“Get Ahead !”

Every young girl deserves the opportunity to dream big, explore endless possibilities, and chase a career that fuels her passion. Yet, for many girls in government higher secondary schools, societal barriers, financial constraints, and a lack of awareness often dim their aspirations. Recognizing this, Mission Empower launched the Get Ahead initiative, aimed at empowering 9th-grade girls in Mecheri with career awareness, industry exposure, and mentorship opportunities tailored to their interests.

The Get Ahead initiative has been a journey of discovery and empowerment. Through engaging career awareness sessions, I introduce young girls to diverse career paths across various industries. Under the theme Know Your Career, we encourage them to explore fields they may never have considered before.

Using real-life examples of women who have excelled in their respective domains—like Vaishali in chess, Khazima in carrom, and Elina Mishra as a nuclear scientist— inspiring them to dream beyond the conventional. These success stories serve as tangible proof that with determination, resilience, and the right guidance, they too can make a mark in the world.

A Session That Touched My Heart..

One such career awareness session at a girls’ school in Mecheri left a profound impact on me. It was the first time these 9th-grade girls were attending one of my sessions, so I made sure it was interactive and engaging. I started with rapid-fire rounds, where I asked them to name professions they were curious about. I busted myths about careers—highlighting that engineering, medicine, and teaching weren’t the only options available to them.

But beyond the fun and excitement, the session took an emotional turn when we began discussing their struggles—familial pressures, financial hardships, and the silent burden of societal expectations. As I spoke about different career paths, the girls started asking questions that revealed both their aspirations and their uncertainties:

• “How do I become a cardiologist?”
• “What should I study to be a physiotherapist?”
• “How can I become an IPS officer?”

I answered each of their questions with care, explaining the pathways to their desired careers. I emphasized the importance of taking small but consistent steps toward their goals, believing in themselves, and seeking mentors who could guide them.

A Moment of Heartbreak..

Then, something unexpected happened. One girl, sitting quietly in the back, suddenly broke down in tears. Through choked words, she confided in me her biggest fear—that no matter how much she dreamed of becoming an IPS officer, society would never let her soar that high.

It was a powerful and heartbreaking moment. A stark reminder that, beyond career guidance, these girls need something more—they need belief, encouragement, and unwavering support. They need someone to tell them that their dreams are valid and achievable, no matter how distant they may seem.

This experience reinforced my commitment to Get Ahead. These girls do not just need information about careers; they need role models, a strong support system, and the confidence to defy the limitations imposed on them.

What’s Next?

The journey of Mission Empower’s Get Ahead initiative is just beginning. In the coming months, I am planning to connect these girls with real mentors—women who have carved a niche in their respective fields—so they can see firsthand that success is within reach. More career awareness sessions, mentorship programs, and hands-on exposure to different industries are on the horizon.

This initiative is not just about career guidance; it’s about creating a generation of fearless young women who dare to dream and have the tools to make those dreams a reality.

And to the girl who shed tears that day—this is for you. You will fly high, and society will have to make space for your wings.