Even the happiest, most active people get maudlin sometimes. In this busy world of rushing from moment to moment, it is easy to forget to ease up and take a breath, even if it’s only to sit in remembrance of what has passed. We asked DEH alumni to share some their experiences of their time with us. Here’s what they had to say.
Wafiur Rahman, Summer 2008 batch, graduated in Spring 2012
Was recipient of Summa Cum Laude at ULAB’s 2nd Convocation, 2012
Currently works at United News of Bangladesh (UNB), Bangladesh’s largest private news agency
What is your favorite memory of ULAB?
I got to meet my wife (another proud DEH alumnus), from DEH, no other memory can supersede that.
If you could go back in time and give your past self (as a Fresher) one piece of advice, what would that be?
Never be intimidated by the amount of studying that will come in your pay. Eventually it pays off. There will always be a lot of quizzes, presentations, term papers, extracurricular activities and other things – but they only exist to remind you of the amount of diverse tasks you have to be engaged in once you begin your career.
What aspect of your present life reminds you of ULAB?
Classes began at 8; coincidentally my work begins at 8 in the morning.
Is there any specific experience in ULAB that shaped you as a person?
Multiple activities during my time as a student – attending classes, workshops, seminars, participating in cultural activities, editor of DEH newsletter and more – helped in shaping my versatile nature, which people currently know me for.
What does ULAB mean for you?
A graduate of Literature who started working as a journalist in a business magazine. If that does not define Liberal Arts, I don’t know what does.
Sadia Ambreen Khan, Batch # 071, graduated in 2012
Currently teacher of English Literature at South Breeze School, Dhaka.
What is your favorite memory of ULAB?
If I really do have to narrow it down to one – it would have to be the times when we’d rehearse for the Shakespeare plays during the celebrations of the Bard’s birthday. It meant countless hours of fun with friends and the teachers.
If you could go back in time and give your past self (as a Fresher) one piece of advice, what would that be?
I’d tell myself to give as much time to extra-curricular activities as I did to studies. Studies are important, but then in this age of competition, it’s also important to develop leadership and team co-ordination skills as well.
What aspect of your present life reminds you of ULAB?
All our faculty members had been very understanding and helpful, whether it be for a course or any other problem in our personal lives. Being a teacher now, I try to follow their example and try to be as kind, patient and considerate with my students as they have been with us.
Is there any specific experience in ULAB that shaped you as a person?
The workshops on career counselling helped me immensely in my professional life. Everything from writing resumes, tips on interviews to understanding work place etiquette, has helped me develop a more professional attitude and adjust at work with more ease.
What does ULAB mean for you?
During my stay at ULAB I remember calling ULAB my home away from home in one of my speeches at an orientation program for the Fresher’s at DEH. Years onwards, I still consider ULAB an important pillar of my life – one that nourished and nurtured my skills and helped me gain a better understanding of the professional world.