Success Stories

Hello, my name is Kusum Bijalwan, a student who is now the Director of Administration Services at the school, Treasurer of the Trust in India and Board of Director in USA.

When I was 13 years old, I learned English grammar well enough that Mother Miracle School allowed me to teach the small kids in the evening. When I got my first salary, I gave it to my mother, and she was so happy. That day I felt that I had also become financial support to my family.

My name is Kusum Bijalwan. I live in Rishikesh. I have three sisters and one brother. I came to Mother Miracle School when I was a little girl in 2005. In 2007, when I was 13 years old, I learned English grammar well enough that Shahla gave me a chance to teach the young kids in the evening.

Kusum (age 8) with her friend Baboli.

When I got my first salary, I gave it to my mother, and she was so happy. That day I felt that I had also become financial support to my family. Since then, I have worked part-time in Shahla’s office as an accountant and gave my mother my salary, making me very happy.

At the age of 14, Shahla took me and my friend Mamta to America for three months. She selected us because I was always number one in my class and Mamta was number two, so she rewarded us with this trip. That was a life-changing memory for us. We went to New York, San Francisco, Palm Springs, Los Angeles, and many other places.

We learned and enjoyed it a lot. We also performed a few Indian classical dances, sang songs, and I played piano. I learned how to play the piano with two hands in two months. Before that, I have never seen a piano in my life, but I was determined to learn and perform three songs in front of many people while Mamta sang. Our performance in many schools, homes, and fundraising functions was very successful. I also gave speeches about my experience in America and India’s life in front of more than 200 people on many occasions. This trip was the best part of my life and an unforgettable memory!

Kusum and Mamta in San Francisco.

In 2010, I passed my 12th grade in the first division and entered college. I received my Bachelor’s in Science, and I’ve finalized my Master’s in science, and now I am preparing for my medical exam to receive a Ph.D. in Zoology. I dreamed of becoming a doctor from childhood, and for that, I am studying very hard. I always loved to study, and that was why I was always number one in my class and didn’t let anyone else get ahead of me.

Over the past 11 years, I have been fortunate to have a sponsor like Dwayne Smallen from the United States, who has been sponsoring me for my education, and for Shahla, who is always there for me I need anything. She is my inspiration. When I become successful, I want to give my family a better life and fulfill my mother’s dream of having her own home. I also want to give back to Mother Miracle, support the girls and empower them to achieve their goals.

Kusum on a trip to the mountains in 2020.

If I had not met Shahla Ettefagh and Mother Miracle School, I would not be as strong and confident as I am today to pursue my dream to become a doctor. I am so lucky and proud to be a part of the Mother Miracle Family.

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