" Meet Reshma, a once-shy government school student from Likhi who is now confidently chasing her dream of becoming a cardiologist. A true story of transformation, mentorship, and perseverance through her hard work "
The Story of Reshma
It was on June 3, 2022, when I first met Reshma. She was in 7th class at Government School Likhi, a place where dreams were still being formed, and futures were yet to unfold. I had been invited to take a session about future opportunities, and little did I know that this session would mark the beginning of a life-changing journey for both Reshma and me.
Reshma was a quiet, shy girl with big dreams but no clear understanding of how to turn those dreams into reality. She had a vision: to become a cardiologist. However, like many students, she had no idea what path to take, how to start, or even what steps were necessary to reach such a lofty goal. When she confided in me about her aspirations, I saw a spark in her eyes, but also a deep uncertainty about the way forward. I explained to her the steps to become a doctor—how hard work, dedication, and the right guidance would make that dream possible.
But Reshma was not just focused on her academic goals. She had a deep love for dancing, something that lit up her heart every time she spoke of it. Yet, despite her passion, Reshma was burdened with a crippling stage fear. She was incredibly shy and terrified of performing in front of others, even though she had so much to offer. I could sense the frustration in her voice when she said, “Jo aapne hume bataya hai vo kabhi kisine nahi bataya, aur kya aap humari hamesha help karenge?” Those words made my heart ache because I knew that these children, so full of potential, simply needed the right guidance to unlock their abilities.
That was the moment I knew I had to be there for her, not just as a teacher, but as a guide and a mentor. I promised Reshma that I would always be there to help her, to support her in her studies and her dreams, and to help her overcome the fears that held her back.
When I first began working with her academically, Reshma was far behind in basic math skills. Simple addition and subtraction were a struggle for her, and division or multiplication seemed like impossible tasks. But I saw her determination, and I knew that with hard work and the right guidance, she could overcome anything. We spent hours together—working on math, reading, writing, and most importantly, building her confidence. Every step, every small success was a victory.
As the months went by, I noticed a remarkable change in her. Her fear of the stage began to diminish as she started to embrace her love for dance. She participated in school events, and little by little, the shyness started to fade. I remember the first time she performed on stage after months of working through her fear. The way she danced, with grace and confidence, filled me with so much pride. It wasn’t just about the performance; it was about the transformation that had taken place within her. She had conquered her fears, not just in dance, but in every aspect of her life.
Two years passed in a blur of hard work, determination, and growth. By 2024, Reshma had blossomed into someone I could hardly recognize. She had not only cleared two major competitive exams—the Buniyad at all three levels and the NMMS—but had also participated in numerous cultural programs. Most importantly, she had secured first place in a dance competition, a feat that seemed unimaginable when we first started working together.
The day she received her results was a moment of overwhelming emotion for me. I stood there, watching Reshma, my little student who had once struggled with basic math and fear, now standing tall, having achieved so much. It wasn’t just about the competitive exams or the awards—it was about the journey we had taken together. It was about seeing Reshma, once unsure of her future, now confidently walking towards her dreams.
That day, I became emotional. I had never felt such pride, not just in Reshma’s achievements, but in the process we had both been a part of. It wasn’t just about academics; it was about seeing a young girl transform into a confident, capable individual. She was no longer the shy student I had met two years ago. She had found her voice, both in dance and in life.
As I looked at her, smiling through my tears, I realized that this was the reason I had chosen this path. This was why I became a teacher—to help children like Reshma not only reach their potential but to believe in themselves, to dream big and see those dreams come true. That day, I realized that this is what I want in my life: to help others unlock their true potential, to be the guiding hand that helps them overcome their fears, and to witness their success as they make their dreams a reality.
But I knew that none of this would have been possible without the guidance and support I received from my mentor, Archana ma'am. It is thanks to her that I was able to be there for Reshma in the way I was. She showed me how to guide students, how to believe in their potential, and how to nurture them through their journey.
As Reshma moves forward, her journey has only just begun. She still has a long road ahead of her to achieve her dream of becoming a cardiologist, but I know that she has the strength, the passion, and the confidence to make it happen. Every time I see her smile, every time I hear her speak about her dreams, I am reminded of the power of guidance, the power of belief, and the incredible potential of every child.
I am proud of Reshma, and I am proud of myself for being part of her journey. Thank you, Reshma, for inspiring me everyday. Thank you, Archana ma’am, for being a guiding light. This journey is just the beginning, and I can’t wait to see where Reshma’s dreams will take her.
Love you, Reshma ❤️
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