Page 15 - QARANC Spring 2024

The Gazette QARANC Association 15
Cpl Iqra Shahzadi shares her story of coming from a conservative Muslim family and realising her dream to become a British Army nurse.
My journey from being Iqra to becoming Cpl Shahzadi, a qualified military nurse, was far from easy. It has been rather more of a triathlon which I continue even today, from learning the difference between running and jogging to balancing the two wheels of personal and professional life. It has been difficult, but I would not change anything about it.
I come from a rather conservative Muslim background. I always wanted to join the British Army but first I had to convince my sister and parents. This was out of the norm for my family, nonetheless my dedication and commitment to join the Army motivated me to fight through these challenges. I wanted to break my family norm and become an independent, strong, and resilient working woman.
Facing challenges such as improving my fitness was difficult, as I was not allowed to run or go to the gym. I therefore trained before sunrise and in the darkest hours of the night when my father was asleep, and no one would see me. This was extremely challenging as my father woke up for fajir prayers every day and made sure all my siblings were awake too.
I had to ensure I was back before he woke up. Sometimes sneaking in the house through the downstairs window left me with bruised knees, scarred elbows and the sound of my heart beating out of my chest. Sometimes when he caught me coming up the stairs, I’d say I woke up early so was performing wudu (a way of washing prior to praying) or having a shower and other times when I was late my sister Shaista was my cover and used to say that I would be up in a few minutes. She was my biggest support system and encouraged me from day one in everything I wanted to do and that was what kept me going.
Undoubtedly, passing the selection board and becoming part of the British Army was a feeling I never felt before. Every day I wear the uniform I feel more confident, more pride to be a part of something
I had to pinch myself on several occasions just to confirm this was the reality and I wasn’t just daydreaming
bigger. What once seemed like a dream out of reach is the reality I live today.
I started my career in the Army Medical Services as a combat medical technician in the Royal Army Medical Corps and later transferred to Queen Alexandra Royal Army Nursing Corps to embark on a new adventure to become a military nurse.
Being the first female in my family to have the privilege to study a degree level qualification is a reality I still sometimes struggle to believe. A girl who had never seen the world or travelled outside of her hometown Peterborough. A girl whose longest journey was from upstairs to downstairs and to my father’s car was living the dream, walking around the Birmingham City University Campus, attending lectures, having coffee at Starbucks. I had to pinch myself on several occasions just to confirm this was the reality and I wasn’t just daydreaming.
I am proud to say I have completed my nursing degree, and I am currently working at JHG (SE) Frimley Park Hospital. This would not have been possible without being part of the British Army. Although I am proud and content with my achievements, I know this is not where my story ends, there is so much more I want to achieve and experience so for now I will say TO BE CONTINUED.
Cpl Iqra Shahzadi JHG (SE)