Mohsin with E

My name is Mohsen, but I’m often called Mohsin. I look Indian, so people frequently use the Indian-friendly version of my name. Once, when I insisted on the correct pronunciation, someone even called me Mr. E!

I’ve been shaped by people I admire, especially my Nana (grandmother). From her, I learned the value of patience and dedication through saffron farming. She would rise before sunrise every morning during harvest season, as saffron flowers are at their best quality and most open at this time. It’s as if those beautiful purple flowers know you’re sharper when no one else is awake! They gradually close up after sunrise as the day progresses and temperature rises.

As a silent 8-year-old boy, I watched her hand-pick delicate flowers while duck-walking in a squat position to gather them all on time. She repeated this daily for a few weeks until the harvest period ended. This is the first memory that comes to mind when asked, “Who shaped your personality?”

I observed her working passionately every morning, her dedication powered by passion. It was like witnessing a dance in the heart of colorful nature, where she held the hand of each purple flower and danced with a smile. Imagine dreaming of meeting your partner, but they’re with you only two weeks a year, and not necessarily every year! Saffron can live for many years but doesn’t guarantee annual flowering. What a chance! Who would miss these two weeks to meet their lover after waiting for years? She knew the value of every second of this dance; she patiently waited for every moment of this joy.

To be honest, it wasn’t typical for a child my age to appreciate watching such a poetic harvest and keep it in mind forever. But through this, I learned the value of waiting, the value of life, passion, and the whole philosophy of being alive.

My philosopher is my grandmother!