Aqsa Shafiq

Where the journey began

Assalamualaikum. I am Aqsa Shafiq, currently pursuing the ACCA program. I hail from a village near Bahawalpur.

My story is the story of resilience, a story of never, never, ever giving up. After every disappointment there is the opportunity to gather your strength and start anew.

“After the hardship there is an ease.”

I initially thought of pursuing a career in the medical field because I came from a pre-medical background. Like many students, I prepared for the entrance examination with great hope and dedication. However, I could not achieve the desired aggregate for admission into a medical college. Although it was disappointing, it became a turning point in my life and encouraged me to explore other career options.

Finding a new path

I learned about the CA (Chartered Accountant) program and, with the guidance and support of my family, I decided to pursue it as my professional career. I got admission and started my journey with determination. The first stage went smoothly, and I cleared it on my first attempt, which gave me confidence and motivation to continue.

Later, I moved to Lahore for further studies. Living away from home and managing the pressure of studies was not easy for me. The CAF level was especially challenging and exhausting. In the beginning my family supported me. When it became a challenge for them, two sponsors (Dr. Bashir Azher and Rashid Ahmad) through People’s REACH Foundation (PRF) and its Candle to Candle (C2C) Program took over the entire cost of my studies. Besides the financial support, Uncle Rashid Ahmad and PRF helped me throughout the journey and supported me whenever I felt stressed or discouraged. They don’t just pay the money, they stay in touch with you, mentor and guide you throughout your journey.

Despite the challenges, I managed to clear CAF after significant hard work and persistence.

Choosing ACCA

By that stage, I realized that while CA was a prestigious qualification, the lengthy and demanding structure of the program was becoming increasingly exhausting for me. Instead of continuing on a path that might consume several more years without certainty, I decided to re-evaluate my options.

After discussing my concerns with several seniors and teachers, I came to the conclusion that transitioning to ACCA would be a more suitable and practical decision for my future. It was not an easy choice because changing directions after investing so much time and effort required courage and self-awareness. However, I believed that making a thoughtful decision was better than continuing a journey that no longer aligned with my personal goals.

The switch from CA to ACCA does not mean starting from scratch. Having passed CAF earned me multiple exemptions in ACCA, thus shortening my timeline. This not only validated the hard work I had already put into my studies but also gave me renewed motivation to move forward with confidence. Today, I am proud to say that I have only five examinations remaining to become a qualified ACCA professional.

What this journey taught me

This journey taught me that setbacks do not define a person’s future. Sometimes, unexpected changes guide us toward better opportunities and personal growth. Every challenge I faced made me stronger, and more determined to move forward in life with confidence and a positive mindset.