Meelad Sabari on community, resilience and the power of belonging

“To me, 'Community as a Superpower' means thriving together.” 

For Education Beyond Borders (EBB) scholar, Meelad Sabari, the idea of community is more than just support—it’s about collective growth.  “Community as a superpower means thriving together,” Meelad says. Community support has empowered Meelad through offering different initiatives. 

“Meeting new people, exploring new cultures and cuisines, and networking.” 

Being part of the University of Edinburgh community opened new doors for Meelad—not just academically, but socially and professionally.  “Being part of the university community helped me by meeting new people, exploring new cultures and cuisines, and networking,” he shares. 

One particular moment that being part of the university community helped him came during a difficult period in his academic journey.  “A moment when I felt particularly supported by my peers and professors was during the time when I had family commitments and exceptional circumstances. That support really mattered.”  And he hasn’t just benefited—he’s contributed, too.  “One way I’ve been able to enrich my community is by sharing my insights from the financial services industry to people who are just starting out and have sheer enthusiasm for getting into the industry.”  When asked what superpower he’d love to see grow in his community, his answer is simple but powerful: “Diversity.” 

“Her support… uplifted my motivation.” 

Reflecting on his time at the University, Meelad highlights a standout moment that helped him feel a true sense of belonging.  “A standout moment at university that made me feel connected was when I met with my Student Advisor, Rosa, and she was really supportive, because I was going through a lot at the time with a lot of pressure. Her words, her support, and the meetings we had really helped me, and it somehow uplifted my motivation.”  That sense of connection has also come from fellow scholars.  “Connections with my fellow scholars have enriched my experience by getting to know more about them, and knowing more about their experiences, and how resilient they have been so far. How they have bounced back from setbacks and difficulties in life, especially having a displaced background or as a refugee in the UK. Because everything is alien, and everything is new. Immersing yourself into a culture is something that cannot happen overnight. It's not like a quick fix solution. It happens gradually, I think.” 

“The scholarship gave me the opportunity to study stress-free.” 

For Meelad, financial security through the Education Beyond Borders scholarship was a turning point.  “My scholarship has played a key role in my journey by giving me the opportunity to study stress-free, in terms of financial commitments. Thinking about tuition fees, for example—a lot of people get stressed out. I think that's a stressing factor.”  It also gave him access to a warm, welcoming community.  “Getting great support from the Education Beyond Borders team and our frequent ‘coffee and cake’ chats and other casual meetings.” 

“It was really intense, but it made me able to think on my feet.” 

One unexpected opportunity stood out during Meelad’s time at the University.  “A surprising challenge/opportunity I encountered was an office tour and lunch organised at the Business School with a Global FinTech company, who have an office in Edinburgh. We spent half a day there networking and they announced they were accepting applications to their Graduate Scheme. I ended up making it to the third round of interviews and it was a great learning experience for me. It was really intense, but it made me able to think on my feet.” 

“Displacement can be a good thing.” 

Meelad’s view on displacement challenges common assumptions.  “I would like people to understand that the experience of displacement can be a good thing. I mean, there are negative connotations, but I don’t see it as a negative factor for me personally as it has enhanced the burning desire and fuel inside me to work harder and break out of my comfort zone.”  “That’s why it should also be seen as a positive factor – it can be a great opportunity for people who are displaced from their home to make time and effort to build their lives in a new country – and make it count.” 

“Your network is your net worth.” 

Meelad has a clear message for future recipients of the Education Beyond Borders scholarship:  “Never give up and keep bouncing back from setbacks. Be resilient, persistent, motivated, committed, dedicated, and have desire and perseverance.”  “When it comes to new opportunities—like honing skills, learning new skills, and networking—both at university and in life, your network is your net worth. And it’s really valuable, even if you’re an expert in your field, to get ahead.”