Muskan Shakir

I attribute my success to my faith in God and the religious values that guide me. I believe these principles have played a central role in shaping my discipline, purpose, and achievements. I credit God for all that I have accomplished, as I believe everything happens by His will and guidance, and that every opportunity and challenge has served a greater purpose in my growth.

My values have also been the foundation that kept me going during difficult times—especially in moments of exhaustion, doubt, or uncertainty. They reminded me to stay grounded, to remain patient, and to trust that hard work and sincerity would eventually lead to meaningful outcomes, even when progress felt slow or overwhelming.

Whether it was managing demanding responsibilities in healthcare or balancing community work like organizing the SKMCH fundraising gala, my faith helped me stay focused and resilient. It gave me strength on days when I felt stretched thin and reminded me why I started in the first place: to serve others with intention and compassion.

Being where I am today reflects not just effort, but consistency, gratitude, and a commitment to keeping my values at the center of everything I do.

One of the best pieces of career advice I would give is to pursue a path that combines passion, purpose, and service to others. Success does not happen overnight, and every experience whether positive or challenging plays a role in building growth, resilience, and character. It is important to stay consistent, keep learning, and not be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone in pursuit of bigger goals.

I have also learned that professionalism and character go a long way. Building strong relationships, treating people with respect, and showing up with integrity even in small moments can open doors you never expected. Many opportunities come not only from skills, but from trust, reliability, and the way you make others feel.

Challenges should also be seen as part of the process rather than setbacks. The difficult seasons teach patience, discipline, and adaptability in ways that easier moments cannot. Learning to stay grounded and continue moving forward during those times is what truly shapes long-term success.

Most importantly, choose a career that allows you to make a meaningful impact while continuing to grow into the best version of yourself, both professionally and personally.

Don’t be afraid to step into places or careers that feel intimidating or unfamiliar. Growth often happens in the spaces where you feel the most uncertain, and those moments usually turn out to be the most transformative. Trust yourself even when you feel unsure, and remember that confidence is something you build over time, not something you need to have before you start.

It is okay not to know everything at the beginning. What matters most is being willing to learn, ask questions, and stay open to feedback. Every experience adds to your knowledge and shapes your ability to handle more responsibility in the future.

Also, do not hesitate to advocate for yourself and your goals. Speaking up for what you need and what you deserve is a skill that strengthens with practice, and it plays a key role in personal and professional growth. Learning to advocate for yourself builds confidence, resilience, and independence, and it allows you to grow into a more capable and empowered individual over time.

The biggest challenge right now in ABA is managing my own emotions and remaining neutral during high-intensity situations. There are times when learners engage in challenging behaviors or when situations become overwhelming, and I’ve learned that it is essential to stay calm, focused, and regulated in those moments. Maintaining emotional regulation is especially important in high-stress environments where behaviors such as aggression or property disruption may occur. In the end, the focus is always on supporting the learner. It is not about personal reactions, but about staying professional and providing consistent, compassionate care even in difficult moments.

This mindset has also been reinforced through my experience organizing the Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital fundraising event, where I had to remain composed, solution-oriented, and focused under pressure while coordinating multiple moving parts and responsibilities. Fundraising for a cancer hospital came with its own emotional weight, knowing the purpose behind the work and the patients who would ultimately benefit. There were moments of uncertainty, tight timelines, and the pressure of ensuring everything aligned smoothly while managing communication, logistics, and expectations.

Both experiences have taught me how important it is to stay grounded under pressure, think clearly in stressful environments, and continue moving forward even when things feel overwhelming. Whether in a clinical setting or in community work, I have learned that consistency, emotional regulation, and purpose-driven focus are what allow meaningful work to truly make an impact.

Honesty is one of my strongest values. I believe that when you are genuine and truthful with the person in front of you, your words carry trust and understanding. Even in the most difficult situations, honesty creates a foundation for communication and respect. No matter how challenging things may become, being open and sincere allows people to work through problems together and find a way forward, even in the toughest circumstances.

I have also learned that honesty goes hand in hand with consistency and effort. Doing the right thing, even when no one is watching or when it feels easier not to, is something I try to hold myself accountable to in every setting. Whether I am working in healthcare, supporting learners in ABA, or coordinating community initiatives, integrity is what guides how I show up each day.

Over time, I have come to believe that hard work and honesty always pay off. The results may not always be immediate, and the process can feel slow or discouraging at times, but effort that is genuine and work that is done with intention never goes unnoticed. Eventually, it reflects in your growth, your opportunities, and the trust people place in you.

Even during moments of uncertainty or pressure, I remind myself that staying committed to my values matters more than quick outcomes. With time, patience, and consistency, what you build with honesty and hard work always comes back in meaningful ways.