LeapLab by Iqra

Some experiences do not just add to your CV, they reshape how you see your purpose🤌🏻

During my time as a Commonwealth Shared Scholar at UCL, I was selected for an intensive three day residential at Cumberland Lodge, a historic educational foundation in Windsor Great Park. Originally a royal residence from the 17th century, it now brings together scholars and leaders to explore ethics, leadership, and public good.

Being surrounded by scholars from across the Commonwealth including Pakistan, India, Bangladesh, Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa and many more was deeply inspiring. We shared our research, challenged each other’s ideas, and explored how academic work can translate into real world impact.

Our days were filled with seminars, presentations, and reflections on turning research into meaningful change. Our evenings were just as memorable, with karaoke, game nights, and long conversations that turned strangers into friends over British meals and shared laughter.

We also explored Windsor’s landscapes, walking through its beautiful grounds and visiting St George’s Chapel, where we attended a service surrounded by centuries of history.

One of the most striking moments was walking along The Long Walk, the iconic tree lined avenue leading toward Windsor Castle, and seeing the Copper Horse statue of King George III in the distance. It felt like a place where history and purpose meet.
And the best moments were the breathtaking sunsets beside the cows🐄🌅

This experience reminded me that impact is not created alone, it is built through community, shared vision, and the courage to think beyond borders.🇵🇰☀️✨

studyabroad

Daily affirmation

Last year around these same days, I was in London, pursuing my master’s at UCL, and honestly I was a little anxious about how Ramadan would feel so far away from home and family. I kept wondering if it would feel lonely in a non-Muslim country.

But Ramadan in London surprised me in the most beautiful way.

and the UCL Islamic Society made sure the spirit of Ramadan was alive everywhere. There were regular collective iftars, Taraweeh arrangements, and spaces where people gathered not just to eat but to share the feeling of this blessed month together.

Some of my favorite memories are the simplest ones: rushing to catch the Tube before iftar, staying awake with friends until sehri while finishing assignments, and sitting with people who were strangers a few days ago but suddenly felt like family.

There were late night study sessions at the student centre, random lidl runs close to sehri time, and so many chaotic kitchen experiments trying to recreate “Ramadan food” away from home. And of course, the little bits of Eidi my family sent from Pakistan that somehow made the distance feel smaller.

And then the peaceful nights at the London Central Mosque… moments that made the whole city feel different in Ramadan.

What I thought would be a lonely Ramadan turned into one of the most nostalgic and beautiful experiences of my life. It reminded me that the spirit and barakah of Ramadan really travel with the people who carry it.

Grateful for those nights, those friendships, and that unexpected Ramadan in London and .

As this Ramadan passes again, praying that Allah brings ease, peace, and safety to people around the world who are going through war at the hands of lunatic and barbaric leaders.May this month bring comfort, justice, and barakah for all of us. Ameen🤍