The Smallest Incident That Taught Me a Valuable Lesson

I can still recall the day I saw Prachi Nigam, who secured the top position in the UP Board exams with an impressive percentage. However, the disturbing reality was that instead of congratulating her, eons of comment culture in India mocked her simply based on her appearance. People commented, 'Is she a girl or a boy?', 'Why does she need a parlour first?', and even 'Should she wax her moustache?'

Such deriding comments not only hurt Prachi but also reflected a disturbing shift in societal values where physical features of girls overshadow their academic achievements. This treatment is unacceptable, and it's crucial to educate ourselves about the impact such words can have.

That being said, one should never let such negative comments affect their self-esteem. As individuals, we must stand firm and not let such offhand remarks influence our decisions or moods.

The Importance of Resilience in Professional Pursuits

My own experience echoes a similar theme. Not long ago, I was job hunting for a biology faculty position. After leaving my government job to pursue my passion for teaching, the inability to find a job was slowly but surely demoralizing. I had gone through multiple rounds of interviews at an ed-tech firm, but none of them resulted in any affirmations or job offers, which left me feeling depressed and frustrated.

Then, I stumbled upon an advertisement on my Facebook feed for a one-to-one online biology tutoring position. The company seemed legitimate, their policies were clearly explained, and the price was reasonable. But, it was a micro-scam in disguise.

I paid 300 rupees for the enrollment process and 400 for the connection to a student. The next day, when I was ready to start teaching, the company informed me that they hadn't received the 400 rupees for the connection yet. They asked me to hold on and check with the parents whether the money had been transferred.

To my astonishment, the student's parents said they couldn't start the session unless the company received the money. After confirming with the parents and realizing I had been scammed, I wondered why the parents would care about the company's financial status at the expense of their child's tutoring.

Leveraging Personal Experiences to Stay Focused

This experience taught me the value of resilience and the importance of reading between the lines—especially in the education industry. Negligence can be more subtle than overtly malicious intentions. However, every small incident is an opportunity to grow stronger. By standing firm and making informed decisions, one can navigate the treacherous waters of professional life.

So, here’s a life lesson I carry forward: never let small incidents or mean comments affect your confidence or self-worth. Instead, turn those obstacles into stepping stones for personal and professional growth. Life is full of unexpected challenges, and every one of them helps in shaping who we are.

Final Thoughts

Prachi, like many others, struggles against prevailing biases and negative comments. By overcoming these challenges, she can inspire others to stand firm in the face of adversity. Similarly, my own experience with the scam should serve as a warning and a call to action for those navigating the ed-tech industry. Things are not always as they seem, and vigilance is key to avoiding potential pitfalls.