The school courtyard was alive with color despite the lingering rain from earlier that morning. Bright sarees worn by the teachers contrasted with the muddy puddles scattered across the ground. I watched as the girls, still laughing and chatting from their long walks to school, skipped around the puddles like it was a game. Their smiles were radiant, their energy infectious. Rain or shine, nothing could dull their excitement to learn.
A few teachers and students met us at the school gates, ushering us inside with the kind of warmth that made me feel instantly at home. They told me about the students—how some walked for miles every day just to get here, most without reliable transportation. Despite their challenges, these girls radiated resilience and determination. The school had become a safe haven, a place where their dreams weren’t just welcomed but nurtured.
Inside the school, the improved school infrastructure was impossible to miss. Smart screens adorned the classrooms, and brightly colored encouraging posters celebrating science and technology lined the walls. The teachers explained how the American India Foundation (AIF) had worked tirelessly to upgrade the school’s infrastructure, creating a space where the girls could feel empowered to thrive.
Then came the moment I had been waiting for: meeting the girls. They greeted me with shy smiles at first, but that didn’t last long. We quickly found common ground, laughing and talking about our shared love for Bollywood movies, samosas and mango lassi. They asked about my school and I told them about our school-wide fundraiser and shared pictures of my classmates and me working together to support a meaningful cause.
As I spoke to the girls, I wanted to inspire them to see the opportunities that STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) could open for their futures. I explained that STEM isn’t just a subject—it’s the foundation of everything we see around us. From the phones we use to the medicine that saves lives and the cities we live in, STEM drives innovation and progress.
I told them that jobs in STEM fields are growing faster than most other careers, offering countless opportunities for those who pursue them. But beyond the statistics, we discussed how STEM gives us the tools to solve real-world problems, like climate change, disease, and poverty. “Your voices are needed in these fields,” I said, “because the world needs women like you to bring fresh ideas and perspectives to the table.”
Looking around, I saw their expressions change. They weren’t just listening—they were imagining and dreaming big. Education wasn’t just about earning degrees or finding jobs. It was about breaking cycles of poverty, lifting families, and creating ripples of change for generations to come.
Their pride shone brightest when they showed me their projects. Using MIT Scratch, they had coded animations and created presentations that reflected their growing confidence in technology. One girl explained how she wanted to become a doctor and use her education to help others. Another talked about dreams of becoming an engineer. Standing there, I couldn’t help but feel humbled. These girls weren’t just learning—they were building futures they once could only dream about.
The rain had cleared by the time the students performed a beautiful dance. Watching the girls dance to my favorite Bollywood songs was pure joy. Their colorful outfits swirled as they spun, their laughter echoing through the room. It was a moment that made the world feel smaller, as if the differences between us had melted away entirely.
As I handed out chocolates to the students, their wide-eyed excitement made me smile. I thought back to the journey that had brought me here—the hundreds of hours spent tutoring kids in my neighborhood over the past 4 years (starting with the pandemic), the school-wide fundraisers, the presentations to my peers and school administration, and even the moments when I spoke to larger audiences about the mission of the American India Foundation, like during the Massachusetts Lions Statewide Speech Competition. It all culminated in this moment, seeing the direct impact of those efforts on the lives of these girls.
None of this would have been possible without the tireless work of AIF and its incredible team. Ms. Sindoori and Mr. Joshy Jose have been opening doors to a brighter future for these girls. Their inspiring efforts have equipped the students with the tools, support, and confidence they need to chase their dreams and turn them into reality.
As I left Marla Govt School, I carried their stories with me, etched in my heart. Their resilience, their joy, and their unwavering belief in education to change lives reminded me why I started my work with AIF in the first place. It wasn’t just about raising money; it was about connecting communities, creating incredible opportunities for these girls, and creating a ripple effect that could cross continents. More than anything, this experience gave me and my 250+ peers (in a primarily white school) a profound sense of purpose—a realization that our efforts, no matter how small they might seem, have the power to inspire hope in ways hard to imagine.
That day, I didn’t just witness the impact of education—I saw its potential to transform lives. I saw it in the courage of the girls, the pride in their voices, and the spark in their eyes that promised a brighter future—not just for them, but for the world.
Sanya Nadeem is an AIF New England Youth Ambassador. She visited the school in August 2024.
