Naziba Sayem, a Laidlaw Scholar at The University of Hong Kong, on learning that ambition is less about perfect plans and more about finding a way forward when they change.

From navigating an unexpected setback in her research to joining animal-rescue efforts in Dhaka, Naziba Sayem’s experiences have reshaped how she thinks about determination and ambition. Falling seriously ill midway through a research summer forced her to rethink plans she had mapped out in meticulous detail, while her work with a local rescue community showed her how shared purpose can sustain us through difficult and emotionally demanding work.

In this week's Scholars on Ambition feature, Naziba reflects on adapting when things do not go to plan, staying connected to the purpose behind a goal and finding strength in a community working towards change.

Ambition often means setting clear goals and persisting through setbacks with a strong inner drive. Can you share a moment when you worked toward a specific goal and kept going despite the challenges you encountered? This could be from your experience as a scholar or as a leader more broadly. 

I have the tendency to plan things intricately to the dot, and since I was so excited to go to the UK and work on my research this summer, all of it was laid out neatly in abundant notes and Google Calendar events. I equated this fastidiousness with determination and ambition – but my summer experiences taught me a way deeper lesson about practicality. Real determination counts when the ‘perfect’ plans are distorted through extreme challenges; that is what happened to me when I fell terribly sick halfway through my research. I was incredibly upset that my highly anticipated summer was to be ‘ruined’. However, after a brief period of discouragement, I reflected on the passion that took me that far on this scholarship, and how making the most out of learning from driven scientists in the lab meant too much for me to give up. After redirecting my research plans, I finally landed some insightful findings and was overjoyed. It reinforced my ambition and inspired me to work harder towards my future goals, instead of dwelling on what could have been different.

Working in the microbiology lab of a paediatric hospital during my training under Child Health Research Foundation two years ago

Imaging adipocyte samples during my Laidlaw research project this summer

Ambition can mean being driven by a core group mission alongside aligned values. Have you ever worked in a team guided by a shared purpose or mission to create positive change? 

The most impactful months of my life followed after meeting a member of an animal rescue group at the vet clinic during my attempt to rescue a wounded stray cat. We bonded over our shared concerns for the dire state of stray cats and dogs in my hometown Dhaka, and I was truly moved learning about their contributions in a city where people do not seem to care about animal rights. Through joining their efforts, I finally felt like I had the power to actively feed, vaccinate and treat more strays. Most importantly, finding such a passionate community for this meaningful purpose was an invaluable feeling; it kept me from losing hope on days I faced jarring cases or dealt with loss.

If you want to learn more about Naziba's work, explore her research here and follow her on LinkedIn.  

 Previously in Scholars on Ambition

Samuel Kamalendran on intellectual ambition and shared purpose

How can ambition expand what we believe ourselves capable of, and what changes when that ambition becomes collective?

Read Samuel’s reflection →