In this insightful conversation, we sit down with Nasrin Jabin, an exceptional scholar whose journey from the University of Dhaka to a globally recognized academic in the United States exemplifies resilience, vision, and purpose. A proud recipient of both the Dean’s Award (2017) and the Tajuddin Ahmad Peace Gold Medal, she has consistently exemplified excellence, humility, and purpose ; whether studying in Dhaka, authoring গবেষণা প্রারম্ভীকা to empower young researchers or now pursuing her PhD at Washington State University.
YSSE: What inspired you to start your PhD journey and would love to know your experience so far.
Nasrin Jabin: Actually I started my PhD journey with the hope of deepening my understanding of global politics and contributing to meaningful change. The path was obviously not smooth. It was challenging but I think these challenges have made me stronger. I applied to four universities and got fully-funded acceptance for a PhD program from three of them and chose Washington State University as it is highly reputed as an R1 university in the USA. I recently started my PhD in Fall 2024 journey and feel like I am learning everyday learning something new every day. It feels like the boundaries of my knowledge are widening. Now I realize that, earlier, my conceptual complexity was low. I used to think most of things in black and white but after coming here, as my exposure has increased a lot, Now I started to think out of the box. Now I feel there lies something subtly between true and not true, right and wrong, black and white! I’ve learned that we must look ahead, and my professors, and the literature they recommend, are giving me those horizons. These experiences are shaping me, and I’m excited for a journey of meaningful learning and growth.
YSSE: Were there any obstacles in your path to success? If any,what were they and how did you overcome them?
Nasrin Jabin: Yes, there were difficult times, but I embraced them truly. The challenges came in many forms, e.g., financial, political, academic, visible, invisible, and abstract. I had to bear all my educational expenses when I started college (higher secondary). used to teach students as private tutor. During my undergraduate years, I can vividly remember that I taught four students in different parts of the city. That was a tiring routine indeed, but I knew it would pay off.
To me, struggle and hard work are not just necessities; they are ways of living and celebrating life. What matters most are the values you uphold, the ethics you follow, and the philosophy you live by.
YSSE: Who has been the biggest inspiration in your journey ?
Nasrin Jabin: My mother is my biggest inspiration. She is wise, creative, and endlessly caring. She loves reading, with two shelves full of books at home, and enjoys crochet and gardening, especially growing medicinal plants to help neighbors. From quick home remedies to life lessons, she has taught me everything. From handling struggles and believing in myself to loving others with respect and sincerity, all she teaches me every time. She believes peace begins within, and her silent strength, endless sacrifices, and unconditional love continue to guide me. One day, I hope to write her full story.
YSSE: In recent years many students have shown a strong interest in pursuing higher education abroad. Based on your experience, what advice would you offer to those considering this path ?
Nasrin Jabin: My advice is to not just aim for a degree, but to prepare yourself for the journey. I decided to study abroad much later, after completing my master’s, but even before that, I was writing SOPs, applications, and motivation letters for others. It taught me that being skilled and well- equipped matters more than the degree alone. Equip yourself with strong writing, research, communication, and digital skills. Build a solid social-academic profile, stay true to your values, think deeply, and embrace every opportunity to learn and grow. These will be your true strengths, both at home and abroad.
YSSE: Could you share your future plans or long-term vision or goal moving forward?
Nasrin Jabin: My long-term goal is to bridge the gap between research (outcome) and real-world impact. Too often, research remains on paper, fails to reach the policy level, or, even if it does, is not implemented. I want to change that by connecting academic work with actionable outcomes. Ultimately, I hope to return to Bangladesh and create an enabling environment where research is fostered and nurtured. In the near future, I aim to establish an institution for young scholars, especially dedicated and underprivileged youth, where they can learn, work, and lead. I envision a research culture that is inclusive, locally rooted, and globally relevant, and I want to play an active role in this positive transformation of society.
Nasrin Jabin’s story is a beautiful reminder that authenticity and empathy shape true success. From teaching to support herself, earning top honors, and writing a research guide in her mother tongue, to embracing her PhD and envisioning an institution to uplift others—her path is marked by perseverance, heart, and hope. Thank you for sharing your journey, Nasrin; it’s a privilege to be inspired by your vision of inclusive, impactful academia.
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Writer,
Areeba Ibnat Mamun
Intern, Content Writing Department
YSSE