by: Mahmodul Hasan Shesheir
There was a time when I believed my dreams had ended before they even truly began. After failing to secure admission into a public university, I fell into a state of despair. Thoughts of hopelessness consumed me, and in my darkest moments, I questioned whether life itself was worth continuing. Thankfully, amidst the overwhelming gloom, one answer shone clearly: No, giving up was not an option.
My family, especially my elder brother Shawon, became the lifeline I so desperately needed. His unwavering support and guidance helped pull me out of the abyss. With his encouragement, I found the strength to apply elsewhere and eventually secured admission into East West University (EWU) in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Entering university life was both exciting and terrifying. The environment was foreign, the faces unfamiliar, and the expectations seemed daunting. I was painfully shy and often too afraid even to strike up a conversation with my classmates. Everything felt overwhelming, and I doubted whether I could survive, let alone succeed, in such a setting.
Despite these fears, I pushed through my insecurities. During my first semester, I earned a CGPA of 3.1. Initially, I was pleased — it was a solid start. However, I soon discovered that a perfect 4.0 CGPA was not just a myth but an achievable goal. Inspired and determined, I refocused my efforts, dedicating myself wholeheartedly to my studies. My hard work paid off when the university recognized me as a Dean’s List Scholar, a prestigious honor given only to top-performing students.
Throughout my journey at EWU, I had the good fortune to meet several faculty members who became instrumental in shaping my academic career. Their mentorship, encouragement, and genuine care transformed my university experience from a daunting challenge into a rewarding adventure. In fact, some professors became closer to me than many classmates. They were my true companions, guiding lights who celebrated my hard work, passion, and resilience.
Two faculty members in particular stand out as pivotal figures in my story: Dr. Nazmul Hoque and Dr. Basanta Kumar Barmon.
Dr. Nazmul Hoque, a brilliant mind in the Department of Economics, became my academic supervisor. I first met him during my Intermediate Macroeconomic Theory I course. After my first midterm exam, where I scored 78 out of 100, Dr. Hoque expressed surprise. Knowing my active participation and strong grasp of the material in class, he expected a much higher score. In my answer script, he left a note: “Shesheir, please meet me during office hours.”
During our meeting, Dr. Hoque didn’t criticize or belittle me. Instead, he sought to understand the underlying reasons for my performance and encouraged me to aim higher. His confidence in my abilities and his motivational words fueled my desire to excel further. With renewed determination, I not only improved my grades in his course but also developed a deeper love for economics.
Dr. Basanta Kumar Barmon was another beacon of inspiration. One of the most dynamic and respected professors at EWU, Dr. Barmon taught me across four different courses. One memorable class was Mathematics for Business and Economics II, a subject that many students found challenging. Under his guidance, I achieved the highest grade in the class, an accomplishment that strengthened my self-belief and earned me the honor of being one of his favorite students.
What made Dr. Barmon unique was his constant encouragement toward research and inquiry. He instilled in his students the importance of critical thinking and academic exploration, lessons that will stay with me for a lifetime. Thanks to his mentorship, I now appreciate the true power of research and its impact beyond the classroom.
Throughout my time at East West University, I learned that success is not merely about earning good grades. It is about resilience, relationships, and an unwavering commitment to growth. My initial failures taught me humility, and the support I received taught me gratitude. I came to understand that even when life feels unbearably heavy, there are always people who will stand by you — but you must also stand up for yourself.
April 16th marked one of the proudest moments of my life: my official graduation from EWU’s Department of Economics. Walking across the stage to receive my degree, I reflected on the difficult road I had traveled. I thought about the despair I once felt, the endless nights of studying, the caring mentors who believed in me, and my family, whose love carried me through.
I am deeply thankful to my parents, who sacrificed so much for my education; to my professors, whose faith in my potential never wavered; and to my friends and classmates, who made the journey brighter. Most importantly, I am grateful to my brother Shawon, without whom none of this would have been possible.
Today, I share my story not for applause but for anyone who feels lost or defeated. Life may not always unfold the way we expect, but every setback carries the seed of a comeback. Success is not reserved for the fortunate few; it belongs to those who refuse to give up.
If my journey teaches anything, it is that resilience, hard work, and the support of kind-hearted people can change the course of a life. I hope my story inspires others who are struggling to believe in themselves — even when the path seems impossible.
Your dreams are worth fighting for. So, fight for them.
Author is a Research Associate at Yale University, United States and Alumni of East west University, Department of Economics.
