Zoya Altaf Mir has been selected under the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII) sponsorship programme to study her ACII qualification.
Ms Mir, 21, has the opportunity to gain her international qualifications in insurance after earning distinctions in her board exams. Her early schooling was from Mallinson Girls School in Kashmir and she is currently a student of literature and politics, completing a bachelor's degree in humanities from Women's College, MA Road, Srinagar.
"I just thought I would go ahead and apply, pray for the best and then it is all a matter of luck! Though there are lots of talented students in Kashmir, there is very low awareness and standards are not very high compared to across India and the rest of the world," said Ms Mir.
"When I was selected it was very overwhelming. I was so happy, it took me a few minutes to believe it," she added.
The ALIANZA organisation, partnered with the CII, played a key role in familiarising Ms Mir with the ACII course, with Rauf Wadera, managing director of ALIANZA, offering her guidance throughout the process and when choosing her study modules.
As the internet is unreliable in Kashmir and can breakdown without warning, Ms Mir has opted to use hard-copy study materials, rather than e-books.
"I feel very fortunate" said Ms Mir. "There is tremendous potential where I come from, but it can go unnoticed. Organisations like ALIANZA have partnered with the CII and can help guide young people in their careers.
"I am very thankful for this opportunity and I cannot wait to get started."