| Comments | Current Status |
|---|---|
| My father was overburdened by my tuition fee and I was struggling to meet the expenses. Right before I was about to drop out of university due to these financial constraints, I learned about OSAF Financial Assistance (OFA) student loans. I approached them and was called for an interview shortly. Hearing about my passion to study and the struggles I was facing, they forwarded my profile for further processing. Had I not received those loans when I was desperate to continue my studies, I wouldn't have been able to pursue my passion as a software engineer. Today, I'm working in one of the top software houses of the country and I couldn't be more thankful to OSAF for changing my life forever | Anonymous |
| It was a bright sunny morning back in 2002 when I started marching towards Faisal town. Multiple thoughts crossed my mind with each step I took. On one step my heart was filled with hope, hope of a better future where I could become a “Someone” in the IT industry and be able to afford everything that my parents had sacrificed for my education. But the next step reminded me of the harsh realities of life, I was reminded of the low income of my father, of my two sisters whose marriage was due in near future. I entered the gate looking at the lush green lawns of university. The faces inside the campus were worried if they made it to the merit list or not and I was worried if I made it to the merit list, how will I pay my expenses to continue my education. As I saw the list, for a moment I forgot there was any problem left. I forgot I belonged to a lower middle class who lived in a small house with his parents, 4 brothers, and two sisters. I forgot my shoe was yet to be mended. I forgot I had only 50 rupees in pocket for the next 6 days. This was the day my journey at FAST began. I was fortunate to get scholarship from FAST and all my dues were taken care off by FAST. First semester proved to be a disaster for me. It was new culture, new environment and there was nobody around to guide me. My GPA in the first semester was 1.98 and fell further to 1.97 in second semesters. I was lost and bewildered after my third warning. FAST as per its rules withdrew my scholarship. The only option I had was to leave FAST and continue my studies somewhere in a government institute. But then I heard of OSAF. I cannot forget that day when I met Muhammad Affan Butt and Aqeel Saifi. They guided me, motivated me and told me there still was hope. They moved my case and I got 50% scholarship from this Alumni Association. This was a turning point in my life and I understood how important those few thousands were to me to my parents and to my whole family. Today I work in one of the best IT firms of Lahore. We have recently constructed our new house and I cannot thank Allah enough for making OSAF a Waseela for me and my Family. | Alumnus of Batch 2002 CS-FAST Lahore |
| My journey began when I completed my FSc and the question 'ab kia iraada hai (what's your plan now)?' became a common question from everyone around me. For majority of the students, the general answer is engineering or CS or Arts, basically further studies, but I knew that everyone who was asking me expected me to say 'I will work now'. This was because my family was already paying all dues of my elder brother's education and whenever the topic of my education after FSc would come up, there would either be silence or my parents would say 'FSc ker lo phir dekhain gay (complete FSc then we'll see)'. I felt they wanted me to understand it without them saying it, and I did. One day, my mother directly asked me what I wanted to do, knowing I wanted to study. After a minute of silence, she asked me if I had searched about any universities? Instantly, I said I want to do CS. I knew this would disappointed her but instead, she smiled at me and said 'kis university se karna hai?' (from which university)?' My automatic response at first was UET. The problem was that UET's admission tests were scheduled after other universities and I didn't want to miss my chances. Also, due to high merit I felt my chances were low. From what I had searched, FAST was a well reputed university with the most reasonable fee structure among private institutes. I didn't know how we would manage the fee, but it was the best choice for me. Both my parents asked me to go ahead with admissions and said they had faith in Allah, whatever he would do, it would be best and he would open new doors for us. I got my admission and my parents paid all expenses for the first semester. Even after getting a good result, I was worried about the burden I was putting on my parents. I believe it was their faith in Allah which introduced me to FAST Financial Loan & OSAF Financial Assistance (OFA). I still remember the feeling I had when I got an e-mail on my NU account about these loans. It felt as if it was written for me. I went ahead and made calls and after the entire procedure, I got the loans. After that there was no turning back for me. I studied hard because I owed that to my parents and OSAF and vowed to make them proud after my Graduation. I started freelancing and soon established a small software house. Today I make enough money to support my parents and siblings completely. I make sure to make regular contributions for OFA to help those just like me, and I encourage you all to do so too. Maybe because of one of us today, someone might fulfil their dreams. We don't know the situation of many around us, we don't know who is at the verge of giving up his/her studies because of financial burdens.. the least we can do is contribute in initiatives like OFA to make sure these students get the assistance they need to pursue their dreams. | Anonymous |
