YSALI Alumni Impact: Empowering 350+ Students Career Counseling

Career Counseling Sessions at Five Educational Institutions

Through his initiative, Tameer Counseling Sessions, Usama has delivered structured career counseling programs to more than 350 students across five educational institutions — helping young people rethink how they approach academic and career decisions. The sessions addressed a critical gap: structured, reflective career guidance for students navigating societal pressure and limited exposure.

Challenging the “Scope Myth”

A core focus of the Tameer sessions was dismantling what Usama calls the “scope myth” — the idea that only a few career paths guarantee success. Instead, students were encouraged to:

• Define success on their own terms

• Identify their internal driving forces

• Set SMART goals with realistic planning

• Develop learning mindsets and cognitive awareness

• Distinguish between backup plans and escape plans

• Reframe limitations through what he describes as the “Box Dilemma” — choosing possibilities over constraints

By combining practical frameworks with self-reflection exercises, students gained tools they could immediately apply.

Empowering Young Women

One of the most powerful outcomes emerged in the all-girls government school session. Female participation was not only high but deeply engaged. Students demonstrated confidence and had opportunities to ask thoughtful questions.

Continuing the Initiative

Following strong engagement during the initial phase, the next phase will focus on:

• Expanding reach to more institutions

• Introducing structured feedback tools

• Tracking student outcomes and long-term impact

For Usama, this is just the beginning. His journey from a YSALI participant to youth empowerment advocate demonstrates how alumni can translate leadership training into measurable community impact. The YSALI network and impact continues to grow with more alumni sharing their stories and making a difference across the region of South Asia.