Be the Girl Who Dares to Dream Big

As we celebrate International Women's  Day on March 8th, I am reminded of the countless women who have inspired me throughout my journey as a teacher. Women who have defied conventions, pushed boundaries, and paved the way for future generations.

As I sit here, reflecting on my life's journey, I am reminded of the countless times I've been told to "settle down" and "be realistic." But what does it mean to settle down, anyway? Is it about conforming to societal expectations or is it about chasing your dreams, no matter how impossible they may seem?

Growing up in a small village, I was surrounded by people who knew me as the "ordinary girl" from the "ordinary family." But little did they know, I had extraordinary dreams brewing inside me.But every time I shared my aspirations with others, I was met with skepticism and doubt. "You're just a girl from a small village," they'd say. "What makes you think you can achieve such big things?" Or, "You're not getting any younger, when are you going to settle down and get married?"

It's as if society had already predetermined the path I was supposed to take: finish school, get a stable job, get married, have kids, and live happily ever after. But what about my own happiness? What about my own dreams and aspirations?

 Whatever they say,I only consider the  most rewarding part of my journey.It was the sense of fulfillment I felt. I was doing something I loved, something that made me happy, and something that allowed me to express myself creatively.Of course, there were still people who didn't understand my choices. They'd say things like, "You're not stable," or "You're not making enough money." But I knew that stability and financial security weren't the only measures of success.

As women, we're often expected to prioritize others' needs over our own. We're expected to be caregivers, nurturers, and supporters. And while these roles are important, they shouldn't come at the cost of our own dreams and aspirations.

I'm not saying it's easy. There are still days when I doubt myself, when I feel like I'm not good enough, or when I worry about what others think. But I've learned to push through those feelings, to trust myself, and to believe in my abilities.

So, to all the women out there who are feeling trapped, who are feeling like they're not living up to societal expectations, I want to say this: don't settle for ordinary. Don't let others define your path. Take a leap of faith, pursue your passions, and never give up on your dreams.

You are capable of achieving extraordinary things, no matter what your age, background, or circumstances may be. So go out there and make your mark on the world.

So, on this International Women's Day, I want to salute all the women who have inspired me, who have paved the way for me, and who continue to empower and motivate me. I want to recognize the countless women who are working tirelessly to make a difference in their communities, who are fighting for justice and equality, and who are pushing boundaries and challenging conventions.

Harsha. P, Assistant Professor of Economics, Al Shifa College of Arts and Science, Kizhattoor, Perinthalmanna