Bangladeshi youth awarded Tk 16 million scholarship even before HSC

"What made my application stand out globally wasn't just academics, but also the story, passion, and purpose behind it," says Syed Muntasir Rahman Arize, a final-year college student at St. Joseph Higher Secondary School in Dhaka. He received an early undergraduate offer from a New York-based university that includes the 'Esse Non Videri' Scholarship, a highly selective merit-based award given to exceptional applicants who demonstrate academic promise, leadership, and a strong sense of purpose. The Latin phrase means "To be, not to seem," a motto that reflects the institution's emphasis on authenticity and substance over appearance.

What makes Muntasir's case particularly rare is the timing. His scholarship and admission were confirmed even before he sat for his Higher Secondary Certificate examinations. While most students begin exploring international applications after completing HSC, Muntasir secured one of the top offers in advance, based on a profile shaped by consistent effort, an intense journey, his mother's focused support and thoughtful positioning.

"Alongside preparing for the SAT and Duolingo, I was actively involved in various extracurriculars all through my academic life, from leading science projects and organising national fests, to serving as a prefect of Discipline and vice-president of my college's Photo and Cinematography Club," he explains when asked about his extra-curricular activities.

With the recent global issues, it is becoming harder and harder to secure scholarships, admission and a visa to the USA for Bangladeshi students. But his profile stood out to first get the scholarship and then to secure the USA visa.

When asked what made his profile stand out, he said, "I didn't aim to just appear successful; rather, I worked hard to truly be someone with purpose. And US universities judge a student holistically, not just based on academics. And that's what 'Esse Non Videri' stands for’. He co-founded a food catering business with his mother, which not only served hundreds of clients but also provided free meals to the underprivileged. He was involved in the Josephite Cultural Club and the Scintilla Science Club, where he took part in leadership, managed workshops, engaged in community service, and explored creative expression. Alongside these, he wrote reflective essays about his life, struggles, and goals, and spent time researching independently. Together, these experiences reflected a balance of academic dedication, leadership, creativity, and social commitment that aligned with the values of the scholarship.

Muntasir traces the beginning of his journey not to a single event, but to a series of quiet setbacks that tested his confidence. Born in Barishal and raised in Dhaka from the age of three, he grew up in a family that faced its share of silent struggles. In childhood, he was drawn to how things worked, often dismantling toys out of curiosity and trying to explore something new. The turning point came in his first year of college, when poor results led many around him to question his potential. "People said I was done. That I couldn't dream this big with results like mine," he says. Rather than giving up, he began to rebuild with quiet determination. He studied consistently, prepared for standardised tests, and became active in clubs, community work and research. Throughout the journey, his mother stood firmly by his side, offering both encouragement and practical support as he worked towards the scholarship.

The scholarship is worth around Tk 16 million or US$ 132,000 for his academic period. This is quite unattainable for anyone around the world, but this Bangladeshi student did it by reflecting his purpose and values through his activities. For Muntasir, building his profile was never just about collecting achievements. He received a few awards and certificates along the way, but what mattered more were the experiences behind them. One project he is particularly proud of is a documentary he worked on for his college's 70th anniversary, produced with his team from the Josephite Photography and Cinematography Club. He also wrote deeply personal essays for his university applications, reflecting on the setbacks he had faced and how they shaped him. Outside the classroom, he volunteered with organisations like Volunteers For Bangladesh and took part in community clean-up drives. He also found time for creative pursuits like singing and playing musical instruments. "These weren't just activities. They were reflections of who I am," he says.

However, the final hurdle of this journey was securing a visa to the USA. In recent months, many Bangladeshi students have faced visa rejections despite having strong profiles. Some fall into traps set by dishonest agencies, while others walk into the embassy unsure and unprepared. For Muntasir, the interview felt like a final checkpoint after everything he had worked for. "I was nervous, but I was also confident because I knew my story was real," he said. He prepared for all types of questions a visa officer can ask and practised them several times. One of the most challenging moments came when the officer asked how he had received such a high scholarship before even completing his HSC. He explained his journey honestly, how academics, leadership, extracurriculars, and community work all reflected who he truly was. There were also questions about his financial background, immigration history, and plans after graduation. He answered calmly and clearly.

Three applicants were rejected right before his turn. "That made me anxious, but I reminded myself to have faith," he recalls. When he finally heard, "Your visa is approved," it felt like more than just a stamp. It was a quiet reward for years of effort, belief, and resilience.

Talking about personal challenges that built resilience, Muntasir mentioned something that we all face from time to time, which is self-doubt. Self-doubt was one of the toughest challenges Muntasir faced early on. After poor results in his first year of college, many around him questioned his potential. "People said my dreams were too big for someone like me," he says. Those words stung, but instead of giving up, he let the doubt fuel his determination. He worked harder, rebuilt his confidence through study and activities, and stayed focused on his goal. Supported quietly by family and friends, he learnt that facing doubt with resilience was as important as any skill or talent.

No one achieves something like this alone. For Muntasir, the journey was built on love, belief, and unbreakable bonds. His parents were his strongest foundation. Even when finances were tight and doubts surrounded him, they never lost faith. Above all, his mother carried him through every storm. She sacrificed endlessly, holding onto a big dream for her son. "She was my shield in every battle, my safe place in chaos," he says. Alongside family, a few relatives and teachers quietly reminded him of his potential. Equally important was a close-knit group of friends who shared the journey. They studied together, helped build each other's applications, and offered support through setbacks. "This isn't just my success. It's ours," he reflects. The journey shines because of their shared strength, faith, and unwavering support.

As Muntasir prepares to start his studies abroad, he sees this next phase not just as a personal achievement but as a responsibility he is determined to honour. "Studying abroad with the support and belief I've received is a gift I want to give back tenfold," he says. His goal goes beyond building a career in Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence. He wants to make a real difference in Bangladesh.

"I plan to return to Bangladesh with knowledge, innovation, and global experience to apply them where they're needed most, whether that's improving digital security, supporting youth education, or empowering rural communities with technology." He dreams of creating opportunities for Bangladeshi students who once thought their dreams were too big to reach.

"I want to be someone who serves. Your roots don't limit you. They anchor you."

"I began my journey with nothing but belief and a heart full of dreams," Muntasir says. "There were failures, heartbreaks, financial struggles sometimes, and moments I almost gave up. But every small step brought me closer." He encourages students to reach out, research, ask questions, and keep trying. "Build your story one page at a time. Your journey is unique, and one day, it will become someone else's roadmap. Dream big, fly high and turn your dreams into reality."

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