‘I want to work for child development’

risingbd, country’s leading and popular news portal, is publishing stories on persons who have shown success in various fields. As part of its efforts, Nabila Nowshin is writing stories under the banner ‘In series #30days30souls’. Recently, she interviewed Nusrat Zaman who is an artist and architect.  She has also been doing work in YouTube and Facebook with her company ‘Reflection Art’. In the exclusive interview, Nusrat Zaman talked about her childhood, education life, her struggle, experiences, children’s mental health and more which are given below.

Hello, how are you?
Hello, Alhamdulillah I’m fine.

From where you completed your S.S.C and H.S.C?
I completed my S.S.C from Faridpur Govt. Girls High School in 2010 and H.S.C in 2012 from Sharoda Shundari Mohila College in Faridpur.

Right now where and which subject are you studying in?
I completed my undergraduate in architecture from Ahsanullah University.

Where did you use to live in your childhood? Tell us one memorable story from your childhood!
In my childhood, I used to live in Faridpur. I remember when I was 7 years old, one day my mom said that she was expecting another child and she asked me if I wanted a baby brother or a baby sister. I was so excited after hearing the news and I told my mom that I wished to have a sister with whom I can play with my dolls. And by the grace of Almighty Allah, my mom gave birth to an amazing baby girl. I was so excited and happy on that day and my sister is one of the most precious gifts in my life.

Do you want to give any advice to a 16-year old-yourself?
I would advise, be brave and live a life true to yourself.  

Is there anything that you wanted to achieve from your childhood and now you have got it? If yes, then what is this and how did you achieve this?
I have been fond of art since my childhood. So, I have always wanted to do something which is related to art. But I also wanted to be an engineer. Then I decided to be an architect because this subject is the perfect mixer of science and art. I have always been so dedicated to architecture. And now I’m a senior architect of an architectural consultancy firm called “BALADHITTO”. Besides that, I have my own company called “Reflection Art”.
 

In this moment we all know we have got some precious free time. So, what are you doing with this time? Are you doing something productive? Share it with us! We would like to know your activities.
I hardly get any free time because I have been doing my official work from home and recently I have started a YouTube channel. So, I’m working on it as well.

What is your dream job?
I want to work for child development.

So, you are a student of architecture. So much concentration and energy is needed to read in this subject. How was your experience while reading this subject?
Honestly, it was a brilliant journey! This subject demands a lot of commitment and sacrifices. Each day used to feel like a battle. Life used to revolve around designs, projects, submissions and deadlines. I spent so many sleepless nights due to working on projects. But while reading on this subject, I have gained some amazing experiences. It has taught me a lot about life and everything. The whole experience was gratifying. 

As now you are successful with this subject, but before that did you face any problem or get pressuried with this subject? If yes, then how did you overcome that?
Yes, I had to face a lot of difficulties while studying this subject but as I mentioned before, I have always been so dedicated to this subject. I always knew that I could do it. I had faith in my hard work. Life is all about struggle and hard work. You just need to trust in your hard work.

You are also an artist I see. Since when you started to draw?
Since my childhood. My mom said I was 3 years old when I first made a drawing. I used to love making paintings on the wall when I was a child.

Recently you have opened a YouTube channel, where you post your artworks. First of all welcome to that platform and thank you for giving us new drawings everyday. When you think that you should open a YouTube channel and who inspired you the most to do this?
Thank you so much for your appreciation. It means a lot!  Honestly, I had no idea that one day I would open a YouTube channel. But I have always had a desire to work for children's mental health. During this pandemic, we all know that we have been going through a lot. And it’s becoming hard to keep ourselves distracted from all the negative things happening around us. Children are also facing some difficulties to keep good mental health as they can’t go outside and their institutions will remain closed for a long time. So, I wanted to do something which can inspire them to increase their productivity during this lockdown. Then I opened a YouTube channel where I upload painting videos for people of all ages. I hope my videos will help them to spend their free time doing something productive and I hope they will enjoy watching it.
 

Besides these, what do you like to do the most in your pastime?
I love watching movies.

After 10 years where do you want to see yourself?
I want to see myself as a master degree holder architect who would be the owner of her architectural child developing company.

In your journey who were always beside you and whom you want to say thanks the most?
In my student life, my mom always supported me and now my husband helps me a lot in every situation. He inspires me a lot to do all the things I have always wanted to do. He motivates me to stay positive in every situation in life. I really want to thank this person and my family members for always being there for me.

So, In series #30days30souls you are one of those 30 people. How do you feel to take part in this?
I feel lucky and I am very much honoured to be a part of this. Thank you so much Nabila Nawshin for counting me in this series.

And also, there are 29 more people like you who are passionate about their work and doing great for the world. Do you want to give any message to them?
Firstly, I would like to say that I feel so special to be in this series with 29 other inspiring people. They all are doing great. I want to say to them that stay positive, be confident, work hard, love yourself and life.

***  Mental health matters

*** ‘Since childhood I was a very stylish kid’

*** ‘I try to teach myself a new thing everyday’

*** ‘Become a leader, not a boss’

*** ‘I am in love with baking’

*** ‘Work hard and consistency is the key’

*** ‘I read about 50 books a year’

***‘Exploring colours gives birth to a spark inside of me’

***‘Every great dream begins with a dreamer’

Dhaka/Mukul