she had to make some adjustments when she started university life. ‘University classes were very different from O Level and A Level ones, and so it took me a while to adjust to it,’ she continued.
'I also had to learn how to manage my time, as I joined a Formula Student Team at NUST (Formula Electric Racing – NUST), focused on the development of electric racing cars – Pakistan’s first team to do so. Having to juggle my studies with a demanding extra curricula activity is something I had never done before, but I learnt a lot from it. I’m now Team Manager for Formula Electric Racing - NUST, and I’m finding that the analytical skills I developed during my Cambridge studies, and the teaching I received at my schools, have really helped me.'
Azka wants to continue to dream big. 'I am very grateful for the experiences that I’ve had,' she said.
'I’ve found that nearly every technical subject in my degree course has been easier for me to comprehend because of my Cambridge studies. Also, I was already used to studying throughout the year, rather than just before an exam, and this has proved to be another plus point at university.'
'They have expanded my horizons, made me believe in my abilities, and had me realise that we should not underestimate our power to change lives and communities.'
Hoping to bring about this change, Azka wants to explore ways to work on sustainability. She is keen to recommend Cambridge International to other students considering a similar career path.
'I would definitely recommend Cambridge qualifications,' she said. 'Many of my fellow undergraduates followed different courses of study when at school and we often compare our experiences – and we usually come out in favour of the approach adopted by Cambridge.'