If I could get a second chance, I would want to go to a regular college and study literature, and I would want to continue my higher studies.
I studied in one of the very remote villages in Uttarakhand, India. We only knew we had to go to school, and I think that time, no one told us why it was important to go to school, and we never asked. The only thing I clearly remember is that in 9th class, we had to choose subjects, and I wanted to choose math. That news spread all over the village, and everyone kept saying math is a tough subject, and I should not take it.
I completed my senior secondary education in Delhi, the Capital of India, but even in 11th, I did not get any useful subjects. It was all vocational subjects. We had one subject in English too, and that was very difficult for me to understand.
After 12th, I did not know how much a regular college could shape my career and create opportunities. I realized this years later when I started my Master’s in Social work, which was also distance learning, but we had Sunday classes for three months in each year. Discussing topics with professor and and the kind of guidance I received, it made me think that it would have been so helpful if I had this kind of support during 12th class.
There were so many things I did not know, so many words, ideas and opportunities I had never heard of. I don’t remember if I had any conversation about what inspire me, what I want to become and how to even think about it.
The only thing I understand gradually is to become financially independent and which led me to continue distance learning and working towards it. During my job, short courses opened new opportunities for me, and I found a direction for my career. Today, distance learning has become so much better and due to technology, we can access a variety of courses and opportunities. It was not that good back in our time.
When I look back now, I feel only gratitude. I am happy with my life journey. Maybe I could have had access to a regular college earlier, but I might not have valued it the way I value today.
Thank you, Ladies of Hive, for this topic to go back and reflect.
