Cringing as I type!

My tutor asked me to write a blog about ME... so I thought I'd post it on here too.  I don't particularly like writing about myself because I think it has that 'cringe-factor' about it.  Anyway here goes....

My Story…. so far.

My name is Asma Begum.   I was born and have spent my whole life in London. My parents are of Bangladeshi descent and immigrated to the UK in the 1970’s. I have been bought up in a humble and hardworking family and in turn it has made me very appreciative of life and what it brings. I have one sister and two brothers and I am the youngest. I am bubbly, friendly and a well grounded individual.  I have lived in the east end of London all my life.  I love the fact that it is rich in culture, creativity and has a wealth of history.  When I think of London; I think of a multi-cultural, fast paced, metropolitan city. London has its mixture of high-rise buildings, listed buildings, Victorian town houses and run down tower blocks.  On one hand you have Canary Wharf which is situated in the heart of London’ east end.  It is a haven for corporate offices and high end shops, restaurants and cafés which are not too far from home.

1938 London Underground Map

On the other hand, if you delve deeper into the cobble street you also have the beautiful architectures of Victorian houses and old town halls to admire.  I especially love the experience of the bustling culture and vibrancy of Spitalfields’ market where I spent most of my childhood years and still visit now.  Likewise I love the hidden treasures and vintage charm of Camden Market and Covent Garden.  These places make me feel proud to be a Londoner and keeps me grounded in a fast-paced city.

1999 London Underground Map

I am currently studying Media and Creative Industries and the subjects which I have chosen are Journalism, Creative Writing and Theatre Studies.  Previous to attending UEL Docklands; I have worked in a number of jobs; from fast-food at McDonalds during my college years (which also helped pay for driving lessons) to working in a flagship retail store in bustling Oxford Street and survey work on foot, which I gained invaluable experience from.  I gradually worked my way up to a senior managerial role in retail administration field whilst working part-time and studying at university.  In 2001 I dropped my university studies as at the time an opportunity for promotion was offered to me at my workplace which I took on.

A few years later I got married and not long after I had a baby! I was enjoying motherhood so took a year-long break from work.  At the same time I was living like a nomad, renting here and there.  It was difficult moving place to place with a baby and it was a terrible time for me, but I had to dust off my shoulders and continue. When my child turned one I went back to work. It wasn’t easy as any mother would know but I always had this drive to keep mentally motivated and challenged.  My experience in the field of Administration and having studied Business Administration at university in year one landed me in a job in Administration with the NHS/Metropolitan Police.  I worked for a sexual assault referral centre as Administrator/PA.  Initially the work involved was difficult but I had to learn to become thick-skinned and professional at my work. I worked there for several years until I decided to have another baby.  I worked through my pregnancy as I had done before with my first child.  Unfortunately my second child was born with a congenital heart disease and had special needs requiring my 24/7 attention.  I went on maternity leave and then on a two year career break.  I knew I could not exhaust any more time off from work to care for my chronically ill child so had no option but to resign.   My resignation was emotional and so was the job.  It took a toll on me and I needed a change of scene.  Although I was really hardworking, organised and efficient at my administrative job; it was something that I was ‘good at’ but was not necessarily what I ‘enjoyed’ doing.  

The realisation of wanting to do something I enjoyed and not just something I was good at came to me during long hospital stays and the sleepless nights at home.  It got me pondering how I could draw on my experiences in life.  I knew what I went through whether good or bad made me who I am today.  I knew I had a story to tell hence I turned to writing.  I had always kept a diary from childhood as far back as I could remember!  In my spare time I would write down my thoughts in a notebook.  I eventually started my own blog writing articles, general matters and poems. In the meanwhile my youngest child grew older and began to thrive and seem more well within herself.  She now attends a special needs school which she loves. I found I had more and more time to myself. I just could not be a full-time mum, housewife; I became restless. I was in the mind-set to do something; to achieve, to follow my dreams… wherever it may take me.

I decided to go back to studying and now I contemplate that this move to go back to university and to finish my degree has been the best decision yet.  I do not regret leaving my studies 10 years ago because I would have just probably been stuck doing admin because that’s all I would know and have not known any different.  

So here I am following my heart and passion for writing.   Whether it is journalism, writing or screenwriting I choose to do; I am hopeful furthering my studies will equip me with the skills, knowledge and experience needed to follow my dreams.