Having devoted more than two decades to engineering, I am embarking on a new adventure. From designing computer chips to technical marketing and sales, presenting and training on global stages, venturing into the intricate art of supply management and contract negotiation, and crafting numerous technical papers, I am setting sail on a new odyssey—to pursue my passion for writing.
While pursuing engineering and corporate goals, I have always maintained a genuine interest in art, which has remained an essential part of my identity. Despite the practical demands of these fields, my creative nature has persisted, adding color and imagination to my endeavors. I have always been ready to push boundaries, challenge conventions, and welcome constructive changes to achieve my goals and grow personally and professionally.
Staying true to my analytical and artistic side has influenced both my personal and professional life, offering practical yet aesthetically pleasing solutions, a testament to the depth of my capabilities. Though I wouldn't call myself a master of all trades, this journey has been a humbling reminder of the vastness of human potential and the beauty of creative problem-solving.
My love for art dates back to my earliest memories. I have always enjoyed writing journals, some with illustrations. Even during important calls, I found myself doodling, visually aiding my focus and igniting visionary ideas. In my free time, I enjoyed creating paintings and immersing myself in poetry and creative passages, each experience awakening my creative spirit.
Reflecting on the origin of my name, Azita, derived from the old Parsi or Persian word "Ajidahaak" or "AzhiDahak," meaning dragon, adds another layer to my journey—a reminder of the fire within that fuels my passion.
My transition to writing has been gradual. In the collection of my essays, I shared some of these in short stories. This piece is a narrative of transforming and rediscovering my deep-rooted passion. They were always there, but my challenges often were stepping out of my familiar professional comfort zone, dealing with uncertainties, and navigating a new endeavor. This process took profound resilience, adaptability, and a growth mindset.
Growing up with parents deeply rooted in academia—my father, a physics professor, and my mother, a school principal—instilled a robust academic influence in me. Pursuing engineering was partly a nod to their expectations and a desire to meet their aspirations.
In 2003, during the peak of my career, I moved to San Diego, California with my ex-partner. It was a turning point as I temporarily left my corporate role for the first time to pursue my passion for art. I decided to enroll in a Graphic Design program and collaborate with a renowned artist in the beautiful coastal town of La Jolla. This experience was a significant highlight in my artistic journey.
We said goodbye to San Diego three years later and started a new chapter of our lives in Copenhagen, Denmark. There, I welcomed the joy and love of my life: my son. We spent approximately two years in Denmark, during which my primary focus was nurturing and raising my son. One of the highlights of my time there, particularly during the long, chilly winters, was exploring museums, browsing bookstores, and immersing myself in the city's rich cultural scenes.
Upon our return to California, I found myself drawn back into a new corporate role, guided by the familiar trade-offs between responsibilities and my expertise in the field.
Although my heart remained in the visionary left brain, my concern about financial stability, judgment from others—especially my peers regarding my achievements—and a persistent lack of confidence in my skills and resilience within the art industry compelled me to revert to corporate life throughout the years.
After years of bouncing between different corporate paths and enduring a painful, unforeseen divorce, compounded by the trials of my last corporate role during the pandemic, I found myself constantly on the move, traveling and exploring new cultures, immersing myself in diverse experiences. During these profound soul-searching periods, a profound shift in my outlook and priorities unfolded, leading me to discover my true passion and unleash my full potential.
It all began with my essay, "Istanbul Endless Night," a journal to help me overcome the obstacle I was dealing with at that time. Yet soon, it became my daily refuge and calm to write and tell stories about my life and experiences. The more I wrote, the more I discovered myself. It was liberating.
Writing became my sanctuary, a means of self-discovery and expression. As I penned my thoughts and experiences, I found solace and clarity, shedding light on my true passions and purpose.
I gradually learned the door to success is being satisfied in doing what you love and not hoping the society-defined success will open the door to happiness.
“Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle. As with all matters of the heart, you'll know when you find it.” -Steve Jobs.
As I integrate my analytical skills from my previous roles into my writing, I find new depths in storytelling. Each equation, once confined to spreadsheets, now breathes life into the emotions and characters of my narratives.
My journey is not just about personal growth—it's about connecting with others through shared experiences and universal truths. Despite our diverse backgrounds, we are bound by common threads of joy, sorrow, and the quest for connection.
Human problems, at their core, share common cords that bind us despite our circumstances, like challenges of relationships with a friend, lover, family, or even colleague. These similarities often stem from fundamental aspects of the human experience. The nuances of these emotions may vary, but the underlying feelings and their impact on our lives are often comparable.
My passions lie in connecting, sharing, expressing, and learning. I thrive when I create and express myself. So, I continue to anticipate life's grand stage, where each scene unfolds like a whimsical chapter in a cosmic novel. There are no limitations to what one can achieve in life. The only barriers are those we impose upon ourselves.
Life is fleeting and short. We all know how it ends, yet its beginning and end purpose are shrouded in mystery. I choose to infuse mine with passion, creativity, and a relentless pursuit of fulfillment and satisfaction.