“As a teacher at Orchids The International School, I have seen many young minds grow and flourish. But my journey toward becoming an educator was not an easy one. I have faced a lot of hardships in my life, starting from my childhood days.
Growing up, I witnessed domestic abuse of my mother and elder sister. My father was the perpetrator, and I was his victim. My sister also fell prey to his heinous acts. One day, he poured hot oil on my mother, and I was traumatized by that incident. My father fled to London when I was in 5th Grade, and we sighed in relief! These incidents left a deep scar on my psyche, and it took me years to come to terms with them.
My mother worked hard as a teacher and fostered us. Despite these traumatic experiences, I managed to finish my education but I was married off at the age of sixteen, as she had found an alliance with a wealthy family. As a wife, I expected both physical and emotional companionship from my husband. Regrettably, my husband has a history of verbal and physical abuse. He was sexually abusive, and I was a victim of marital rape for years. He was not a responsible father either, leaving me to fend for myself and our children.
When my mother passed away, I felt lost and alone. But I had to maintain my composure for my two daughters. That’s when I decided to pursue my passion for teaching. I landed a job as a pre-primary teacher at a local school, and that’s when my life took a turn for the better.
Teaching empowered me, and I found a sense of purpose in it. I worked hard, and my dedication paid off when I won an NCERT award for innovative teaching methods. But my personal life was still in shambles.
My husband was dealing with bipolar disorder, and handling him was a grueling task. In November 2013, he ordained me to leave the house, and two months later, I walked out with my two daughters. At the age of 44, I restarted my life and rented a single room to live. My daughters backed me, and I continued to follow my passion as an educator.
It was a difficult decision, but I knew I had to prioritize my mental and physical well-being. I left with my two daughters and rented a small room. But I didn’t let my circumstances define me. I continued to work as a teacher and eventually joined Orchids The International School as an Academics Implementation head.
Today, I am proud to say that I have rebuilt my life. I am surrounded by loving family and friends, and I am grateful for all the opportunities that have come my way. But most importantly, I am proud of myself for never giving up.
If there’s one message that I want to convey to all those who have faced hardships in their lives, it is this – never give up. No matter how difficult your circumstances may seem, remember that you are strong and capable. Believe in yourself and pursue your passions with zeal. And always remember to love yourself, because you are worth it.
I am Anita, and this is my story.”
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