Tamseel Aqdas
From Islamabad to Glasgow: A Journey of Learning, Hope, and Human Rights
Being a student from Islamabad, Pakistan, studying in Glasgow means carrying with me the colours, resilience, and compassion of my home city, Islamabad, while also learning to see the world through a wider lens of shared humanity. It means holding on to where I come from, yet being open to what I am becoming.
Islamabad is a peaceful yet vibrant city, surrounded by the magnificent Margalla Hills, which lend it a sense of calm and timeless beauty. Life there is slower compared to the other cities of Pakistan; however, it is rich in community and connection. It is modern yet rooted in tradition, and its people are proud, hopeful, and kind.
Growing up in Pakistan, I was deeply aware of the social and political challenges around me, like inequality and injustice. These experiences shaped my passion for human rights and cultivated the desire to contribute to building fairer systems at home and globally. As a result, I became fascinated by how local realities connect to the wider international order, and how global policies and power structures can either strengthen or silence human rights principles. This curiosity and conviction led me to pursue my MSc in Human Rights and International Politics at the University of Glasgow.
Studying here has been transformative. My programme is giving me the tools to understand human rights beyond ideals; instead, they are presented as practical mechanisms for justice and change. Class discussions challenge me to think critically about the balance between national interests and universal values, about whose voices shape global agendas, and about how we can make these systems more inclusive. My professors and my peers from around the world inspire me every day, and this process of collective learning is making a real difference.
Glasgow itself has quickly become another home for me. What I love most is how the city embraces diversity. People here are warm, kind, and genuine. The city’s creative murals make it feel alive and open. I particularly enjoy spending time at Kelvingrove Park, as it reminds me of the greenery and calm of Islamabad, yet it’s filled with the laughter and energy of students from all over the world. It’s a space that captures what I love about Glasgow- its ability to feel both peaceful and dynamic at the same time.
Being an international student here has also taught me a great deal about representation. I see my role as more than just studying abroad; it’s about bridging cultures, sharing the richness of Pakistan’s traditions, and showing that our generation is committed to progress, equality, and dialogue. Every conversation with someone from another culture feels like an exchange of hope and a reminder that, despite our differences, we all care about justice, dignity, and the right to be heard.
As I reflect on my journey from Islamabad to Glasgow, I realise that being a student from my home country means being both a learner and an ambassador. It means carrying forward the empathy and resilience I grew up with and applying them to a global context. It means recognising that the fight for human rights, whether in Pakistan or anywhere else, is interconnected, and that small acts of understanding and courage can ripple far beyond borders.
Glasgow has given me the chance to grow, question, and dream. In return, I hope to share a piece of my culture, my story, and my belief that change begins with compassion.