Dr. Muhammad Shabbir, is the first graduated PhD international student in the School of Public Affairs in 2015. After accomplished the academic journey at USTC, he gets a job as Assistant Professor at University of Management Sciences and Information Technology Kotli AJK Pakistan.

He started educational career from a village muddy school since 5 years old. After long journey with lot of obstacles, he entered in a world -class University of Science and Technology of China in 2012 and enrolled for PhD to complete this expedition. This is a journey of ups and downs with lot of struggles.

After completion of his master degree from University of Azad Jammu & Kashmir,he was failed to find the proper job in public sector due to some political reasons. In 2002, army was ruling in the Pakistan and Shabbir succeeded in getting the job of science teacher by qualifying test and interview held under the supervision of Pak Army officers.

He always wished to work for poor peoples. He also works with some NGOs like National Rural Support Program (NRSP) at national level, Local Support Organization at district level (LSO) and Village Organization. These organizations were working for welfare of villagers and promotion of education and employment in rural areas. His friendly attitude and working without any personal interest always got love from poor villagers, and he succeeded to holds a respectable place in the society.

To study abroad was Shabbir’s dream. He got admission letters many times from different universities of UK but could not get visa from British Embassy in Pakistan due to financial reasons.

In 2012, Shabbir was accepted for PhD at school of Public Affairs, University of Science and Technology of China by CSC scholarship. It was a good chance to bring a change in his life.

In Sept. 2012, he entered at USTC. This was a new experience for him and there were so many questions in his mind. The city of Hefei itself was undoubtedly beautiful, but he found it difficult to adaptto the new surroundings. His differentappearance and accent made people around him did not want to know or understand him at first. But after staying some time at USTC, friendly environment and new friends made him feel it like his home day by day.

This academic journey enabled him to understand those characteristics of the Chinese society which have played an active role in the overall socio-economic development of China, as well as leading to develop his priorities in terms of the educational development of Pakistan.

Shabbir made a plan to adjust in this new environment. Physically he was fat, and had 119 Kg Weight. So he decided to lose weight and in first year of study period there was not a daywithout hard exercise and after one year he lost 32 KG weight by hard exercise. He became healthy and was ready to start research work after completion of course work. During his research work he paid full attention and got full cooperation from school of Public Affairs. Shabbir published 8 papers as first authors and 10 papers with his colleagues during the period study at USTC.

But it was impossible without proper guidance of kind and worthy supervisor. It was an unforgettable learning experience with his supervisor. His consistent understanding, constructive advice, affectionate guidance, constant encouragement, ongoing support made this academic journey meaningful and inspiring and contributed significantly to the completion of this study.

Dr. Muhammad Shabbir was awarded PhD degree in middle of June, 2015. And he decided to leave USTC on 22 July 2015. It was a hard time for him to leave the School of Public Affairs because he was the first PhD international students along a companion who complete their PhD study.

After he went back to Pakistan, there was a big reception of peoples of his hometown, he got utmost respect from society.On 23 of July, Shabbir landed at Islamabad airport. His family members including close relatives almost 50 people welcomed him at Islamabad airport. On the way to Kashmir at Holar River 40 KM away from home, hundreds of people warmly welcome his back. On the way to the hometown, people from all society joined the gathering. He saw a huge gathering when he arrived hometown especially women, children, people from all society. A few of government officials warmly welcome him with flowers. They proved that they love knowledge and educated person. A dinner was arranged for almost one thousand people. This was unforgettable scene for him. The next ten days Shabbir had to stay at home to meet people who came to see him. The news reporters also gave him a special coverage.

This was an academic journey with lot of obstacles. During course of life, personal experiences obstacleshave long lasting effects on him. These obstacles help to shape the person's point of view and lifestyle. He sums up by saying that, everything that does not kill you makes you stronger. A better person in general is a result of all of the obstacles that he has overcome.

Tian Yu & LIU Yinghua，School of Public Affairs