As I sit down to write this blog, I’m filled with a mix of emotions – nostalgia, gratitude, and pride. Today, I want to share with you a personal journey that has brought me closer to my family while working on a topic that’s both passionate and sensitive: menstruation health and hygiene. In this blog, I’ll take you through the experiences, funny and serious, that I’ve had with my family throughout my fellowship project.
In the initial days of my journey, my family members were completely new to the concept of my fellowship project. As they were involved in other professions, they had numerous questions about what it entailed. “Is this something like training?” “Will it be an office job or field visit?” My parents understood the basics of fellowship, but our neighbors and relatives were curious, asking questions like “What is it about?” I remember asking my mother to join my interview session, where I had an amazing experience meeting new faces who would later become close to my heart.
After the interview, my mother comforted me, asking how it went, and then stopped the conversation there. As the days passed, I was worried about the result, but finally, I got selected and had to travel to Pune for training. My family’s support was overwhelming, as they put aside their feelings and focused on my dreams, motivating me to fight and fly high.
As I began working on my passionate topic, my mother’s behavior towards my project was noteworthy. She would often say, “This is not a simple topic; your contribution towards menstruation will directly be connected to Lord Kamakhya, so give your complete soul to the project.” Gradually, my family started trusting and believing in my knowledge regarding menstruation. They would ask queries and seek suggestions regarding women’s health, which was an amazing feeling.
When I went home, I was surprised to find that our neighbors were eager to meet me. They were interested in gathering menstrual knowledge from me for their daughters or close ones. They asked questions like “What alternative can be used in place of pads?” “How long can we keep a pad on?” and many more. It was a different feeling, gaining complete trust from my family and those near to me.
Working on my fellowship project has been a journey of growth, not just professionally but also personally. It’s amazing how a topic like menstruation health and hygiene can bring people together, fostering trust and understanding. I’m grateful for the support of my family and the opportunity to make a difference in my community. As I conclude this blog, I hope that my story will inspire others to take up sensitive topics with passion and dedication, leading to a ripple effect of positive change.
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