A mentor beyond the classroom.
Great mentors don’t just teach equations. They build confidence, foster leadership, and shape mindsets. Even though Sir Shahab Yaqoob didn’t teach me directly in the classroom at Credo College, he played one of the most pivotal roles in my personal and professional development.
A few days. A lasting difference.
As a renowned Mathematics educator and member of the Board of Directors, his leadership extends far beyond administration. My team first experienced this firsthand when he accompanied us to GIKI for the All Pakistan Mathematics Olympiad. In just four to five days under his guidance, we underwent a remarkable transformation, learning how to navigate complex challenges, think strategically, and step into our own as leaders.
The confidence to build something new.
That momentum didn’t stop at GIKI. When we returned, Sir Shahab backed us to turn an ambitious vision into reality: inventing and launching Credo’s inaugural Rubik event in January 2018. He had immense faith in our capability, providing the exact blend of trust, direction, and autonomy we needed. Seeing Rubik thrive as an annual tradition years later is a testament to the culture of student initiative he instills. Sir Shahab has a rare gift for seeing potential in young minds and empowering them to build a lasting legacy.
The belief that stayed with her
“Sir Shahab has a rare gift for seeing potential in young minds and empowering them to build a lasting legacy.”
Fatima Basathia
02 / Beyond Credo
Where that
belief led.
While writing this testimonial, I was reflecting on how much that foundation at Credo helped set the trajectory for my journey after A Levels. Here is where life has taken me.
2018
Credo College
A foundation in leadership
Completed A2 in 2018. With Sir Shahab’s support, my team launched Credo’s inaugural Rubik event in January that year, beginning a lasting annual tradition.
Undergraduate studies
Habib University
A scholarship that grew with me
Attended for my BS on a 90% merit scholarship, consistently earned Dean’s List honors, and received the High Achievers Award twice, bringing my scholarship to 100%.
Fall 2021
University of Mississippi
A semester with a wider perspective
Completed an exchange semester in the USA through the Global UGRAD program.
August 2024 to December 2025
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
A Fulbright journey into energy
Completed my Master’s in Energy Systems as a Fulbright scholar at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
Summer 2025 onward
PowerBox Technology Inc.
Putting that foundation to work
Started interning at this US-based startup in Summer 2025 and have continued working with the team remotely ever since.
A note of gratitude
“Thank you once again for your belief in us during those early days. It made a world of difference!”
Fatima Basathia
Credo College · A2 Class of 2018
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