Writing her own story: Yasmin Afshar on finding alignment in scholarship and life

As part of our ongoing series highlighting recipients of Graduate College funding, we spoke with Yasmin Afshar, a PhD student in Human and Social Dimensions of Science and Technology at Arizona State University. Yasmin shared her powerful story of how interdisciplinary opportunities, meaningful mentorship and recognition through the Graduate College University Grant have shaped her experience. Her reflections speak to the power of academic support and the importance of lifting others along the way.

What brought you to pursue your graduate studies at ASU? Can you share your story?

Back in time, when I was living abroad, the only thing I knew for certain was that my previous education and work experience couldn’t satisfy the deeper questions that had lived in my mind for years. By conventional measures — career, education, social standing — I was in a relatively good place. But there was always a voice inside me whispering that the path I was on wasn’t the one I was meant to take.

One day, I went to the bookstore, picked a few books based on my intuition, and started reading. Over time, I realized that most of the books I gravitated toward and could connect to were about literature, politics, sociology, psychology, and management. That’s when I understood: this was the kind of content I loved to read, think about, and never grew tired of. That year alone, I read at least 15 books. I felt like I was swimming in an endless sea of knowledge, fully alive, as though I had found something that made my mind and soul breathe.

That was a moment of self-realization — that becoming a social scientist is my life mission. This realization gave me a sense of inner strength and identity. I felt as though I could finally live my thoughts, turn them into action, and create meaning, so despite already having two graduate degrees, I decided to pursue further studies in the U.S., which meant migrating once again. I’ve always believed that when a person knows their “why,” they will always find a way — and for me, that was absolutely true. It was as if I had decided to take the pen into my own hands and write my story, exactly the way I wanted it to be told.

When I chose this path, I knew it wouldn’t yield quick results. I knew I would have to wait years, work hard, and rebuild my life from scratch. I endured many days of financial struggle, frustration, and being far away from my family, and I paid that price. It’s been eight years since then, and today I can confidently say that this was one of the best decisions I have ever made — one that completely changed the trajectory of my life.

Now, there is a deep alignment in my life — between what I study, the research I pursue, the way I think, and the hobbies I have. Together, they create a whole, coherent sense of living. Later on, when we discussed the sociology of science in one of the program’s core courses, I realized that these are exactly what we call “social constructs”. All of these constructs define me as both a scholar and as a person, and I, in turn, influence them. It is a continuous, dynamic, living connection. This is what I have built.

Can you tell us about your current program of study and what drew you to it?

I am currently in the PhD program in Human and Social Dimensions of Science and Technology, which is offered through the School for the Future of Innovation in Society in the College of Global Futures. In the school, I had the opportunity to get insights from different faculty members with various areas of expertise, which helped nourish my research topic and gave me a direction on what I wanted to do. 

The realization that I wanted to become the person I had long imagined led me to search for a place that supported interdisciplinary work—and that is how I discovered ASU. With its large number of faculty members, extensive resources, and diverse ecosystem, I felt confident that I could pursue whatever direction my curiosity might lead.

ASU offers the flexibility to take courses across programs and collaborate with faculty from different fields. It is a strong place in the sense that it encourages students, researchers, and scholars to move beyond silos, connect with like-minded people, and co-produce knowledge. This aspect has been especially meaningful in my own work on energy and climate change.

Equally important to me has been working with people who are collaborative and invest in those who care about your success and empower you to achieve your goals. I am glad that my school is built around this value by putting the notion of  ‘community of care’ at its core.

What has been a defining moment in your graduate experience so far?

When I first explored the programs at ASU, I connected with a University Professor of Social Science and a prominent figure in American sociology. He was the first professor I encountered, and he gave me the opportunity to enter this world and begin growing within it. That moment marked the true beginning of my graduate journey.

Another defining moment came in my second year, when I received the Personal Achievement Award from the School for the Future of Innovation in Society in recognition of my community advocacy and personal life circumstances. That same year, I also formed a meaningful connection with my remarkable advisor, a world-leading expert in science and technology policy. He is not only an academic mentor but also a person of deep moral character, whose guidance empowered me in countless ways. Under his mentorship, I learned how to align my purpose with my values, and not just survive in my environment but to thrive within it.

My second year of the PhD was especially rewarding, filled with exceptional memories. That year alone, I received three awards from different units at ASU. During the spring semester, I remember feeling—for the first time in my career—that I was in the right place, at the right time, doing the work I truly wanted to do. That sense of fulfillment came from the intersection of personal growth, research alignment, and the support of a vibrant community of scholars.

You were selected as a recipient of the Graduate College University Grant. Could you share what this award means to you personally and professionally?

This grant has different meanings for me personally, professionally, and financially. Of course, it’s helpful for listing on a C.V. or résumé, but my attitude was more than just saying, “I received the X funding.” PhD life has many different moving parts. You're investing your time in creating knowledge, not in making money, and that makes a profound difference.

The major lesson for me was that it's important to contribute back, not only to my own community but to the broader community of scholars, especially those who are passionate about advanced research and graduate education. Receiving this award taught me the importance of lifting up others who are going through similar journeys from different scholarly backgrounds. One of the most inspirational aspects of the grant was the idea that maybe, as a future changemaker, I could repeat that cycle and give it back to the next generation of scholars.

This award made me believe more strongly that people are a form of social capital. We must cultivate their talent. I felt that the Graduate College made an investment in my capabilities by recognizing my efforts. That was a powerful message. When I received the award, I had a sense of accomplishment and fulfillment that gave me the aspiration to keep moving forward, to build on my work, and to believe that greater possibilities lie ahead.

What advice would you offer other students considering applying for Graduate College awards or fellowships?

No one told me about Graduate College resources — I didn’t hear about them from my peers. I was proactively looking for opportunities and trying to figure out how to make it all work. So my advice is: don’t rely solely on word of mouth. Do your own research, because no one is going to knock on your door.

For instance, I read the newsletters — I might be one of those rare people who do. I also spent time on the Graduate College website, exploring all the available resources to figure out which opportunities I was eligible for and what might be a good fit. Then I applied.

Another important piece of advice: believe that these opportunities are real. They’re not advertisements. These resources are meant to support you, but they can only help if you do your due diligence.

Would you like to share anything else?

Graduate school is more than research—it is also about the transformative journey you undertake, so be consistent and don't quit. That’s the message I want to pass through. A PhD is a marathon, and of course, you will get tired along the way as years go by. When fatigue sets in, remind yourself to look at how far you have come so far. Doctoral study isn’t about competing — it’s about creating your own future pathway, so even the baby steps forward make a difference.