I still remember the Covid lockdown like it was yesterday. It was one of the hardest times for our family. My father lost his job. Whatever savings we had ran out fast. Watching my father, who had always been strong, struggle to support us made me feel like I had to do something. 

My father worked as a cab driver and earned around Rs 6,000 a month. There was never much to spare, but my parents never let that affect our studies. I have three siblings, and we all went to good private schools. My mother worked as a house helper to support the family. Life was not easy, but my parents made sure we didn’t feel the weight of those struggles. 

As a child, I loved dressing up and trying out makeup. My sisters were my models, especially during festivals. I dreamed of becoming a beautician, and my parents supported that dream. I planned to take up a course after my class 12 exams. But the pandemic changed everything. 

At first, we thought it would pass quickly. We lived off our savings, but as the weeks went on, things only got worse. My father had to borrow money from relatives, and the way some of them treated him hurt us deeply. I felt helpless, but that pain gave me the push I needed. 

When lockdown restrictions started easing, I began looking for work. In my village, it was unusual for girls to step out and work. Many in my family didn’t support the idea. One day, a friend showed me a Facebook ad (advertisement) for the GROW program. I spoke to the trainers and signed up for the course. That one step changed a lot of things. 

The training helped me come out of my shell. I became more confident and improved how I spoke with people. After completing the course, I got a job at KFC as a trainee. In the beginning, the work felt difficult. I had never worked in a kitchen or served customers before. There were times I thought of quitting. But I held on, thinking about the salary I was earning and how much it helped my family. That thought kept me going. 

It has been five years now. I have been promoted to Shift Manager and now guide a team of 12 employees. The work I once did, I now manage. It feels good to see how far I have come.

I was also the first girl in my family and village to step out and work in the city. Seeing me work, many girls in my village felt encouraged. I referred my sisters and a few other girls to the GROW program. Two of them now work with me. 

My father is working again, and my mother no longer has to take up house work. We have even built a house of our own. People who once ignored us now invite us with respect. Everything I have done was not just for me. It was for my family, especially for my father who never gave up. I am now hoping to be promoted as Assistant Restaurant Manager, and my biggest dream is to buy my father a car.