As the world comes together to celebrate World Book Day, we embrace the power of literature to ignite imaginations, inspire change, and promote a love for reading. Designated by UNESCO as a worldwide celebration of books and reading, World Book Day is marked in over 100 countries around the globe. To mark this special day, we highlight the incredible journey of one of our alumni, Nilab Azimi, whose published book embodies the spirit of World Book Day.
Nilab Azimi, a graduate of our MA in Integrative Counselling & Psychotherapy programme, began a remarkable journey following her graduation in 2018. Transitioning into various roles within the field of mental health, Nilab’s passion for storytelling and her dedication to promoting mental well-being culminated in the creation of her debut book.
In our conversation with Nilab, she shared the inspiration behind her book. “This book was a long time in the making,” she reflects. “It partly came to fruition following a dream I had where I saw the title of the book… I felt captivated by the many emotions I remember feeling towards this dream.”
Nilab’s book serves as a platform to navigate the complexities of identity, society, and relationships, particularly within the context of being British-Afghans. Through her personal experiences and professional insights, Nilab offers readers a journey of introspection, resilience, and growth. “My intention for the book was to account for the struggles as well as triumphs my mum and I have faced… I wanted to share the knowledge and wisdom I have gained from my longstanding engagement in the field of mental health.”
Reflecting on her time at Roehampton, Nilab recalls the sense of pride and belonging she experienced. “I had an amazing time studying at Roehampton… the quality of teaching, facilities, and services provided, the intriguing history and beautiful buildings – every aspect contributed to an enriching experience.”
Furthermore, Nilab emphasises the value she found in Roehampton’s commitment to inclusivity and support services. “Another aspect I deeply appreciate about Roehampton is the range of support available through their wellbeing and disability services,” she explains. “It’s inspiring to see how the university fosters a community of inclusivity and ensures that all students feel supported and empowered.”
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