This week, I’ve decided to virtually sit down with my dad. Not being able to go home this summer because of COVID-19 directly translates to not seeing my family for the past nine months, which made me realize just how critical family is in my life. From a very young age, I remember my parents making countless decisions in which they put my siblings and me first. But, besides the sacrifice, I distinctly remember just how inspiring I found my father to be. I remember thinking: how does he do it all? Being a father of three and a successful architect while balancing a healthy social and familial life just astonished me. Granted, I was young and had no concept of time management, but still! So, for this profile, I’m virtually sitting down with Zafer Habash for a glimpse into his mind.
Her Campus (HC): So, to kick things off, what has it been like adjusting to working in multiple different countries?
Zafer Habash (ZH): It definitely has its difficulties. Constantly moving between Jordan, Saudi Arabia and the US becomes turbulent after a while. It’s quite hard to adjust at this age since as you grow, you establish your own life, social circle and routine. But what makes it easier is the goal that I’m constantly working for, which is to support my family.
HC: Oh, come on! You’re not that old! Anyway, one question that has been in the back of my brain since I was a kid, based on that you balance life at home, bringing up kids and working a full-time job, is how do you do that?
ZH: Time management is key! The bottom line is; you want to make sure that when you leave the office, you leave all its problems right there with it. You want to reach your home with an open mind and clear headspace in order to spend quality time with your wife and kids.
HC: On that note, what’s it like working a full-time job as a project manager during coronavirus?
ZH: The most challenging part definitely has to be working from home. Creating a healthy work environment is critical yet very difficult. Adapting to online meetings is hard because I, personally, enjoy being around people and creating that connection and bond that you will never get through virtual meetings. That, and obviously living with the constant fear of catching the virus day by day whenever I go out shopping or walking.
HC: Tell us what your job is about, what is the nature of your life’s work?
ZH: My career is all about project management in the architectural field. That entails putting the project on the right track from start to end. To accomplish this mission, and a project essentially is a mission, you need to be in full control and understand the scope of it. You also must coordinate with the right people to get the best, most thorough results for your client.
HC: Wow, smart kings only! As we’re coming to a close, I wanted to ask: do you feel like your lifelong sacrifices and priorities when it comes to your children are finally paying off?
ZH: Of course, it was all worth it! All of my kids are extremely responsible; my two daughters both attend one of the best universities in the US on full scholarships, and both have astronomically high GPA’s! They are also part of many associations and completed numerous amazing internships and jobs. My thirteen-year-old boy always completes the year on the highest honors list and has one of the most unique, sparkling personalities out there! We like to believe that all this is a result of my wife and I’s hard work to support them. They all make me so proud; I can’t ask for more. To add to this, my daughter is the author of this article you are reading now!
HC: Dang I think it’s a little dusty in my apartment, there’s something in my eye! I guess this brings our interview to a close, is there anything else you’d like to add?
ZH: It was a long journey. It required a whole lot of teamwork to build the house and raise the kids, and we can’t wait to get past this pandemic so we can all meet again.
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