I'm a Stanford senior studying International Relations which basically means I spend a lot of time asking why the world works the way it does. Outside class, I've done everything from archival research in Lahore to studying abroad in Florence, and I genuinely love showing people what a place is really like beneath the surface. I give the tour I wish I'd had before I got here.

Hometown

Lahore, Pakistan

Clubs, organizations & involvement

Ng Humanities House — Resident & Community Organizer Markaz — Frosh Outreach Coordinator Pakistanis at Stanford — Social Media Head Muslim Student Union — Member Stanford Pre-Law Society — Membe Stanford Clayman Institute for Gender Research Frosh 101 — Co-Lead Stanford Reunion Crew — Volunteer New Student Orientation — Orientation Coordinator

Describe your college experience

Stanford is not what I expected, and that's what makes it worth talking about. I came from Pakistan not really knowing what an elite American university would feel like from the inside. Four years later I've co-led freshman orientation, built an archive in Lahore, studied in Florence, and written for The Daily. I know this place well enough to show you the parts that actually matter.

Tip for future students

• The quarter system will humble you. Ten weeks sounds like enough time until it isn't. Start everything earlier than you think you need to. • Everyone looks like they have it together. They don't. Talk to people honestly, and you'll find out fast. • Take at least one class completely outside your major. Some of my best ones had nothing to do with my degree. • Office hours are free tutoring and networking combined. Use them aggressively. • To have a village, you have to be a villager, find your people and actually show up for them.

Favorite class

My favorite class has been Design Your Stanford Life. It's one of the most genuinely useful things I've done here. Using methods from the design school, we worked through how to be intentional about your time, your choices, and what you actually want out of college. In a place where it's easy to just optimize for resume lines, having structured space to ask why was surprisingly rare and necessary.

Career goals

I'm on the pre-law track planning to go into international law. My background in International Relations, combined with work on issues ranging from women's rights to international legal frameworks, has pointed me pretty clearly in that direction.

Ideal way to spend a free night

A walk around Main Quad after dark when it's quiet, then ending up at CoHo or Tresidder with friends. If we're feeling ambitious, a movie night back at the dorm. Stanford's campus is genuinely beautiful at night and most people are too stressed to notice, a free night is an excuse to actually enjoy where you live.

High school or secondary school

Beaconhouse Newlands, Lahore, Pakistan Kaizen High, Lahore, Pakistan