I stepped off the plane at the crowded airport terminal, clutching my daughter’s hand tightly. My heart raced with anticipation and uncertainty as I looked around at the bustling atmosphere of Detroit Metropolitan Airport. It was 2021, and the world was in the grips of a pandemic, yet here I was, embarking on a new chapter of my life in the United States. With just two suitcases and my daughter by my side, I had left behind everything I knew in Bangladesh to pursue a dream that had flickered in my heart for years.
I had always wanted to study in a place that encouraged free thinking and innovation. But now, it wasn’t just my dream; it was about setting an example for my daughter, Manha, showing her that with courage and determination, anything is possible.
Our new home was a small apartment in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. The transition was tough. Everything was unfamiliar—the culture, the education system, and even the weather. Money was tight, and I found myself juggling on-campus part-time jobs to make ends meet while pursuing my Master’s degree in Public Health at Central Michigan University.
Every morning, I would wake up before dawn, prepare breakfast for Manha, and drop her off at the Central Michigan Child Development and Learning Laboratory before heading to the university. I still remember the long nights, sitting at our tiny dining table with textbooks piled high, determined to grasp every bit of knowledge I could. The exhaustion was real, but so was my drive.
There were moments of doubt when the challenges felt overwhelming. Was I doing the right thing? Had I made a mistake uprooting our lives? But every time I saw Manha’s smiling face, I knew I had to keep pushing forward. I wanted her to see that her mother was fighting for a dream, not just for herself but for both of us.
As I delved deeper into my studies, my passion for public health grew. This journey began when I started my dental practice back in Bangladesh. I quickly realized that dental treatment was often expensive and that many dental issues were highly preventable with proper care and education. It struck me that focusing on dental health education could have a profound impact on the community.
I participated in school-based oral health programs and field practices and even ran a mobile dental clinic in my town for underserved people. These experiences taught me the importance of prevention and health education and drew my attention to the broader field of public health. I began to see the critical role public health played, especially in the midst of the global pandemic, when I worked at local clinics, assisting with COVID-19 testing and vaccination efforts alongside Bangladesh government officials.
This work, combined with my dental practice experiences, brought my coursework to life and reinforced my desire to make a difference. I realized that by shifting the focus from treatment to prevention and education, I could help change people’s perceptions of health as a public health concern on a broader scale. This realization ignited my big dream: to transform how people understand and engage with their health, moving towards a more informed and proactive approach.
My hard work didn’t go unnoticed. I was offered a graduate assistantship, which not only provided financial relief but also invaluable experience. I felt my confidence grow with each passing day, knowing that I was gaining the skills and knowledge to create meaningful change.
Through it all, Manha was my greatest source of strength. Watching her adapt to our new life with such resilience inspired me every day. We became a team, supporting and encouraging each other. Our bond deepened, and I realized that this journey was shaping both of us in profound ways.
As I stood on stage in my cap and gown, a wave of emotions washed over me—pride, gratitude, and disbelief that we had made it this far. Looking out into the audience and seeing Manha’s beaming face was a moment I will cherish forever. All the sacrifices, sleepless nights, and hard work had led to this point.
With my degree in hand, I accepted a position as a Health Educator at the Washtenaw County Health Department. My work allows me to design programs and strategies to improve community health outcomes, focusing on vulnerable populations.
Yet, I know this is just the beginning. I continue to learn and grow, driven by the same passion and dedication that brought me here. My story is one of resilience and hope, a testament to the power of education and the strength of a mother’s love.
To anyone who dares to dream, no matter the obstacles, know that you have the power to overcome them. Courage, strength, and perseverance can turn even the most impossible dreams into reality.
