By Tarannum Ahmed
MUSE’s Deja Vu section speaks to alumni of the Department of English and Humanities to learn about their experiences here and how they are navigating their lives now. In this issue, we highlight the journey of Syed Navid Anjum Hasan, a talented alumnus of DEH, who is currently a documentation and training officer at Research Initiatives, Bangladesh. In this issue, Navid delves into his life’s commitment to working for the betterment of society and finding success in his goals. Navid gives ULAB special credit for shaping his life the way he had originally envisioned. In this article, Navid talks to Tarannum Ahmed about how he paved the way for finding fulfillment in his work and studies while simultaneously growing and improving himself.
Before joining ULAB, I was a vastly different version of myself—full of curiosity, but lacking a
sense of direction. My days were often spent exploring random interests such as losing myself in novels or movies. During my college days, my strong academic performance created high
expectations from those around me. It felt as though these expectations dictated my future path,
leaving me with limited freedom to explore or choose my own direction for higher education.
This pressure often made it difficult to focus on what I truly wanted. While these pursuits
brought me joy, they felt disjointed from my academics and left me feeling unanchored. I loved
storytelling and had a fascination with how language could evoke emotions, yet I didn’t know
how to turn this passion into something meaningful. I was also an introvert who rarely
stepped outside my comfort zone. Social gatherings intimidated me, and I often stuck to familiar
environments, unsure of how to navigate new experiences or connect with others deeply.
One day, while walking with a friend, we were discussing where to enroll for our higher
education. We wanted to find a place where we could embark on our academic journey together. During this time, I visited ULAB, collected an admission form, and started preparing for the entrance exam. I kept this decision to myself, not even sharing it with my parents until the day I successfully passed the exam and got admitted. It was a bold step, but I felt confident that ULAB was the right place to nurture my dreams.
When it came to choosing a university, ULAB immediately stood out to me. Known for its
dynamic learning environment and commitment to fostering creativity and innovation, ULAB
offered more than just a conventional education. It presented a unique opportunity to grow both
academically and personally. Among the many departments, I was particularly drawn to the Department of English and Humanities. The curriculum resonated deeply with my interests, offering an exciting blend of literature, linguistics, cultural studies, and creative writing. These were subjects I was passionate about, and I longed to explore how stories and language shape the world around us. I was especially intrigued by the way narratives could influence societies, bridge cultural divides, and create new perspectives.
What truly set DEH apart for me was its interdisciplinary approach, which encourages students
to think critically and creatively. The department’s emphasis on intellectual curiosity and
fostering diverse viewpoints aligned perfectly with my aspirations. I believed this was the ideal
place to refine my skills, broaden my understanding, and prepare myself for a future where I
could make meaningful contributions through the power of language and storytelling.
Looking back now, choosing ULAB was one of the most pivotal decisions of my life. It provided me with a platform to nurture my ambitions and explore the boundless potential of the humanities.
Throughout my time at ULAB, I had the privilege of organizing several impactful international
conferences under the Department of English and Humanities such as the International Conference on Magic and Literature in 2016. This two-day event explored the fascinating intersections of magic and literature, where we delved into how magic has shaped human storytelling across cultures.
For three consecutive years (2016, 2017, 2018), I also had the opportunity to organize the Inter-University
Student Conference and Cultural Program. These events brought together students from
various universities to showcase their talents, share ideas, and engage in enriching
discussions.
As a sub-editor of MUSE, my role allowed me to be deeply involved in the editorial process, working closely with writers and other editors to curate and refine articles, essays, and creative works submitted by students. MUSE provided a platform for students to showcase their literary talents and academic insights, and I was thrilled to contribute to its growth. The experience not only enhanced my attention to detail but also deepened my appreciation for the written word and the power of student voices in academic and creative expression.
Life after ULAB is a commitment—a commitment to serve not only myself but the
people and my country. ULAB has equipped me with the tools, mindset, and passion to make a
meaningful difference in the world. The knowledge and experiences I gained there continue to
shape my purpose and goals in life.
One of the most important lessons I learned during my time at ULAB was the value of purpose-
driven work. I am committed to using my skills, knowledge, and passion to contribute positively
to society. Whether it is through community service, promoting education, or advocating for
important causes, I am determined to make a difference in the lives of others. At the same time, I’ve realized that loving what I do is the key to success and fulfillment. I truly love my work—whether it is organizing events, working on projects, or pursuing professional opportunities. The sense of purpose and joy I find in my work keeps me motivated and encourages me to constantly grow and improve.
Moreover, my journey after ULAB is also about personal growth. I am dedicated to continuously
learn, evolve, and challenge myself, because I believe that in order to serve others, I must first be the best version of myself. ULAB has taught me that life is about balance—giving to others, serving my community, but also taking care of my own personal growth and well-being. In the end, life after ULAB is about making a meaningful impact—on people, on my country, and on myself. I love what I do, and I am committed to doing it with passion, dedication, and purpose.
And it absolutely aligns with my original plan. When I first began my journey, I envisioned a
path filled with success, personal growth, and the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the
world. At the time, I had a clear goal to work hard, develop my leadership abilities, and make a
positive impact in the lives of others. Looking back, I can confidently say that my journey
through ULAB and beyond has shaped me in ways that not only align with but also exceed my
initial expectations.
My experiences, particularly within the Department of English and Humanities, have
helped me grow into a more confident leader and a person with a strong sense of purpose. I have developed skills, both personal and professional, that have enabled me to pursue my passions and serve my community.
While my original plan was focused on achieving success, I now realize that the journey has
been just as important as the destination. I have found joy and fulfillment in the work I do, and
my goals have evolved to center around making a meaningful difference in the lives of others
while continuing to grow and challenge myself.
If I were asked to send any message to my esteemed faculty members and my fellow students in DEH, I would say that as I reflect on my time at ULAB, I am filled with immense gratitude for the role they all have played in shaping my journey. To the faculty members, your guidance, encouragement, and dedication to teaching has been pivotal in my growth. They have not only imparted knowledge but also inspired us to think critically, to question, and to approach challenges with creativity.
The lessons I’ve learned in ULAB’s classrooms will continue to resonate with me throughout my life, shaping how I approach both my professional and personal endeavors.
To the readers of MUSE, know that every journey is unique and filled with its own twists and
turns. Whether you are at the start of your academic career or reflecting on your professional life, remember that growth comes from embracing the unexpected. ULAB’s Department of English and Humanities is more than just a department—it is a community where dreams are nurtured and ideas come to life. Seize the opportunities it offers, and you will find yourself evolving in ways you never thought was possible. Let your passions guide you, and never stop learning.