Creative Corner
Moments of Learning
A Journey of Discovery: Volunteering and the Power of Education
Just after I joined my undergraduate program, as a freshers, the first few semesters were some of the toughest moments of my life. I felt invisible at times, facing subtle biases that shook my confidence and affected my studies. It was a lonely and discouraging period, and I often questioned my place in the system. During those days, I noticed 20–25 children walking past my home every morning to attend the small community school beside me. Their laughter and energy contrasted sharply with the heaviness I felt. They waved at me with innocent enthusiasm, and one day, a thought struck me: “Why not volunteer at this school?” That small thought would grow into one of the most transformative decisions of my life.
The first day I stepped into the classroom, reality hit me hard. The teachers were dedicated but undertrained and fearful of using technology. The school had very limited resources. The students, full of curiosity, came from families struggling to make ends meet. One boy, Imran, left a lasting impression on me. His father worked as a daily laborer at a local Market, with no steady income. Yet Imran’s curiosity, imagination, and hunger for knowledge shone brighter than any hardship he faced. Watching him, I realized: potential doesn’t come from privilege; it comes from passion and opportunity. I began crafting engaging science lessons, often using my own materials or facilitating hands-on activities. Slowly, the classroom transformed. The quiet students began to ask questions; the shy girls found their voices. One day, Imran built a working air cooler from simple materials, demonstrating how he could apply knowledge creatively to solve real-world problems.
In addition to working with the students, I supported the teachers, helping them overcome their fear of technology and limited resources. I witnessed how empowering educators could have a profound impact on students’ learning experiences. I saw the same spark of curiosity in students at Merrigold Ideal School, a more established institution where I also taught, which reinforced my belief: potential exists everywhere. What matters is providing the care, guidance, and opportunity to nurture it.
This experience taught me that education isn’t just about textbooks; it’s about igniting curiosity, empowering students, and building their confidence. That spark of self-belief can change the course of a life, especially in subjects like science and mathematics, where students often fear failure. With the right guidance and encouragement, these subjects can become a source of empowerment, not anxiety.
Reflecting on this, I recall Malala Yousafzai’s words: “One child, one teacher, one book, one pen can change the world.” Volunteering at that community school wasn’t just a turning point for the students-it transformed me as well, shaping me into an educator who believes in the power of education to change lives.
The Silent Struggles of Women in Agriculture
It was a rainy afternoon in the remote southeastern corner of Bangladesh. The steady patter of raindrops against the tin roof created a calming backdrop, but inside the room, the atmosphere was heavy with untold stories. My colleague, Tazrin Siddiqua, and I sat with a group of women, ready to engage in a Focus Group Discussion (FGD), but what we discovered was far more than data. It was a window into the lives of women whose struggles are often overlooked, but whose voices, once heard, carry the weight of generations.
These women are the backbone of agriculture in their communities. They rise before the sun and toil in the fields all day, ensuring their families’ survival. Yet, despite their hard work, they have no control over the money they earn. One woman, her hands rough from years of labor, shared with us, “We work, we harvest, but the money is never ours to keep. It’s always for the men.” Her words echoed the quiet truth of their daily lives—labor that is essential but undervalued, voices that are silenced not by choice, but by an ingrained system of cultural norms and systemic barriers.
As the rain poured outside, I couldn’t help but think how much these women’s voices have been drowned out by society. They are not merely victims of poverty; they are victims of a system that has conditioned them to accept their place in the shadows. Many of them didn’t even realize they had the power to demand change. One woman said, “We’ve never been told we can speak up. We’ve just been told to work.”
This issue transcends economics; it is a fundamental question of human dignity. Inclusivity cannot be an afterthought. Policies, programs, and interventions must be designed with a gender-conscious approach from the outset. Women’s rights, voices, and needs should be central to every conversation.
Empowerment begins with more than awareness; it requires dismantling the invisible barriers women face daily. It begins with education that informs both girls and boys of their rights, and communities that equip women with the tools to claim their voices.
Art Corner
“Art is the only way to run away without leaving home.” – Twyla Tharp
My art is inspired by the beauty of everyday life, drawing from the intricate details of nature, culture, and human connection. Influenced by the works of Salvador Dalí, Frida Kahlo, and the vivid brushstrokes of Van Gogh , whose art sparked my creativity from childhood. I have always seen the sky as a canvas filled with endless possibilities. I view the world through a lens of vibrant imagination and deep introspection, with a passion for surrealism, abstract expressionism, and mixed media. I integrate these artistic elements into my work, whether through visual aids in teaching or incorporating creative design into my research, fostering a more engaging and holistic learning experience.
Photography
Photography is my silent poetry, where each frame captures a fleeting moment in time, frozen in the lens. It’s a dance of light, shadow, and emotion that I weave into my daily writing diary. Each image tells a story, and with every word I write, I breathe life into the visuals, intertwining them in a delicate narrative. This fusion of sight and thought becomes a personal journal, where art and reflection converge, offering a deeper understanding of the world I see through both my camera and my pen.
