I am a 17 years old student studying in grade XII and I have a keen interest in writing, public speaking, conversing with people and many more such things which involve people. I am an avid conversationalist and I always speak up for different issues which just doesn’t fit right with my understanding and beliefs.
Here’s a brief incident that I faced a while ago and I can never forget as I did something for myself which I never thought I could have, and wanted to share with you all. Hope it motivates you a little bit!
“She Overcame Everything That Was Meant To Stop Her”
Once upon a time (not long back though), there was a girl who was happy, lively and was living the life of her dream. But one day she faced a setback and she was in tears. Now you may wonder what must have happened to her? Well just imagine people questioning your worth and thinking that you can’t do it anymore; how would you feel? I am not a clairvoyant so I don’t know about you all, but I was shattered.
I was in class 11th and had got my midterm exams’ results which were highly disappointing for me. I was extremely sad and unhappy with myself. To add to this, one of my female teachers mocked me and looked down upon me, only because despite my being a student of a highly reputed school, I was not able to win a debate competition, basically questioning my potential.
It almost felt as if I was being told that I shouldn’t do it because I don’t have that capability inside me, like thousands of girls who are stopped from doing things and dreaming big only because the people think that we can’t do it. I felt so unmotivated to do anything, I felt tired and I started questioning myself whether I am good for anything? Can I achieve something in my life? I can’t even study properly and I’m no good at extracurricular activities too. All these thoughts started bothering me day and night.
But I guess when you really want to prove yourself to others and make other people stop talking rubbish about you, god really gives you a chance to reprimand yourself. Luckily, I got another chance to prove my worth to all the people out there whether my teachers, parents or my friends. It was an open mic competition and I was supposed to speak on a topic for 4 minutes. I prepared for it and gave my 100 per cent.
A Girl Can Do Anything If She Gets The Opportunity To Showcase Her Best Self
I know you all aren’t clairvoyant like me so I would spare the formality of asking you the cliche question of ‘take a guess’ for my situation as to what must have happened. So yeah, I went with expectations of receiving any of the three positions, but at least hoping to get recognized. But the miracle happened and I secured the first position. I was so elated with myself and my hard work. My self-worth boosted and I felt that a girl can do anything she wants provided that she has the will to do it and she gets the opportunity to showcase her best self.
Living in India, where patriarchy is still dominant, it is not easy for many girls. Coming from a privileged family background can face situations at schools, or other places wherein people manifest such mentality and thoughts of patriarchy.
My case might be different from many others because here a woman showed patricentric thoughts, believing that I can’t do anything and making me feel as if I am the worst. It’s not compulsory that only men show such behaviour, even women from varying backgrounds can show such thoughts because maybe they are conditioned(indirectly) with these beliefs. This is what we all need to fight against.
When I say fight, it doesn’t mean being aggressive or violent with such people, but I believe taking their mockery and comments as a challenge for yourself will become a driving factor for you to gain your success. And trust me this strategy is the best and it’s going to shut them up for the rest of their lives.
So, on this Women’s Day, I would like to congratulate all those women who have stood up against such hurdles and established themselves as Iron ladies in this society.
Kudos to us for being what we are today and what we are going to become in the coming years!