Avery Ranch Connects June 2021 issue

M E E T T H E N E I G H B O R S
care of the book. In return, he said, “ARTISTS NEVER
SPOIL THE THING. THEY ALWAYS PRESERVE
THINGS”. Those words brought tears to my eyes when I
realized that I am more than an engineer. When I was
seeking letters of recommendation to study in the U.S., I
remember one of my professors telling me that I should
take my brushes and paint there instead of an
engineering degree. If I would have listened to him, I
could have saved 7 years!!! One important thing I
learned when I look back is that NOTHING GOES TO
WASTE! Now, my knowledge of mechanical engineering
helps me create and teach structures to my students
from various perspectives.
Meanwhile, I met my husband Atit. He is studious, goaloriented,
and ambitious, while I have a whole opposite
personality--childish, whimsical, creative, innocent, not
at all goal-oriented, and of course not at all studious!!! I
moved to the United States after our marriage. Inspired
by Atit’s motivation, I got my degree in computer
science. Studying MS has made me fearless in exploring
and understanding the software which helps me design
digital products and illustrations. I worked as a software
developer for 3 years in the semiconductor and
telecommunication industry and gained lifelong friends;
however, I realized that the computer profession was
not inspiring enough for me and I was seeking my
freedom and a creative outlet.
Finally, to create a work-life balance, I made a tough
decision without any other plans that I would resign
from my well-paying job and start art classes for kids. I
remember when my husband typed my resignation
letter, my siblings helped me with the thought process,
website, and colorful flyers for my fledgling business and
Nili’s Art was born. Since then, I have taught art lessons
privately and at multiple Montessori Schools in North
Meanwhile, Atit and I were blessed with my first child,
Aanshi. She is a very talented, strong-willed child, a good
Austin. I have done several exhibitions with more than
300 artworks done by Nili’s Art students. During the
artist, loves writing her own songs, singing, and is a
voracious reader. She does keep her balance between
shows, I saw the glitter in the parents' eyes when they
could see their child’s first and last artwork and see their
her extracurricular activities and her studies. She is
child’s progression. At every exhibition, the number of
extremely kind, caring, but whimsical (just like me), and a
artwork on display grew, as well as my own satisfaction
true giver so that sometimes I call her Mother Teresa.
when I see in my little artists' eyes a great shine of
She loves to read fiction and create with her own worlds
pride…and I became Ms. Nili.
based on her idealism and imagination.
Avery Ranch Connects • June 2021 p. 7