?????????? ?????? (3/25) - Strength in Adversity

In the world of academia, we often see students from all walks of life—each with unique backgrounds, challenges, and dreams. Today, I want to share a story that has profoundly touched me, a story of a young woman whose journey from a sheltered childhood to a determined and resilient young adult has left an indelible mark on my heart.

This student grew up in a close-knit family, the youngest of her household, surrounded by love and support. Her father, a businessman, her mother, a housewife with a creative flair for crafts, and her older sister, a senior manager at EY Global Ltd., were always there for her. Financially stable and emotionally secure, she was raised with strong values and ethics, attending a convent school where character building was emphasized over academic achievements.

Like many younger siblings, she often found herself following in the footsteps of her elder sister, even choosing a course of study that wasn’t her true passion. She opted for a degree in B.Com(A&F), not realizing at the time that her heart lay in psychology. This decision became one of her early challenges—she began to realize that she didn’t truly know her worth. She had missed several opportunities, believing she wasn’t capable enough to handle them. But with time, she started working on herself, gradually overcoming these self-imposed limitations.

One of her greatest fears was the fear of losing her loved ones, a fear that began to take root when her mother’s health suddenly deteriorated. This fear would later play a significant role in shaping her resilience.

When she applied for our MAHRM program, I had the pleasure of meeting her during the admission interview process. I was struck by her innocence, enthusiasm, and eagerness to learn. Her communication skills and approach were exceptional—qualities that stood out for a future HR professional. After the interview, my HOD and I discussed her candidacy, and I was pleased with her profile. However, what surprised me the most was when I later discovered that she was a close relative of our college's secretary.

In a world where influence and connections often open doors, this young woman chose a different path. She never once used her family connections to gain any advantage. She was here to learn, to grow, and to stand on her own. Throughout her first year in our department, she never sought any special treatment or recommendations. This humility and determination earned her even more respect from me and her peers.

But life, as it often does, threw her a devastating curveball. The day came when she received the heartbreaking news that her beloved mother had passed away suddenly. It was a day that shook all of us who knew her. I knew how much she adored her mother—their bond was evident in every conversation we had ever had.

When she returned to college after her mother’s passing, the weight of her grief was palpable. She came to my cabin, and there was a heavy silence as we both tried to find the words to address her loss. She broke down in tears, sharing memories of her mother, and I realized that all I could do was listen. No words could truly console her at that moment. But this little girl, now forced to grow up far too quickly, showed a strength that inspired me deeply. She took a deep breath and made a conscious decision to focus on her studies and personal growth.

Despite the profound and overwhelming loss she endured, she found a way to transform her grief into something deeply meaningful and productive. Rather than succumbing to despair, she channelled her emotions into her work, becoming the top performer in her class. Her academic achievements were remarkable, but she didn't stop there. She also excelled in her non-academic pursuits, showing a balance of intellect and character that is truly inspiring.

Through her journey, she imparted a lesson that I will carry with me forever: life can hand you some of the most difficult challenges, challenges that test your spirit and resolve. But in those moments, you hold the power to choose—whether to let those challenges defeat you or to use them as a force to propel you forward. Her story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit, and her resilience is a powerful reminder that even in the darkest times, we can find the light that guides us to greatness.

This young woman’s journey from being a “little girl” to a mature, resilient individual is nothing short of inspiring. She is no longer just the youngest in her family; she is now someone who has grown strong enough to support her loved ones, someone who has overcome immense loss to achieve greatness.

The student I’m talking about is Ms. JAISHREE KADEL . Every time I see her, a genuine and radiant smile graces her face—a smile that reflects the beauty of her soul. I find myself silently praying to God that this smile, so pure and true, never fades. May it continue to light up her life, always.

I am confident that she will continue to soar and achieve incredible success in her future endeavors. I wish her nothing but the best as she continues to write her own inspiring story. JAISHREE KADEL you are a true warrior, stay strong, I strongly believe you will shine like a sun.

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Mathiyazagan Palani