HOUSTON – Struggles or obstacles and how they are overcome define a person. They can cause one to stumble or they can cause one to thrive. The latter was the case for Tooba Narejo, who immigrated to the U.S. six years ago from Karachi, Pakistan, with her husband and three small children. While navigating a new country and managing expectations of motherhood, Narejo graduated with honors from Lone Star College-University Park in 2019.

Upon arriving in the U.S., it was clear that her husband’s American dream included a stay-at-home wife who made a home for the family and raised the children. While being a homemaker was Narejo’s plan as well, she also believed she could fulfill her potential and realize her dreams by furthering her education.

Narejo, the daughter of highly educated parents, believes her pursuit of education and a bigger picture for her life is as much a part of her nature as being a mother. When her father visited, he saw that his daughter was not on a path to complete her college education, which she had started in Pakistan. Her father encouraged her to investigate the possibility of returning to college. And, it was this unwavering support that changed the course of Narejo’s life.

Narejo looked for colleges close to home in Houston, and her father brought her to LSC-University Park for a visit. She registered for classes and soon discovered that she had passionate champions at college dedicated to her success.

“At LSC-University Park, we have many international students and we welcome them with open arms,” said Dr. Shah Ardalan, LSC-University Park president. “Their presence represents much of the diversity on our campus, of which we are so proud. On any given day, we can find professors working with these students outside of class, advisers going the extra mile to help students find answers, and counselors directing them to resources.”

Narejo took advantage of all these resources. She credits the dedicated faculty and staff who encouraged her and guided her toward her success at LSC-University Park. In addition to excelling in her classes, she also pursued leadership positions in two student organizations, serving as secretary of the Student Business Organization and vice president of the Fine Arts Club. She was also awarded a Merit Award Scholarship in her final semester at the college. 

She laughs at the three times she changed majors – from political science to teaching and, finally, to psychology. Yet, she acknowledges no one else was laughing. Her professors knew those moves were just part of her path to graduation and fulfillment. While at LSC-University Park, she lived consistently with her purpose. She came to understand the value of mentorship and has a deep respect and admiration for everyone that touched her life.

“My time at LSC-University Park was a beautiful experience,” said Narejo. I was given recognition for all my hard work and even received an award for my positive attitude from my economics professor. LSC-University Park was my second home, my family.”

Now, Narejo is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Honors business at the University of Houston-Downtown Northwest (UHD), conveniently located at LSC-University Park. She is taking classes in marketing, management information systems, finance and business law. Before entering UHD, Narejo and her husband collaborated on the direction for her bachelor’s degree, shifting her focus from psychology to business. She plans to earn her master’s degree in industrial-organizational psychology, with the blessing of her family.

At this time, Narejo has a new set of responsibilities to manage. As COVID-19 keeps her children out of school, she finds herself home schooling three children and, at the same time, maintaining her studies at UHD. However, she is undeterred.

“Let the positivity take you with serenity, without letting any pessimism come in your way. For the negativity is too burdensome; it will sink your boat," said Narejo. “My dreams of finishing my education now include being a modern, up-to-date, positive mom, and the best role model possible for my children.”