From Kasur to the Netherlands: Tanveer Saleem’s Inspiring Journey of Resilience and Triumph

Hailing from the serene village of Nizam Pura in Punjab, Tanveer Saleem’s story is a beacon of hope and perseverance. Raised in a humble household, his parents instilled in him the value of education, prompting the family’s move to Kasur city in search of better opportunities.

Excelling academically through matriculation and intermediate exams, Tanveer dared to dream big. His aspirations led him to LUMS, inspired by an NOP alumnus who introduced him to the program in the 10th grade. Tanveer joined the NOP summer coaching session in 2016 and later took the SAT exam through NOP Centre's support. However, his initial attempt at admission fell short due to a low SAT score.

Undeterred, Tanveer applied again in 2018 and secured admission to the BSc Political Science program with financial aid that later evolved into a full NOP scholarship. Despite achieving his dream of joining LUMS, he faced significant hurdles: adapting to the rigorous academic environment, language barriers, and cultural shifts. These challenges culminated in academic probation and eventual separation from the program after his first year—a moment of profound disappointment.

But Tanveer’s resilience shone through. Determined to turn his setbacks into comebacks, he reapplied, was readmitted, and approached his studies with renewed focus. Through sheer discipline, strategic planning, and resourcefulness, he overcame his challenges, graduating successfully. His time at LUMS was a transformative experience, teaching him perseverance and the value of a strong support system.

After graduation, Tanveer set his sights on a global stage, tirelessly applying to master’s programs worldwide. Despite numerous offers lacking the funding he required, he refused to give up. His persistence bore fruit when Wageningen University in the Netherlands offered him admission to its Master’s in International Development Studies with a fully funded scholarship.

Today, Tanveer’s journey—from a small village in Punjab to LUMS and now to an internationally acclaimed university—stands as a testament to the power of determination and adaptability. His story is an inspiration to all, proving that with unrelenting effort and belief in oneself, no dream is too big to achieve.