Scholarship / Opinion on my personal statement for Fulbright scholarship for Governance and Public Policy program [5]

Hi guys, below is my personal statement that I've written for a Fulbright Scholarship. I welcome advice, corrections and opinions on how to make it better. I hope you'll spare some time for it and I'd truly welcome all contributions :)

I still remember at age seven, when I excitedly asked my father to enroll me at the school's swimming program. The wide smile on my face was quickly wiped off and I did not understand why I couldn't get his approval, while my brother happily enrolled the very next day. Although a minor incident, it impressed upon my young mind that as a girl, I had to live by a different set of rules. Hardly the one to back down, I now see my life as a continual struggle to stand equal to men in the patriarchal society of Pakistan. It was this passion to defy the societal expectations of submission that became the fuel to my career path in the most male dominated service of Pakistan- the Pakistan Administrative Service. My career choice has been the result of a lifelong ambition to become a shining example of leadership from the most conservative Pushtun culture and the most disadvantaged province of Pakistan. Becoming the youngest woman in the history of Balochistan to enter the most prestigious service of the country gave me the chance to mentor other young women like myself to enter public service and improve life for their own kind.

My entrance into public service further revealed to me the stereotypes associated with women. I was still a long way off from proving my ability despite being inducted through the most competitive exam of the country. I therefore, made it a priority to take up assignments that were typically considered suitable for men only. Despite initial setbacks, I persevered and established myself as an able administrator, having one of the longest tenures in the district. As Assistant Commissioner, I've rendered the most sensitive national duty as Returning Officer for the Local Bodies Elections of 2015 and have been heading the often dangerous Anti Polio Campaign in my subdivision. Furthermore, I also grasped the chance of working with the chief investment agency of the province i.e. Sindh Board of Investment and led their projects of Education City as well as the Windmill Power Project in Thatta. This endeavor gave me the chance to promote Pakistan's agricultural exports such as Mangoes as well as indigenous cottage industry products in the Middle East as well as other Asian countries. However, my desire to serve the common man at the grass root level brought me back to being Assistant Commissioner and I have held that position since 2014. It is also in this, that I found my true passion in the service, i.e. a focus on governance and public policy.

I have chosen Masters in Governance and Public Policy because it is tailored made for civil servants. At this point in my career I am implementing different policies but as I advance, I will be required to make policies for my people. My background in Masters in Economics will also complement my understanding and give me a well rounded perspective on the subject.

This degree will go a long way in making me understand the complex world of policy making with special focus on governance. More importantly, my choice of this course stems from my long held desire of being an agent of change.

I intend to go back to Balochistan to serve there as it is the most backward of all the provinces of Pakistan. Balochistan is going through very challenging times with governance being the worst sufferer of the ongoing armed insurgency. One of the primary reasons of the Baloch disillusionment is faulty policy making. Being an officer of the federation, I am in a unique position to help make policies that are not only in sync with international but also in tune with the requirements of the Baloch people. This degree will go a long way in helping me achieve these goals.

Scholarship / Study objectives statement for Public Policy and specialization in International development [3]

Hi guys. Please read my statement and tell me what any of you think! I welcome all opinions :)

As a future policy maker and a mid career civil servant, I find it the most opportune time to enhance my knowledge and skills. My aim to pursue a Masters degree in Public Policy with a special focus on International Development Policy is fueled by my long held desire to better myself academically, improve my career prospects and contribute meaningfully to the development of my country.

Like most developing countries, Pakistan is mired in challenges of poverty, under distribution of resources and a failing social sector. Furthermore, being the frontline state on the war on terrorism has eroded the authority and effectiveness of state institutions resulting in a major trust deficit between the state and the masses. Civil servants are considered the agents of change in a country like Pakistan and this program will go a long way in helping me develop a skill-set that I can put to use effectively upon my return.

I have chosen International Development Policy as my specialization for this program as it will develop my understanding of the theory and strategies used to address developmental issues and to learn their application in real-life case studies. In particular, I'd like to focus on developmental problems such as poverty, population growth, optimal distribution of resources, food production, issues dealing with gender inequalities, ethnicity and class. These are some of the challenges today that are severely affecting Pakistan. In addition, I aim to develop and improve my understanding of the contemporary issues affecting not only developing countries but also developed countries worldwide. Academically, the degree will provide me with problem solving skills, managerial skills, and critical analysis skills that are relevant to tackling development and sustainability of any nature. Alongside that, it will also offer a solid grounding in research in development and policy studies further enhancing my understanding of the field. Moreover, I'm particularly keen on gaining practical opportunities such as internships with relevant development agencies in the US to gain firsthand practical experience in enforcing development policies. Thus, a program that integrates both theoretical and practical aspects of learning is most fitting for my profile as a future policy maker in Pakistan.

My interest in the Fulbright scholarship is due to its time-honored history and dedication to producing leaders. An additional benefit to studying through this scholarship is the exposure to international students also studying in related fields. As an organization that works with students from all over the world, studying through the Fulbright Program provides the opportunity to foster professional and personal relations with current and future public administration and policy professionals from all over the world. Overall, I believe that the program will provide me with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to further develop my skills as a public officer. My background, experience, and education coupled with this study program will work as a stepping stone for further career development. I have no doubt that the Fulbright scholarship will meet the criteria of intellectual rigor that I have set for myself, for my education, and for those I have promised to serve.