| OSAF has been really very helpful throughout my stay at FAST. It has always assisted deserving students when they had no hope to pursue their education. It has uplifted our morale, generated opportunities and aided students whenever possible. It has created hope in the needy and deserving students in achieving goals for themselves and their country. I wish OSAF best of luck in the future. | Doing a decent job for about 4 years |
| OFA has been great in terms of its end benefit, but a few things need to be improved. Please dont ask me why i didnt attend last interview sessions. I can not just express my embarrassment over my attitude towards OSAF. I am writing this email because I want to do something for OSAF and OFA (though practically I havent done anything so far). 1. I was in need of money in my early semesters, FAST was helpful but they had limits. After interviews, I found this body caring and consulting. I was impressed with a few decent and noble interviewers. Anyway, I was helped. It wasnt what I was expecting but it was still handy at that time. 2. Then, when I matured in university, between 2003 and 2005, OSAF wasnt very active but OFA remained. I was happy. 3. Overall, as a student and alumini, I highly respect OFA. A few things need to be implemented: 1. Interviews need to evaluate candidates more critically. I have the feeling and my friends agree with me that OFA interviewers are more positive than needed :) If you have no objection, I will inshaAllah be part of next interviews. 2. Funds raising from abroad should be increased. Local people are important but they are not that interested. We can introduce some technology, like pay by credit cards, paypal etc. |
Doing his own business |
| I am an undergraduate student of FAST. I never be a part of FAST if there is no OSAF. OSAF is an organization that is helping the students those cannot afford such a high fee of this university.Iit is an organization consisting of FASTians (old students) having the pain for every poor student those want to study but have no fee to pay. It is providing finincial assistance to poor students. I cannot forget the blessings of OSAF. May OSAF makes a progress by day & night. OSAF is Great. | He is looking for a decent job these days |
| My experience with OSAF was excellent. As OSAF helped me at the time when I was disappointed from everywhere and OSAF helped me, as initially FAST approved half fee loan for me and rest of my fee was impossible for me to pay and that time was a question for my stay at FAST and from that time till my graduation OSAF arranged rest of the fee for me. Thanks OSAF for your great help. | Doing a good job now |
| The university-provided FA (financial assistance) was the only hope for someone like me, from a middle-class background to complete my degree at FAST-NUCES. I was lucky enough to get 50% of my tuition fee as loan from the university. But then came a time when I could not afford the rest of the dues. I was referred to OSAF by an alumnus. OSAF conducts interviews of the needy students who apply for financial assiastance and helps them as per their limited fundings. I have found the process of OSAF to be highly transparent and well managed. I urge every alumnus of FAST and others who can to help OSAF raise funds which will in turn help many needy students at FAST-NUCES to complete their degrees. | He is working at a top-IT company for about 4 years |
| AoA, I remember, in 5h/6th semester I applied for the OSAF scholarship and also got. Moreover, You also give me some additional money which i refunded after getting Job. My experience with OSAF was extremely wonderful. OSAF provided me amount at that critical time when I was not in the situation to pay my study expenses. And no doubt, there was not any intention behind giving me amount but it solely was for noble cause. I really appreciate the effort of OSAF & much thankful to you as well. Sincerely | He is working at a top-IT company for about 3 years |
LATEST NEWS
OSAF plans to organize Mega JobFair for graduating batch in Feburary 2016.
OSAF is organizing Alumni homecoming 2016 in the mid of January 2016.
OSAF is launching FAN (Fast Alumni Network), A portal to connect thousands of Alumni online.
OSAF successfully organised TEDxFAST. The event was attended by 500+ participants!
