From Dreams to Impact: My Journey in Education and Empowerment

Growing up as a first-generation student, my journey has been anything but conventional. My parents, unaware of my academic potential, enrolled me in a private English medium school, against the taunts of my relatives about my? education. They saw education as a crucial investment, even when my father lost his job and was struggling to make ends meet. There was never a question of discontinuing my education or switching to a government school; my father was adamant that education was the only wealth that he could give me that I wouldn’t lose and which can make me independent in life.?

The turning point came in my 7th grade when I achieved a state rank in the public examinations (back then it was boards). This recognition led my school to sponsor my education, and from then on, I never paid fees for my schooling or college. Scholarships and free seats became my lifeline, allowing me to pursue my education through an MBA.

I don’t really know where my interest for education came from but definitely it wasn't just about my personal achievement; it was about changing my family's future. I needed someone to mentor me on what career choices I could make, as my knowledge was limited so I was constantly on a lookout, driven by the fear of being married off if I didn’t do well in studies. I wished I had some guidance.

I wanted to study Engineering but my college didn’t have the coaching for it. Though I secured a seat in a private college, my parents couldn’t afford to send me to an engineering college. I so badly wanted to join engineering, work for MNC, move to the US and earn lots of money.? But my dreams were shattered, I felt defeated. I was left with no option but to join a degree college which gave me a free seat for topping in 12th grade in my hometown. I knew that I cannot quit, completing my education and securing a job were my only options to pave a better path for my younger brother and myself. I held it against my parents that they didn’t send me to an engineering college, for the longest time in my life even after knowing that they did their best in every sense possible. I realized much later, that it is very much my destiny and not my parents fault at all. I was meant to do something else hence I didn’t get what I thought I wanted. Looking back, I would not have changed anything in my life, each and every experience shaped me the way I’m today. Every moment led me here where I truly belong.?

After completing my education, I secured a job and helped my brother complete his education as well. My parents' pride when I traveled to the US for work was immeasurable. Forget the US, I was the first to travel on flight and to any country in my immediate family. I guess what you manifest in life will eventually happen not how you wanted it but packed differently. This experience opened my eyes to the vast opportunities that I could dream of and achieve. Financial independence gave me the luxury to make choices about my career, lifestyle, and future.

Despite being good at what I was doing at my corporate job, I felt a deep calling to give back. I started volunteering to teach children at government schools and participated in various causes, such as education and disability. This calling grew stronger, and I eventually decided to leave a well paid corporate job to join the NGO sector for the minimum. This decision was met with a lot of resistance from family and friends, who couldn't understand why I would give up a comfortable lifestyle. But in my mind, I had no doubts. I knew what I was getting into, and what it meant for me. I know I could live with less.

Teaching kids in my neighborhood, mentoring students, and working with diverse communities gave me a new perspective on life. It wasn't just about giving back; it was about what I was learning from these experiences. I realized that my efforts would ultimately help someone, somewhere, and that was my focus.

The ability to make choices in life—to choose my career, travel, learn & explore, when to marry, and whom to marry—comes from my financial independence, which is rooted in education. I believe it is essential for every girl to have this independence to explore the world beyond their small world. I see innumerable opportunities for young girls and wish for them to complete their education and expand their horizons.

Today, I am grateful for the opportunity to work with Intuit on Intuit Rise Girl Child Education program. From being a student in need of support to now supporting thousands of girls in their educational journeys, I am deeply thankful. Every day, I am driven by the impact of my work and the knowledge that I am helping create opportunities for girls to explore a world beyond makes me thrive.

Education has given me the freedom to make choices and pursue my dreams. It is a fulfilling and empowering journey. It is a testament to the power of education in transforming the lives and in turn communities at large.?

I am committed to continuously improving myself and helping as many girls as possible pursue their dreams. My contribution might be small but definitely not meaningless.?

This journey has taught me that the key to unlocking countless opportunities in one’s life lies in education, dreaming big, working hard and being grateful for every opportunity that comes your way. Though you might not see the significance today for each step, eventually everything will come together.