Describe a person who influenced your choice of career or study

The person who influenced my choice of study the most is my uncle Anvar, who is an architect. I'm now in my second year of studying architecture and interior design, and I can honestly say that I wouldn't be here if it weren't for him.

My uncle designs houses and public buildings, and he has been doing so for over twenty years. When I was about thirteen, he took me to one of his construction sites during the school holidays. I remember walking among the concrete columns while he explained how his drawings would turn into a real building. Later he showed me a library he had designed, and I saw how people came in, sat down and used the space. That moment made me realise that architecture is not only about structures, but also about how people live.

He encouraged me in practical ways. He gave me my first sketchbook, taught me to draw perspective and let me help with simple models during the summers. He also never pushed me; he said that I should choose something I truly loved, and he was happy to hear that I'd decided on my own.

I feel very grateful for his influence. At the same time, I think I'd have made a different choice if he'd forced me. Because he gave me freedom, I felt that the decision was mine.

I hope that after I graduate, I'll be able to work with him for a while and learn from his experience. In the future, I'd like to design buildings which make people's lives better, just as he does.