Conversations with Aiman Rahman

Today we’d like to introduce you to Aiman Rahman.

Hi Aiman, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Born in Bangladesh, immigrated to Florida when I was a toddler with my parents. Met my now-husband when we were about 16/17 years old. We both did undergrad at the University of Florida and graduate school at the University of South Florida. My husband, Sami, went to med school at Nova Southeastern University while I worked at Nova at the College of Pharmacy. In 2016, we welcomed our son. He was born premature and spent about 2 weeks in the NICU, some of the toughest times of our lives. When Sami completed his program in 2018, he obtained residency here in Michigan at Garden City hospital in Inkster. He lived up here alone for about a year until I was able to move here. I accepted a job at Wayne State University at the College of Nursing as the Dean’s Executive Assistant in May of 2019. My parents also moved up here with us to help us. Then in 2020 when the pandemic hit, we were put through some rough times again as my husband was on the frontlines. He was quarantined in our home in a separate room away from me, our son, and our parents for about 4months. we delivered meals outside his door; it was surreal. Living in Florida for about 30+ years, we never thought we would end up in Michigan. It has been quite a journey, but we are grateful that we were able to do it all together.

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Not a smooth road at all, with lots of hiccups, and unconventional paths but we ended up at our goal. My husband was very determined to become a physician and I was determined to be his rock and number one support system.

Our son was born prematurely in 2016, my husband was in his 3rd year of med school. Sami spent hours studying for board exams in the NICU room.

I struggled with post-partum depression for about a year after our son was born.

Lived apart from my husband for about a year while we transitioned and planned logistics to move to Michigan.

I got a job with Wayne State University in May of 2019, I left my son with my parents in Florida for about 4months while I started work and was able to get our living situation settled.

Was a difficult situation when the pandemic hit because Sami was on the frontline, while we adjust to quarantine and isolation. Sami was isolated (quarantined) in our bedroom alone for about 4months. He would get home from work and go straight upstairs. we delivered his meals and any necessities outside his door.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As an Executive Assistant to the Dean of the College of Nursing here at Wayne State, I am able to showcase my problem-solving and organizational skills. I am good at triaging situations and I am a people person. During the pandemic, the Dean also took on a new role as the Campus Health and Wellness officer and I took on the role as the admin for the Campus Health Committee.

I also am a makeup artist and showcase my art on my Instagram page, it is just a hobby though, but it’s therapeutic for me and I love it.

Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
I like to dance, not very good at it but music makes me move! Can see some of that on my TikTok.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: Vivalabiba
• Other: @aiman on Tiktok