Zero to Something

A few days ago, I met a young girl.
She smiled at me, and I smiled back. That simple exchange was enough to start a conversation.
As we talked, I asked, How is your studies going, dear?
She smiled and replied, They're going well.
I asked, Which grade are you in?
10th.
I said, Oh, these are your board exam years. You'll have to work very hard.
Then I asked, Which school do you go to?
Her answer caught me completely by surprise.
No, Aunty. I dropped out of school. I'll be taking my board exams privately.
I was a little taken aback.
But dear, I asked, if you've left school, how will you continue your education?
She answered calmly,
Schools have become little more than institutions in name. They don't always teach us anything truly meaningful. If your intentions are clear and you have the passion to learn, you can receive an excellent education while studying from home.
Then she continued,
Nowadays, many schools have become a source of stress for parents. Every few weeks there's another fee, another expense. Parents do everything they can for their children's happiness, but in many places, money seems to matter more than education.
There was very little bitterness in her words only honesty.
She went on,
For years, I saw my parents constantly worried. But ever since I left school and started studying on my own, I've worked harder than ever. Their worries have lessened, and I've seen a little more happiness on their faces.
After a brief pause, she said,
The world has changed. We have access to countless learning resources today. All we really need is the support of our parents and faith in ourselves.
One more thing she said has stayed with me ever since.
A degree alone is no longer a guarantee of success. Many graduates are unemployed. Many girls eventually get married and begin a new chapter of life, while many boys either join the family business or work part-time jobs. So I chose the path that I believe is right for me.
I listened to every word with great attention.
Whether I agreed with all of her views is a different conversation. But one thing was undeniable she was remarkably thoughtful for someone so young.
Before we parted, I said,
I'm a writer. If you'd like, you can follow me on Substack.
She smiled and replied,
I'm about to start my own work on Substack as well. I hope you'll subscribe to me too.
At that moment, I realized we hadn't just met each other.
We were two people on different journeys, walking toward the same purpose.
Perhaps that's what 'Zero to Something' truly means.
And today, she is on Substack under that very name.
Through her writing, she hopes to bring forward young minds like her own and show the world that she is not alone. There are many young people who think deeply, question the ordinary, and dare to carve their own paths. She wants their voices to be heard.

The Mom Unfiltered✨