SAYING GOODBYE

I first joined The Star magazine in February 2010, with no experience in journalism and a degree in Psychology under my belt. I remember thinking at my interview that I would never get this job, but the then editor, Ms Aasha Mehreen Amin took a chance on me and allowed me to be a part of her team, and for that, I will be forever grateful. I remember being in awe of the Star team—Aasha apa, Kajalie Shahreen Islam, Elita Karim, Zain Al  Mahmood, Tamanna Khan, Zahed Khan -  all brilliant journalists who took me under their wing, becoming my mentors and my family. I remember wanting to be just like them someday, when I saw my first story in print. I had covered an art exhibition and was so proud to see my name next to theirs. 

Every time someone read my articles, my parents my teachers, friends etc I remember bursting with pride and wanting to improve myself with every piece I turned in. As my work continued, I was exposed to an entirely different country than the one I thought I knew so well. I met extraordinary people, saw amazing places and learned to look at the world differently. I also faced the harsh realities I had been sheltered from and learned to fight for what I believed in.

Over the years, I worked with many talented journalists at The Star (now The Star Weekend) Sushmita S Preetha, Soraya Auer, Rifat Munim , Akram Hosen and some of my best friends - Naziba Basher, Kazi Tahsin Agaz Apurbo and Apurba Jahangir- all of whom made me look forward to going to work every day. The hours we spent chatting over coffee in the canteen, our crazy Tuesday nights before the magazine went to print, our hangouts after office, are memories I will hold on to and cherish forever.

I'd like to think I have changed and grown as a person during my years at The Daily Star. I have learned to be more patient, tolerant and respectful of my people. I was able to write about matters close to my heart-social issues, human rights issues and every time I turned in my articles, I felt like I had made a small difference somewhere, and I will remember that feeling and take it with me wherever I go. 

This is my last official piece for the Star Weekend and I am heartbroken as I say goodbye. I'd like to thank everyone I worked with and all my readers, for taking time out of your Fridays to read what I had to say.