Born and raised in Pakistan’s most populated city Karachi. Living in Karachi gave me a glimpse of various faces of life. I saw people belonging to all kinds of different social classes. The town I lived in was very close-knit. All the neighbors and distant family members were kept updated with each other. Raised in a collectivist culture. During my early years, Karachi was in a turmoil state. People were being killed in the name of religion among other factors. Crime and violence were at an all-time high. My family immigrated to United States 10 yrs ago. I brought with me new perspectives on life from Pakistan

QUESTION

Learning from others is enhanced in educational settings that include individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Please describe your personal characteristics (background, talents, skills, etc.) or experiences that would add to the educational experience of others.

Video if need more details: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNbYptgG5Pw

Who am I?

• Born and raised in Pakistan’s most populated city Karachi.
• Living in Karachi gave me a glimpse of various faces of life. I saw people belonging to all kinds of different social classes.
• The town I lived in was very close-knit. All the neighbors and distant family members were kept updated with each other. Raised in a collectivist culture.
• During my early years, Karachi was in a turmoil state. People were being killed in the name of religion among other factors. Crime and violence were at an all-time high.
• My family immigrated to United States 10 yrs ago. I brought with me new perspectives on life from Pakistan
• Raised in a metropolitan city of Pakistan meeting people from all different religious sects, languages, parts come to work. Seeing how people lack basic necessities in life made me sensitive to the other’s needs.
• Being raised in a collectivist culture showed me the benefits of having a strong community which will be vital in med school to deal with hard times.
• An example: The street I lived on everybody knew each other and their family members really well. Any bad or good news would be shared among all the people. The neighbors, as well as distant family members, were aware of all the little details of each others life
• I’ve learned how important it’s to be tolerant towards other’s views/beliefs. Example: My family belonged to a Shia sect of Muslims which is a minority in Pakistan. Due to the extremist groups there, our family received violent threats due to which we immigrated to the US.

The goal of this writing is to show how my background will add to the educational experience of those around me in medicine. I want to show how being raised in a developing country where people lack basic necessities but have the presence of a strong community has shaped my character.

2 themes we could focus on: unique culture of Pakistan and being tolerant.

Notes:

The essay needs to be personal so there is no need to add general statements. The writing should be done in a showing not telling manner. For instance, don’t say I’m compassionate. I need to show it through an example that I’m compassionate.

ANSWER

Embracing Diversity: A Journey of Cultural Riches and Tolerance

Introduction

As I reflect on my personal characteristics and experiences, I realize that my background, talents, and skills will undoubtedly contribute to the educational experience of those around me, particularly in the field of medicine. Born and raised in Karachi, Pakistan’s bustling metropolis, I have been exposed to a diverse range of backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Growing up amidst social turmoil, crime, and violence, my family’s decision to immigrate to the United States a decade ago has provided me with a unique outlook on life. In this essay, I will demonstrate how my upbringing in a developing country, where basic necessities are lacking but a strong sense of community prevails, has shaped my character and will greatly enhance the educational environment for others.

Body Paragraph 1: The Cultural Tapestry of Pakistan

My experiences in Pakistan have granted me a deep appreciation for the diverse tapestry of cultures within the country. Karachi, being Pakistan’s most populous city, introduced me to people from various social classes, religious sects, and linguistic backgrounds. From a young age, I witnessed the stark contrast between affluence and poverty, which instilled in me a profound sense of empathy and compassion for those less fortunate (Instant City: Life and Death in Karachi, n.d.). For instance, witnessing the struggles of individuals who lacked basic necessities has fueled my determination to pursue a career in medicine, where I can make a tangible difference in people’s lives.

Body Paragraph 2: The Power of a Strong Community

One aspect of my upbringing that profoundly impacted me was the strong sense of community prevalent in Pakistani society. Growing up in a collectivist culture, I experienced firsthand the benefits of a tight-knit community where neighbors and extended family members looked out for one another (Tariq et al., 2022). For example, the street I resided on served as a microcosm of this interconnectedness, where news, both good and bad, would rapidly spread among residents. This upbringing has taught me the value of collaboration and support, which I believe will be instrumental in the challenging journey of medical school. By fostering a sense of unity and empathy among peers, I aim to contribute to an educational environment that is supportive, resilient, and conducive to growth.

Body Paragraph 3: Embracing Tolerance

Living in a country where religious differences often lead to conflict, I have cultivated a deep-rooted commitment to tolerance and understanding. As a member of the Shia sect, a minority in Pakistan, my family has faced violent threats due to extremist ideologies. This harrowing experience has reinforced my belief in the importance of embracing diversity and fostering a spirit of acceptance (Corissajoy, 2016). Rather than succumbing to bitterness or prejudice, I have chosen to promote open dialogue, cultural exchange, and respect for differing viewpoints. By incorporating these principles into my interactions with peers, professors, and patients, I aim to create an inclusive educational space that celebrates diversity and encourages intellectual growth.

Conclusion

In conclusion, my background, talents, and experiences have equipped me with a unique perspective that will greatly enrich the educational experience of others. Growing up in a diverse yet challenging environment, I have learned the value of empathy, community, and tolerance. As I embark on my journey in medicine, I am committed to leveraging these qualities to foster a supportive and inclusive educational environment where students from all walks of life can thrive. By embracing diversity and championing understanding, I believe we can create a future generation of healthcare professionals who are compassionate, culturally competent, and poised to make a meaningful impact on the world.

References

Corissajoy. (2016, June 29). Religion and conflict. Beyond Intractability. https://www.beyondintractability.org/essay/religion_and_conflict%20 

Instant City: Life and death in Karachi. (n.d.). Goodreads. https://www.goodreads.com/en/book/show/11202557

Tariq, O., Rosten, C., & Huber, J. (2022). Experiences of living with type 2 diabetes in Pakistan: the role of culture and family in physical activity. International Journal for Equity in Health, 21(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12939-022-01706-4