Rahmatullah
Programme of study
MSc Finance and Management
Tell us a bit about your background
I am a Chevening Scholar from Afghanistan, currently studying for my MSc in Finance and Management. My commitment to educational equity is not just academic; it's my life's story. It began in an Afghan refugee school in Pakistan and has taken me through diverse academic cultures: my Bachelor's in India, further studies in Germany, and now my Master's at York.
This belief has always been about action. I founded my own educational organization in Kabul to provide free university guidance to Afghan girls. During my Bachelor's studies, I also served as an on-site facilitator with the Jesuit Refugee Service in South Asia as an intern but later as a full-time employee.
Each of these experiences has given me a unique insight into the different challenges and barriers students can face. It’s what drove my professional work in Monitoring and Evaluation, and it's the perspective I am excited to bring to the Student Expert Panel to help build a truly supportive and inclusive community for everyone.
Why did you want to get involved with the Student Expert Panel?
For me, understanding barriers has always been a call to action. This commitment has taken different forms throughout my life: from founding an educational organization to guide Afghan girls, to working as a full-time employee with the Jesuit Refugee Service-South Asia in Delhi.
I saw the Student Expert Panel as the official platform to continue this work by amplifying the voices of diverse and underrepresented students here at York. It's a unique opportunity to collaborate directly with staff and students on creating tangible, practical solutions that genuinely improve everyone's university experience
What are you involved with at York, and what are you interested in outside of your studies?
I've really enjoyed immersing myself in the York community. It’s been valuable connecting with peers at events hosted by the School for Business and Society (SBS), and I've loved the vibrant energy of the postgraduate community through cultural events run by the Student Union and activities at my college. It’s a great way to hear different perspectives outside of my course.
I'm passionate about understanding different cultures, whether through documentary films or trying to cook new cuisine. I also believe in balancing academic work with time in nature, so I've loved exploring the historic city of York and the beautiful Yorkshire countryside on long walks. To unwind, I also really enjoy playing chess or playing volleyball with friends.