When Naima Jannat Taki, known to many as Taki apu, became First Class First from the Institute of Education and Research at University of Dhaka, it was more than just an academic milestone. It was the result of years of resilience, thoughtful choices, and consistent effort.

When she first saw her result, the emotions came all at once. “It was a mix of emotions,” she says. “I felt relieved, proud, and happy. However, it felt almost unreal at first.” For her, that moment carried deeper meaning. “It was the moment when I realised all the sacrifices and hard work finally paid off.”

Alongside that realisation came gratitude. “I felt grateful to have all the support I got along the way.”

Her journey was not defined by convention. One of her most significant decisions was shifting from Science to Humanities during college, a choice that is often misunderstood. The decision came after a difficult phase in her life.

“In 10th grade, I was seriously ill and had to stay in bed for almost a year,” she shares. “At one point, I thought I might not be able to continue my studies anymore.”

After recovering, she reconsidered her priorities. She was advised not to take too much pressure, and she also had a strong interest in social science subjects. “So, without much confusion, I chose Humanities,” she explains. While her family supported her fully, others were not as encouraging.

“My family supported me without any question, but I had to face a lot of negative comments from others.” Still, she stayed firm. “I decided not to pay any attention to them, as I believed I knew what I was doing.”

Looking back, she challenges the mindset she once faced. “This is a very misguided belief that only weak students take Humanities or Social Science,” she says. From her perspective as an education graduate, merit cannot be defined so narrowly. “Our interests and goals should guide our choices.” Although she sees some progress, she notes that “perceptions are changing, but very slowly and mostly in urban areas.”

Beyond academics, her involvement in extracurricular activities played a crucial role in shaping her outlook. Among these, one experience stands out. “Co-founding Stories of Inclusion has been the most impactful experience for me,” she says.

The organisation focuses on disability inclusion and reshaped her perspective. “It taught me to think beyond myself and to consider the experiences and challenges of others.” That awareness now influences her everyday thinking. “I naturally try to see things from different viewpoints and think about how my actions can affect people around me.”

Her role as President of the IER Debating Club added another dimension to her journey. For her, leadership goes beyond titles. “Leadership is not just about organising events or assigning tasks,” she explains. “It is about inspiring people, helping them grow, and creating a supportive environment.” She focused on inclusion within the team. “I tried to encourage quieter members to speak up, build their confidence, and make sure everyone felt valued.” Her belief is clear. “Leadership is about bringing out the best in others.”

Debating itself shaped her way of thinking. “I often use debating structures even in my academic writing to present arguments clearly,” she says. This habit contributed to her academic success, but its impact extends further.

“It has enabled me to look at issues from multiple perspectives and to think critically before forming an opinion.” In daily life, this translates into better decisions. “It helps me make more logical and balanced decisions instead of reacting impulsively.”

Balancing academic excellence with such involvement required discipline. “What helped me the most was proper planning and having a clear sense of purpose,” she says. Even before starting university, she had a roadmap. “I had a written plan for what I wanted to achieve over four years, broken down into smaller goals.” This clarity kept her focused. She also relied on small strategies.

“I followed small strategies like rewarding myself after completing tasks.” When it came to studying, she emphasised quality. “I practised deep work. When I studied, I gave it my full attention.” She adds honestly, “I was not someone who studied all day, but I made sure that whatever time I gave was productive.”

Her family remained a constant source of strength. “My family played a huge role in shaping the person I am today,” she says. “They raised me to be confident, independent, and self-assured.” More importantly, they trusted her. “They always trusted my decisions and never restricted me.” That trust gave her the confidence to take risks and follow her own path.

During her final year, she entered another important phase of life through marriage. While many assume this can hinder academic growth, her experience was different. “My experience has been very positive,” she says. “My husband, my family, and my in-laws made sure that it did not affect my studies or activities in any way.” In fact, she found strength in that support. “I got a partner who always pushes me to do my best, even when I doubt myself.” Reflecting on this, she adds, “With the right support, marriage does not have to be a barrier at all.”

Her journey also included difficult moments. “There were times when I had to manage a lot at once, and I could only sleep 3 to 4 hours for several days,” she recalls. “It was physically and mentally exhausting.” In those moments, she focused on persistence. “Sometimes I just focused on getting through the day.”

These experiences strengthened her mindset. “If you truly want to achieve something meaningful, you have to be ready to face difficulties and push beyond your comfort zone.” She adds, “My determination and my mindset of not giving up became my biggest strengths.”

Looking ahead, her goals reflect her passion for learning. “I have always been passionate about studying and learning,” she says. “I feel that academia is where I truly belong.” Her next steps are clear. “My goal is to pursue higher education and become more involved in research while continuing my social work.”

For young students, especially girls, her message is simple yet powerful. “People will always doubt you,” she says. “Often because they could not do it themselves or have not seen it done before.” But she emphasises belief in oneself. “Do not let those voices stop you. Believe in yourself and keep moving forward.” She leaves them with a lasting thought. “Live your life in a way that, a few years from now, you can look back without any regrets and feel proud of how far you have come.”

Her story is not just about academic success. It is about choosing your own path, trusting your decisions, and moving forward with quiet confidence.