Aditi, a small-town girl with big dreams, has always known struggle. Despite her humble beginnings, she lands a chance to study in the bustling city, carrying with her a hope to uplift her village and bring positive change. But life in the city is f...
The following morning, Aditi woke up to the sound of her phone's alarm-a simple ringtone she'd chosen to avoid any unnecessary attention. She quickly checked her messages and saw a good luck text from her mother, her first taste of support from back home. It was a grounding moment, reminding her of where she came from and why she was here.
After getting ready, she slipped into a simple but vibrant pink and green salwar kameez, her hair pulled back into a neat braid-a style her mother had always helped her with back in Gauripur. Her deep brown eyes sparkled with determination, though there was a hint of anxiety as she looked at her reflection. Today was her first day of college classes, and the anticipation was nearly overwhelming.
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The lecture hall was already bustling with students, many engrossed in their phones, taking selfies, or scrolling through social media. Some of them wore designer clothes, with trendy hairstyles and sleek, fashionable accessories. Aditi felt a pang of self-consciousness as she glanced down at her modest outfit, but she took a deep breath and reminded herself of why she was here.
As she found a seat near the middle of the hall, she overheard a group of students discussing their summer travels abroad, their voices echoing with laughter and carefree excitement. The casual mention of money, travel, and luxuries only heightened her awareness of the economic gap between her and her peers.
Student 1(scrolling through their phone, showing photos): "And here's where we stayed in Paris. The view was amazing! Can't wait to go back next year."
Student 2(nodding): "I know, right? My family's planning a trip to London soon. Shopping there is just another level."
Aditi looked down at her notebook, feeling a twinge of inadequacy. She pushed the feeling aside, reminding herself that she was here to learn, not to compete with anyone's lifestyle.
As the lecture began, the professor introduced himself as Dr. Menon, a tall man in his late 40s with salt-and-pepper hair, wearing a formal shirt and blazer. He spoke with a quiet authority that commanded attention.
Dr. Menon: "Welcome to Development Studies. This course will challenge you, broaden your understanding, and hopefully inspire you to think beyond yourself. Today's world needs change-makers who understand the roots of social and economic issues."
Aditi's heart raced. This was exactly what she had come for, and she hung onto every word. As Dr. Menon continued his lecture on community development and social change, she took detailed notes, feeling a sense of purpose.
After class, she noticed a few students around her discussing social media accounts they followed related to development and activism. She jotted down some of the names, realizing that social media could be a powerful tool for spreading awareness and advocating change.
Aditi(thinking): "Maybe I can use social media too-maybe one day to share stories from Gauripur, to connect with others who want to make a difference."
During a break between classes, Aditi made her way to the college bookstore to buy some essential supplies and textbooks. The bookstore was filled with shiny, new books, and students chatting over the latest editions. She picked up a few textbooks and headed to the counter, feeling slightly uneasy as she saw the prices.
When the cashier rang up the total, Aditi's stomach dropped. It was far more than she had budgeted.
Aditi(thinking, nervously): "This is just the beginning... How will I manage everything with the little money I have?"
Her thoughts were interrupted by a student nearby who was on their phone, casually talking about how their parents had transferred extra funds for their "basic needs."
Student(on the phone, laughing): "Yeah, I know, but I told Dad I needed more for some supplies. You can never have too much cash, right?"
Aditi sighed, pulling out only two of the books and setting the others back. She paid for the essentials and promised herself she'd find a way to manage the rest.
Determined to ease her financial strain, Aditi decided to look for a part-time job on campus. She visited the student services office, where a bulletin board displayed various job postings, from tutoring positions to clerical work.
She pulled out her phone and took photos of the most promising ones. One poster in particular caught her attention: "Library Assistant Needed - Flexible Hours". The library was quiet, perfect for studying, and the hours seemed manageable. She jotted down the contact information and resolved to apply first thing the next day.
Aditi(thinking): "If I can earn a little extra, I can cover my supplies and maybe even send some money home."
As she walked out of the student services office, she noticed a small group of girls chatting nearby. One of them, a girl with shoulder-length hair and a cheerful smile, caught her eye and waved.
Girl: "Hey, you're new, right? I saw you in the development studies class. I'm Neha."
Aditi(smiling nervously): "Yes, I'm Aditi. Nice to meet you."
Neha had a friendly presence, dressed in a stylish kurti and jeans, her look a mix of modern and traditional. Aditi felt a bit more at ease with her approachable style and warm personality.
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Neha: "If you ever need help finding places on campus, let me know. First week here can be a lot! I remember feeling the same way last year."
Aditi's nerves began to ease as she chatted with Neha. She soon learned that Neha came from a small town as well, though not as remote as Gauripur. They quickly found common ground, and Neha offered to introduce her to a few others.
Neha: "We're all going for chai at the campus café later. You should come with us-it's a tradition for all the new students in our group."
Aditi agreed, grateful for the invitation. She felt her apprehension fading, knowing she had someone to lean on as she adjusted to this new life.
That evening, as Aditi sat in her hostel room scrolling through her phone, she reflected on the day. The campus was intimidating, and the economic disparities were apparent, but she felt she was beginning to find her place. She even looked up some development studies social media accounts, seeing students and professionals sharing their work, thoughts, and goals. The posts inspired her to think about how she could one day use her voice for change.
Aditi lay back on her bed, clutching her phone and looking out at the city lights twinkling beyond her window. She had overcome a lot just to be here, and she knew she'd need that same resilience to make her dreams a reality.
Aditi(whispering to herself): "One day, I'll be able to afford all I need. Until then, I'll do whatever it takes to succeed."
