Deja vu- Looking Back
Khadija Rubaiyat Tasmia
-Teaching Assistant & 12th term student of DEH
DEH is home to me, a home where I feel safe and I feel myself. DEH guided me to a path of self discovery where I created my own identity with hard work. In 2014, I started my undergraduate journey as a shy and low self-esteemed student who used to sit at the back seat in every classroom. The scenario changed a little after the midterm examination. I still clearly remember when Dr. Shamsad Mortuza, then my Introduction to Literary Genre professor said “Sit in the front row and ask questions. You are doing good, Rubaiyat!”. In addition, on the very same day Nasrin Sultana ma’am, my ENG 101 faculty said my presentation was one of the best she has seen in any of her ENG 101 classes so far. I cried when I returned home that day. I could not remember when was the last time anyone encouraged me such way. I got CGPA 4 out 4 that term! I never thought I could do that after two years of study break. It was not about the compliments I received. It was about the encouraging and supportive approach of the DEH teachers that changed my life.
Something I must address at this point, I recovered from my depression because of the members of this department. This is not an exaggeration but my reality. Was it easy? Of course not! Depression, study-break and low self-esteem always stopped me from doing things I have always wanted to do, such as anchoring/emceeing events. My first time being on stage as an emcee happened in one of the DEH Freshers Orientation. Shamsad sir asked me to do it and said “You can do it” when I mentioned I was scared. Nadia Rahman ma’am was there with me the entire time to support me. Since then the blue ULAB stage has become one of my favorite zone. Now that the word zone came up, the English Zone happened in my academic journey. I was then doing ENG 102 course under Muntasir Mamun sir. He recommended my name along with two other classmates to Christina Torres (English Language Fellow) and Dr. Shamsad Mortuza for the English Zone peer tutor recruitment. I started working at the English Zone as a peer tutor and now I work as a Teaching Assistant- this journey have been wonderful! I had the opportunity to work with experienced and great mentors at the English Zone.
One of the many great things about our department is the teacher-student relationship. They are always there to listen, offer support and forward great opportunities for the students. The environment feels safe. It was November 9, 2014 when I received this group email from Dr. Shamsad Mortuza which he sent across all departments. It was about the U.S. Department of State funded scholarship program. I remember sir saying “Go for it, we will guide you” in email. It was about 8 months long selection process. DEH guided me with full support to write my application form. I was the only student from ULAB and one of the 10 Bangladeshi students who got selected for this CCI scholarship program in 2015. One of the former faculty members, Shayeekh-Us-Saleheen sir wrote my recommendation letter when I applied for this scholarship. He is a man with a big heart full of love for his students. I can truly go on and on and share my gratitude towards DEH and my teachers.
Besides excellent academic opportunities, DEH has prepared me for my professional life skillfully. Teaching Assistants of DEH are involved in diverse range of work. We get opportunities to work closely with the faculty members in designing promotional materials, organizing international conferences, workshops, seminars and more. I have improved my communication skills, management skills, conflict resolution skills, team building skills and workplace etiquette because of all the experiences DEH has given me.
I would encourage my juniors and future DEHians to know, explore and love this department. DEH community is where I belong and I will forever remain grateful to each and every faculty member of this department.