Role Model

According to the dictionary, a role model is “a person who serves as a model in a particular behavioral or social role for another person to emulate” (The American Heritage Stedman's Medical Dictionary, n.d.). To many, role models are usually people who are much older and experienced, probably veterans in their field. However, my role model is far from old. In fact, she has not even completed her high school studies.

Shanti is a 16 year old Hindi girl who has eyes the shade of hazelnut. She also has lavish dark brown locks that cascade down one side of her shoulder, in the form of a braid. I first met Shanti in Lucknow, India last year, when I led a team of youths on an overseas Youth Expedition Project (YEP). She was one of the oldest girls in the children’s home that we visited, and she was always seen scurrying around the place; be it cleaning after a younger one, or preparing our next meal.

Despite her busy schedule, I was lucky enough to have a chat with her on the last night that we were in Lucknow. I was told that every child in this home had a ‘story’ and somehow I was drawn towards wanting to know more about her. Needless did I know, I was about to take a ride on the emotional roller coaster, a ride that I would never forget. As we sat under the moonlight, Shanti began unraveling the past that not many know of.

Shanti was 4 years old when she lost her mother, brother and sister because of a flood, leaving her brother, father and herself behind. Her mother was the village head and the family depended on her income, but because of the incident, her father who was once a well-known educator, turned to the streets to beg and feed Shanti and her brother. As time passed, Shanti s father was overwhelmed with the responsibilities, and in his bit to escape the pressure, he went away to seek a better life, leaving 7 year old Shanti and her brother behind. That was when their lives spiraled for the worst. Without a roof above their heads, Shanti and her brother had to live on the railway station, and resorted to begging and stealing in order to survive. At times, sleeping the cold and hunger off was the only solution they had. One could never fathom the thought of living in such an extreme condition, but in reality, this is the life of a ‘railway kid’ in India.

Fortunately, her brother heard about the children’s home that Shanti is currently living in, and decided to send her over. Shanti finally had a roof over her head and could get her basic needs met, but the day that she arrived at the home, was also the last day she would hear from her brother. I paused to look at Shanti  and even though there was a tinge of sadness in her eyes as she gave a recount of her experience, she looked back at me with a wide smile on her face.

Despite all that has happened, this year marks the tenth year that Shanti has been living in this home and she is still optimistic and forward-driven. With a positive mindset, Shanti is making plans to become a doctor after completing her studies. Believing firmly in ‘paying it forward’, Shanti even plans to set up a hospital upon graduation in order to provide free health care to “her people”. Her determination never ceases to amaze me.

The reason why Shanti is my role model is because of her confidence, determination and efforts to strive, and pull away from poverty while helping those in need. It is humbling and amazing to know that a 16 year old can place others before herself. With plans to commit her time, money and love, Shanti expects nothing in return except to achieve the desired outcome; to provide free healthcare so that “her people” can be healthy and happy.

A child once told me that when he grows up, he wants to be Superman. To me, when I grow up, I want to be just like Shanti.

*p/s: The real name of the person isn't used for the sake of confidentiality. And no, I'm not going to reveal the location nor the name of the home as well. I gave you my word and I'm keeping it, Shanti*.