EMELIE VOICES
MEET SONAM YADAV, DESIGNING HER PATH TO “GROW AND GLOW”
This is the story of Sonam Yadav, a daughter, a dreamer,and a girl who simply didn’t give up, discovered her love for teaching, and kept walking forward even when the path felt uncertain.
A few years ago, Sonam stood at a crossroads, unsure if she’d be able to continue her education. Her world changed during her first year of college when her father, who ran a small flour mill, suddenly fell ill. Despite multiple hospital visits and every effort to save him, he passed away after weeks of pain, leaving behind both an emotional and financial void. After a few days of his final rites, Sonam had to appear for her university exams. There was no time to pause, not even to grieve. As the eldest child, she quietly stepped into a role most wouldn’t at 19. The family had lost its only source of income. Her mother, though grieving deeply, took on the responsibility of running the mill to keep things going. There were real questions about money, continuing college, and their future. In those moments, she even considered dropping out of college, thinking that if her younger brother could continue school, she could work for a year and return to studies later. But her mother, broken yet unshaken, didn’t let that happen. Through her grief, she stood firm, encouraging Sonam to complete her education and stand on her own feet. She tried everything she could, turning to relatives for help to make sure Sonam didn’t have to stop. With her mother's support and trust, Sonam found the strength to keep going.
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“It gave me hope. Had I not received support at the right time, I wouldn’t have been able to finish my graduation and come so far.”
FROM GRIEF TO GROWTH: THE STORY OF SONAM'S RESILIENCE
During this time, one of her college professors introduced her to the Emelie Foundation. She applied for support and attended a Foundation meeting with her mother, which became a turning point in her journey. She expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity that she got to know at just the right moment when she needed it the most. Receiving the foundation’s aid gave Sonam the Assurance and strength she needed to continue.
Balancing college with responsibility at home, Sonam took up a part-time job as a programming tutor at a local institute. Between bus rides, college lectures, computer labs, and home chores, she discovered something unexpected: her love for teaching. She was teaching coding to students older than her, including second- and third-year students, and supporting not just her family but also herself through a growing confidence in her academic skills. Somewhere between long bus rides and grief-filled nights, she kept showing up each day. She faced stigma, harsh comments, and constant judgments, but no one questioned her for coming home late from work. Despite the stigma, judgments, and pressure, she didn’t let all of those voices hold her back. Even after graduation, her uncle suggested to her mother that she should get married, claiming it would be “safer and more secure” for her future. But Sonam made her stand clear: “I want to build a better life for my mother, my brother, and myself. I’m not done yet.”
Sailing through emotional turmoil, societal pressures, and the tough curveballs life threw her way, Sonam stood strong with quiet resilience, sincerity, and a smile. With the support of her teachers, her college, and the timely aid provided by The Emelie Foundation, she completed her undergraduate degree in computer science. Her journey, though filled with silent battles, serves as a reflection of what’s possible when a daughter is empowered to pursue her education. It’s a reminder to every girl in a similar space, and every single mother standing by her daughter’s side, that education can truly be an enabler to pave the way forward. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Sonam’s mother, whose unwavering strength and support kept her going. It is her belief in Sonam that enabled her to reach this point and to prepare for the future she envisions for her family.
Today, Sonam is pursuing her master’s in computer science from the same college. She aspires to become a professor and is committed to constantly upskilling herself to stay connected with the latest technological advancements. She expressed a desire to contribute to the foundation and support girls and mothers like her with whatever help she can offer. Sonam's journey is just beginning, and we are confident that she is destined for great things. She serves as a powerful reminder that when a mother believes in her daughter, and a community supports both of them, no girl has tostop pursuing her education.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Sonam’s mother, Ms. Sushama Fuleshchandra Yadav, for her unwavering strength and support that kept Sonam going. It is her belief in Sonam that enabled her to reach this point and to prepare for the future she envisions for her family
At The Emelie Foundation, we aim to be supportive anchors and cheerleaders who walk with every girl, determined to rewrite her story. We are honoured to have had the opportunity to walk alongside Sonam in a small way. We’re excited to see her shape the life’s working towards with sincerity, drive, courage, and heart. To Sonam and every daughter rising in strength and silence, we are with you!!
Ms. Sushama Fuleshchandra Yadav Sonam’s Source of Strength
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