Fires, Dreams, and Learning: My IMFSE Journey

Have you ever found yourself wondering, “How did I get here? What led me to this moment?” I’ve had several of these introspective moments, especially when I embarked on my master’s degree journey in IMFSE. It all began when a girl from a small country like Bangladesh left her home to chase her dreams. I vividly remember every step of that journey, as it marked my first time traveling abroad and taking on the responsibility of managing everything on my own. IMFSE, for me, isn’t just a master’s program; it’s a life-changing experience filled with struggles, lessons, and growth.

I hail from a country where using emergency doors during emergencies can be challenging, fire hydrants sometimes lack water connections, and many people are unsure about what to do in a fire emergency. Transitioning from this context to a dedicated fire safety-related master’s program was a significant challenge. My background was in Building Engineering and Construction Management, where I learned about building construction but had little exposure to building safety during fire emergencies.

Before leaving my homeland, I was filled with excitement. I couldn’t help but daydream about the beauty of Scotland and the prestigious University of Edinburgh. However, reality hit me hard in the first week of IMFSE classes. Understanding what the professors were saying was a struggle and my two-week delay due to a visa issue added to the difficulties. At times, I questioned if I had made the right decision, wondering if this program was truly suited for me. It was during these uncertain times that my friend Amina offered me a reassuring reminder, “You are here just because you deserve to be here.” Her simple yet profound support acted as a powerful tonic. I persevered and soon came to the realization that choosing this path was indeed the best decision of my life.

The initial weeks were challenging as I found myself studying alongside peers who already possessed extensive knowledge of fire safety engineering. Some had their own companies, and others had substantial work experience. I compared myself to them and worried that I might not measure up. However, I reminded myself that I came here to learn, and my knowledge would grow significantly over some time. Now, just a year later, I can confidently say that I know far more than I did before. One thing that became clear is that this program is suitable for individuals from various backgrounds. We had students from electrical, mechanical, chemical, safety, civil engineering, and architecture backgrounds. Some were fresh graduates, while others had years of experience. When we started, we all had specific strengths and weaknesses, but now, we stand on equal ground, having gained a wealth of knowledge from this program.

Over the past year, I’ve undergone a profound transformation. The two semesters I spent at the University of Edinburgh and Lund University, guided by some inspiring professors, have been nothing short of amazing. This opportunity, I must say, has allowed me to delve into self-discovery. Today, I find myself a more confident, enthusiastic, and independent individual than I was just one year ago. During the summer break, when I had the chance to return to my home country, I made a sensible decision to explore the field of fire safety and gain professional experience through an internship at FRISSBE. This journey was both enjoyable and enlightening, and I look forward to sharing more about my summer adventures soon.

IMFSE has been instrumental in helping me understand the critical importance of fire engineering. Prior to this program, fire was merely a physical phenomenon extinguished with water. Now, I comprehend that a small candle flame can escalate into a massive fire. Whenever I see a building, I instinctively consider its evacuation plan and ponder how people behave in a fire. These were not common thoughts for me before, but now I recognize their significance.

In essence, this exceptional program is accessible to all backgrounds, and it unravels the mysteries of fire engineering visually. The curriculum, combining theory and practical components, is designed in such a way that every student can relate it to their background. It doesn’t change your background; instead, it enriches your career. A year into the program, I noticed a significant shift in my perspective. I began to approach building construction with a heightened focus on fire safety and its intricacies.

I am deeply grateful to everyone who supported me on this journey.

Thank You 😊

Every year, this program produces remarkable fire engineers while also welcoming a new batch of hopeful students. If you're reading this and feel that you could be the next person to benefit from this fantastic program and add value to your engineering career, consider applying for the IMFSE 2024 cohort. 🔥 Applications for the IMFSE 2024 cohort are now open! 🔥 CLICK HERE TO KNOW MORE 🔥