Amidst adversity, there can often be a silver lining. Sohana Sital Chand, a 19-year-old from Nabua, embodies this truth with her inspiring journey from hardship to success.
Having faced significant challenges growing up in a broken family, Ms. Chand found refuge at Homes of Hope, an organization that offers long-term care and support for young mothers and their children. Despite her struggles, she remained determined to pursue her dreams.
Recently, Ms. Chand graduated with a Certificate 3 in Tourism Hospitality from ServicePro International Tourism Hospitality Institute in Nasinu. She views her educational achievements as a testament to the strength and roles women play in society. “This course has allowed me to enhance the skills I use at home in a more professional way,” she stated.
During her time at Homes of Hope, Ms. Chand received sponsorship to enroll in the tourism hospitality course in 2020, marking a pivotal moment in her life. “The opportunity presented itself and I joyfully took it. It was a blessing to me,” she reflected.
Balancing household responsibilities with her studies posed a significant challenge. “After a long half day of house chores, I had to focus completely during class hours. After a tough four hours in school, I continued my roles at home, including cooking and other chores,” she shared. Often, she had to stay up late to manage her assignments and exam preparation.
Now that her academic journey is complete, Ms. Chand looks forward to her future with optimism. Her advice to others facing difficulties is to focus on personal happiness rather than seeking the approval of others. “We only live once. It’s best to be true to yourself and make some people unhappy than to pretend to be someone else and live in misery,” she advised.