My Lifelines! - Shrusti Nanda

"Social media was a new thing back then. Flexing about myself, making a lot of friends and boasting about my followers were things that I used to do while trying to be a social butterfly. I stayed home so that I could stay online 24*7!

In my 10th pre-board exams, I nearly failed in Maths and Science. Consequently, my mom decided to devote her time to my studies, while doing her household chores. Her resilience while taking that decision, will stay etched in my heart. Though an English teacher, she loved teaching me algebra. She sat with me two whole months, working even harder than me. 

In those two months, she would ask me to get up early in the morning so as to ask me questions. But, I would be clueless. My hard work couldn't match up to the efforts that she was putting behind me. My habits would compel someone to chew their fingers off, Mom was super composed. Patiently, she would teach me the basics, without looking down upon my condition in case of studies. Besides academics, she taught me about life. She introduced me to meditation and that helped me love myself, without seeking validation from others, that's how social media fever left me.

Later, I gave the Board exams and I had scored 59 in both Maths and Science, but above 85 in other subjects. Yes, I didn't do well in the subjects that she taught me vigorously, but guess what? Knowing that I loved the art subjects, she appreciated me for having done well in the thing that truly interests me and welcomed my results and myself with open arms!

Currently, I am persuading Psychology and my teacher is another inspiration for me. She motivates me towards charitable work and helps me to walk the talk! I am eternally indebted to my two super women." - Shrusti Nanda.