KANIKA SHARMA • FEMALE • 19 • DELHI
I was an introverted child from my childhood. I would often be alone, shy, and avoid interaction with people. I struggled both academically and non-academically, physically and mentally. During my childhood, I received speech therapy and was taught basic life skills, such as how to wear clothes and how to tie buttons. I was a solitary child with no friends. It wasn’t until the 9th grade that I made my first friend. I was weak academically and physically, and I had to endure a lot of scolding from everyone. Despite working hard, my efforts didn’t seem to pay off. I was surrounded by numerous challenges, difficulties, scoldings, bullying, physical weakness, and antisocial tendencies, which led to significant psychological and emotional distress. I began avoiding people and withdrew from public and social life. As I grew older, my skills and abilities seemed to decline, and I felt like a failure in life, a girl with no talents. I started avoiding life situations and gave up hope of ever being “normal.”
Family is our strength. In my case, my mom supported me throughout my journey. Behind every scolding, there was hidden love. Thanks to her and her hard work, I somehow managed to pass my 10th-grade exams with a 69% score, a feat I had never thought possible. It was then that I realized and gained hope that perhaps I could achieve something after all. This ray of hope wouldn’t fade away. I changed schools and embarked on a new life with a promise to myself to transform everything. To become a better version of myself, I started participating in activities, made two friends, and overcame my shyness through dedicated efforts in various activities and social interactions.
Yes, it was challenging, but I did it. I went from being labeled a failure to becoming a topper, with my grades improving from 69% to 95%. I transformed from someone with no apparent talent to someone who taught herself painting and embraced creativity. Yes, I changed myself, even though I still struggle with being antisocial. Nevertheless, I managed to become a better version of myself. In every problem, there is hope. We should believe in ourselves and our capabilities, as we possess the universal power to effect change. If I can do it, you can do it, and we all can. Instead of contemplating ending our lives as a solution to our problems, let’s work together to find solutions. I too had these thoughts while facing bullying, body shaming, scolding, and being the subject of jokes, but with ample support from my family, I conquered that difficult phase of my life, and today, I am proud of myself.
