One of Sira’s teachers noticed the change in this strong-minded
little girl. Her two dresses had seams
beginning to open and her frail body disappeared in the clothes. The twinkle in her eyes whenever she learned
something new was beginning to fade. The
teacher consulted with the school counselor and together they found resources
to help in various ways. A social worker
visited their home and finding the father sober, brought to light how their
situation was affecting their daughter.
The social worker acquainted him with the concept of workers
compensation, food assistance, rehabilitation, and various other programs
available to hardworking families like them.
Under the watchful eye of her teacher, Sira’s twinkle slowly
began to return and she absorbed all that was around her with renewed
determination. Familiarizing herself
with the new systems, memorizing facts, developing awareness of her place in
the world, developing friendships with like-minded peers, she became motivated
to seek opportunities. Her determination
to build a life that would be unlike her parents’, a life where she will
outshine once again, Sira persevered.
Scoring a goal in the dusty soccer field of her home
country, outperforming the boys of her neighborhood had just been the beginning
of what Sira was capable of accomplishing.
Circumstances or changes never held her back, in fact propelled her
ahead with even more determination.
Walking down the aisle to receive her college degree many years later,
she looked around her peers and stood tall among them. From the stage she looked out towards her
proud parents, who had shown her the way to opportunities and perseverance and
thanked the teachers and counselors who had guided her towards the path of
independence.
EDUCATION, THE ROAD TO FREEDOM!
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