ABOUT ME
MY STORYThe “American dream” started In 2017 when a 15-year-old Maryam entered the corridors of Harvard University for the first time. Little did I know then the profound impact this country would have on my life in the years to come. For many young Pakistani girls, fulfilling their dreams feels like a distant hope, but I was determined to do more — much more. Despite many setbacks, the stars aligned in my favor, and destiny blessed me in the form of the most supportive parents imaginable. So, at the age of 18, I became the first girl from my family to ever pack my entire life in 2 suitcases, and cross oceans to move to a country that couldn't be more different from my own— that too all alone.
Ever since then, I have graduated from university with distinction, worked at Cannes - the most prestigious film festival in the world, made my first ever short film in a completely new country, and traveled the world solo all in pursuit of making my parents proud (and silencing that ever-present imposter syndrome). But this is just the beginning.
My goal isn’t simply to succeed, but to become the best version of myself —professionally, creatively, and personally. I want to fully immerse myself in the film industry, not only to make a name for myself but to create something that resonates, something meaningful all while inspiring at least one other person along the way to do the same with their dreams- this website is the first step towards that vision.
More importantly, the bigger reason for putting myself out there is to open more doors for my younger sister and inspire other young south asian girls who might feel that their dreams are too far-fetched. I want to empower them to stop doubting themselves and just start. To show them that no matter where you come from or what others expect, you are capable of more than you know.
“Everything is Figureoutable.”
If I had a penny for every time I thought this is it, this is the end, I would be very rich today.
Life is hard, yes but the good news? almost everything around us can be worked out, in one way or the other.
All it takes is to get out there and work for it. An occasional ‘it is what it is” wouldn’t hurt either xD.
This mindset was beautifully captured by Marie Forleo in her book “Everything is figureoutable” reminding me that with perseverance, creativity, and a bit of humor, nothing is impossible.