{"id":113129,"date":"2025-11-11T10:37:55","date_gmt":"2025-11-11T05:07:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.mygreatlearning.com\/blog\/turning-classrooms-into-launchpads-for-change\/"},"modified":"2025-11-11T10:34:23","modified_gmt":"2025-11-11T05:04:23","slug":"turning-classrooms-into-launchpads-for-change","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.mygreatlearning.com\/blog\/turning-classrooms-into-launchpads-for-change\/","title":{"rendered":"Turning Classrooms Into Launchpads for Change"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\u00a0By Mehak Malik<\/a><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For M. Abbas Mirza, learning has always been about meaning, not milestones. When he enrolled in the Post Graduate Program in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning<\/a> from the McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas at Austin, in collaboration with Great Learning, he wasn\u2019t looking for just another academic credential. He was looking for reinvention, a chance to go beyond theory and see how AI could be used to create solutions that matter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Abbas describes the experience as nothing short of transformative. \u201cIt didn\u2019t just give me technical knowledge; it gave me confidence, structure, and a mindset to apply AI with purpose,\u201d<\/em> he says. For him, the program offered more than learning; it offered direction, a way to think like a builder and use technology to make an impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Where Academic Rigor Meets Real Application<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The blend of academic rigor and hands-on learning was what made the program stand out for Abbas. Every module pushed him to think critically and apply concepts in real-world settings. The mentor-led structure and collaborative environment helped him gain clarity and confidence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Abbas emphasizes how the experience reshaped the way he approached problem-solving. What began as a desire to learn Artificial Intelligence soon turned into a complete mindset shift. Through projects that bridged learning with real application, he started to see how AI could move from being a concept to a tool for meaningful change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Building Bonds and Ideas That Go Beyond the Classroom<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n
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One of the defining parts of Abbas\u2019s journey was meeting his peer, Anzar Hasan. Their shared passion for Artificial Intelligence led to something bigger than classroom collaboration. Together, they co-founded several initiatives that combined learning, leadership, and community:<\/p>\n\n\n\n