Priya’s Journey of Determination
Born on October 18, 2006, Priya Mishra is a determined young woman with an unyielding passion for reading and public speaking. Her story is not just about her personal growth but a testament to how life skills can transform a life filled with challenges into one brimming with hope and inspiration. A Journey of Resilience and Determination Priya’s life took a challenging turn when her father’s mental health condition led to significant financial difficulties, leaving the family struggling to meet basic needs. Priya’s father had been struggling with a psychological illness for the past year. He was deeply worried about the future of his children, especially with the societal pressure and taunts they received for having two daughters. Remarks like "What’s the point of educating girls when they have to eventually get married?" further weighed on the family. These challenges left him feeling incapable of supporting his children’s dreams, leading to financial strain and a tense home environment. This atmosphere also affected the children's ability to focus on their studies. However, Priya didn’t lose hope. She continued to communicate with her father despite the circumstances. There were times when these discussions escalated to violence or anger, but Priya, using the emotional regulation skills she had learned in Room to Read sessions, maintained her composure. She applied strategies such as empathizing with her father and calmly expressing her points, helping her father understand that boys and girls are both vital parts of society and deserve equal opportunities. Gradually, Priya succeeded in persuading her family, including her father, to support her education. Today, her father not only provides financial assistance but actively supports her endeavors. A Doctor in the Making From the 8th grade, Priya was crystal clear about her aspiration to become a doctor. Her unwavering focus on this goal has been a driving force in her life. Recently, she made the bold decision to take a year off from regular schooling to dedicate herself fully to preparing for the NEET examination. This step was not easy; it required intense discussions with her family, particularly her father. Priya’s ability to effectively communicate her plans, coupled with her determination, earned her family’s trust and support. Through this journey, she learned to set smaller, achievable goals, which kept her motivated and steadfast on her path toward her larger dream. This clarity and perseverance in the face of adversity exemplify the life skills she has honed. Although she did not qualify for NEET last year, she took a gap year and is currently preparing for the exam with renewed focus and determination. The Role of Room to Read’s Girls’ Education Program Priya credits Room to Read’s Girls’ Education Program for equipping her with essential life skills such as determination, effective communication, and problem-solving. For example, through the program’s interactive sessions, Priya participated in role-plays and group discussions that boosted her confidence and taught her to articulate her thoughts effectively. Before joining the program, Priya struggled with structured thinking and logical communication. However, through sessions on problem-solving, decision-making, managing and expressing emotions, and empathy, she learned to express herself clearly and effectively. These skills helped her articulate her thoughts thoughtfully and confidently, both in personal situations and during public speaking engagements. These skills were instrumental when Priya tackled critical issues in her school and community. For instance: Lack of Clean Washroom in school When Priya was in 8th grade, her school lacked proper washroom facilities because part of the campus was on railway land. Female students often had to relieve themselves in the jungles behind the school, which led to incidents of boys teasing and harassing them. Priya displayed leadership skills by organizing the girls to present this issue to the headmaster, Mr. Vijay Tiwari. The headmaster took the matter seriously and sent a formal request to the railway authorities. As a result, a washroom was constructed on campus, which is now used by middle-school students. Later, in 12th grade, Priya acted again when the existing washrooms were poorly maintained and flooded with water. She rallied the girls and collectively voiced their concerns to the principal, which led to improvements. These incidents highlight Priya’s communication and leadership abilities. A recent market Incident Recently, Priya was in the market with a friend when she witnessed a commotion. A woman accused a boy of inappropriately touching her and began shouting and verbally abusing him. The situation escalated as bystanders prepared to harm the boy. Observing the scene, Priya intervened, calming the woman and the crowd. She explained that the boy hadn’t touched her and urged everyone to avoid jumping to conclusions without confirmation. This example reflects Priya’s confidence, communication skills, and ability to mediate conflict. Inspiring and Influencing Other Girls Priya comes from a semi-rural, middle-class family where girls often lack the freedom to express their opinions. Economic challenges and gender-based discrimination are common in her community. Despite these constraints, Priya worked towards resolving these issues by presenting her ideas to her school and community. For instance, Priya often used her self-composed poems to share her thoughts during community events, inspiring others to support girls’ education and challenge traditional norms. Her ability to listen, empathize, and lead by example has made her a role model. Priya’s actions demonstrate her effectiveness as a leader, a good listener, and a motivational speaker who actively seeks solutions to problems. She also organized a small reading club in her village, where she shares books and facilitates discussions, creating a safe space for girls to express themselves and dream big. Mann Ki Baat Priya’s exceptional communication skills even led to her selection to represent the state of Chhattisgarh on the Prime Minister’s "Mann Ki Baat" TV program. She was invited to share suggestions for railway cleanliness and development. Her ability to articulate her experiences with clarity and passion impressed the selection panel, highlighting how Room to Read’s program helped her develop into a confident and inspiring speaker. Although unforeseen changes in the Prime Minister’s schedule prevented her from sharing her thoughts at the time, Priya remains optimistic that she will have such an opportunity in the future, firmly believing in her ability to make a meaningful change. Priya’s journey underscores the transformative power of life skills and education in empowering young girls to overcome obstacles and achieve their aspirations. Recently, Priya shared her powerful story at Room to Read's Hong Kong Gala event, standing confidently before an eminent gathering of Room to Read supporters, leaving them deeply inspired by her journey. Meet Priya Mishra
