HGSE Admissions Blog

For their authentic self, confidence, and love for learning…

Over the past few years, I have largely focused and invested on myself – my life, my career, my goals, my education, my likes and dislikes. Incidentally, it has made me feel disconcerted. If happiness comes from taking responsibility for others and creating joy in their lives, I want to commit to this path. In this special month of International Women’s Day, I would like to write three short letters of gratitude to women leaders, I met during my time at HGSE and HKS. Through these letters, I hope to be reminded of the most amazing individuals, who hopefully teach me to give more and take less.

Aneeqa Rana, IEP’18

I first ran into Aneeqa about 2 months into the semester only to realize that our parents hailed from the same town in India but the partition of 1947 separated them. In the 7 months that I have known her over morning walks to school, conversations over Chai and Samosa and as project partner for several tasks, Aneeqa never aimed to live a life of pleasing others. While she is respectful and very giving, she is her own person. As we approach graduation, Aneeqa dispelled yet another myth I grew up with – I grew up believing that the only way women can command respect is by leaving their family, being married to her career, having financial independence and achieving professional success. However Aneeqa made me realize it was equally important to be a committed mother, wife, daughter and a friend, as she is. Thanks Aneeqa for being a shining colleague and mentor at HGSE. You are an inspiration to the modern day woman.

Dahlia Mauroof,  IEP’18

It was only 20 days into the program when we ran into each other outside Dahlia’s house and she invited me for a cup of tea at her place. That day, I realized how grateful I am to be at HGSE–it has literally opened the doors to meet the people I once dreamt about. More than a decade ago, Dahlia was inspired by a 10-year old street child to start her own organization Walou, to serve educational needs of street children. The last 9 months at HGSE have been peppered with Dahlia’s laughter and never-ending positive energy. She has assumed different roles of being a phenomenal project partner, brainstorming guru, life coach and a fantastic friend. She exemplifies the modern day woman, despite all odds. Her story reminds me of my leadership lesson at Harvard: A good leader has an ability to set a climate of high standards but does so with deep empathy and devotion. I see Dahlia strike that balance and hope that someday I will be able to do so for myself. Dearest Dahlia, thanks for passing on the values of continuous learning and sharing with me your family values.

Ekram Ibrahim, MC/MPA’18

I’ve been incredibly inspired by Ekram since December 2017 when I met her on the China Trek organized by HKS. Over multiple conversations and meetings, I learned about her sufferings, pains and daily miseries growing up in Egypt during the Arab Spring. The interesting thing about Ekram is that she keeps everything simple. Relationships, work, play… it’s all a simple and smooth part of life, and doesn’t need to be complicated. It will take me years to realize what Ekram has known for years now: If you love your friends, your family, your work and your community, there is no need for any complication. It is only when you challenge your love for someone and something that you complicate things. Thank you Ekram, for continuously reminding me of simple pleasures of life in this daily humdrum .

Written by: Aarushi Singhania, photos provided by: Aarushi Singhania

Aarushi Singhania is a master’s candidate in the International Education Policy program at HGSE. She is passionate about education and financial empowerment of women. Aarushi also started an after school program focused on empowering young girls and women in Bangalore, India that teaches them to work towards building financial capital with vocational skills, entrepreneurial competencies and digital literacy.