“I am the truth of what my childhood has shown; the struggle is permanent and so does my dedication.”

Reminiscing about my childhood days, I am a daughter who has five siblings of brothers and sisters without a father, which indeed holds its bundle of the story of sorrow. Life was never easy for me, for my mother and siblings. I recall being abandoned by needs, living in hunger, and being detached from family emotions. 

With a life without a breadwinner and financial downfall, my family has lost a bond in between. My two elders could not continue their studies, and I got a scholarship to study in the public school in the village. Despite the chaos, I had a different interest in learning. I was praised by teachers for my academic achievement. That is when I saw the real happiness in my mother's eyes. Being left out of society for a longer time,  my mother genuinely seemed happy on this day. With that awareness of being responsible, from the beginning of my days, I could not let any student secure the first position.

At such an age, I couldn't let the achievement go away. The amount of hard work I showed in my education was awe-inspiring, said my teacher. It helped me with my tuition fee, and some teachers supported me with different books. I am genuinely grateful for them. 

So determined and self-focused that I started participating in every other extracurricular activity at my school. The moment didn't stop; I was rewarded with NRS. 4000 to secure the second position in a district-level Speech competition. A home without a portion of food celebrating with a delicious meal. 

It developed a great sense of role to uphold my family status. I then continued with my study with part-time work in my higher studies. I question myself often about what my life would be if I never had an opportunity to study? Was it never acknowledged by my teachers? 

I genuinely believe ONE great teacher is better than thousands of books in a student's life. I continue to hold this meaning for life. I am a Saathi Teacher 2021, aspiring to inspire small kids to continue their studies, and I want to show that dedication helps you achieve any kind of dream.