I’m Mamta Chauhan, a registered Nurse, my sponsor Shohreh Aghdashloo supported me through my education. I feel very fortunate to have her as my sponsor.

My name is Mamta Chauhan. I live in Rishikesh. I have one sister and two brothers. My father works as a government employee. He works so hard but could not make enough money to meet the four children’s needs in my family, so he opened a part-time tea stall with my mother. Although my father is not very educated and my mother is illiterate, they always wanted us to become educated and see their children succeed.

In 2005, I was attending Hindi Government School. Every day, I used to get sad when I saw other rich kids going to the best school and having facilities like books, nice uniforms, new shoes, good classrooms, and the best teachers, all of which was impossible for me to get. My childhood dream of being a Nurse seemed impossible too.

It was then that I found out about the Mother Miracle School. I took my little brother and enrolled us. Mother Miracle School provided me all those facilities which I had dreamed about. There I learned many subjects with good spirit.

In 2007, I became one of the best students in Mother Miracle School, so Shahla allowed me to teach English grammar to young kids. In the morning, I went to my regular school, and in the afternoon, I taught.

When I got my first salary, I gave it to my father and mother and their eyes filled with tears but with a big smile on their face, and they tightly hugged me. They were so proud to see their little girl studying hard as well as earning a little money. That was the day that Mother Miracle School showed me that I could be confident enough to support my family financially.

In 2008, when I was 14 years old, my best friend Kusum and I were chosen for a three-month trip to America sponsored by Mother Miracle School with Shahla. This trip was offered as a reward for my non-stop hard work and studying. It was a life-changing experience for both of us. We went to New York, San Francisco, Palm Springs, and Los Angeles.

Besides enjoying our trip, we became passionate about our goals and dreams while visiting many educational universities, museums, and some school events. We also performed three Indian classical dances, and I sang one song in different schools. I also shared my life story in front of more than 200 audience members!

In 2012, I graduated 12th grade with 1st division with a major in science.

Then came the turning point of my life. I knew if I did not go to a university to be a certified nurse, I would have to marry. So I found out about the nursing college at the Himalayan Hospital University. After I passed my entrance exam, it was time to get admitted and pay my tuition fees. It was a mix of emotions because I was so happy to pass the exam, but I knew that my family couldn’t afford the course fee.

I cried and begged my parents for this opportunity and prayed to God for a miracle. I became helpless when my parents started to borrow money from all our relatives and neighbors to pay for my security fees, not to mention the whole college fee. I could see my parents and me breaking down at that time. My mother’s face became shrunken and weak. A lack of money made her heartbroken.

I had nowhere else to go but Shahla to ask for help. Without hesitation, she assured my heartbroken parents that she would convince my two sponsors, Shohreh Aghdashloo and Nouchin Akmal, to pay for my course and housing until I graduate from the university.

I won’t forget that day when my parents and my dream came true!

I am so happy to have Shahla and Mother Miracle as a part of my life. I will always be thankful to her and Shohreh and Nouchin. I am so lucky to be a part of Mother Miracle School!

In 2014, I graduated and became a certified nurse.

I was then immediately selected as a trainee for cancer patients.

After 6 months of training, I started working in the cancer department dealing with advanced-stage cancer patients. I love taking care of my patients! It makes me feel so good when I see a big smile on their face.

I was so happy to get my first salary. My mother always taught me that my first salary should be given to God in the temple, and I decided to give it to Mother Miracle School. Today my dream has come true.

I am working very hard as a certified nurse in the best hospital in our state, earning a good salary and helping my family.

Now when I look back, with my perseverance and the help of Mother Miracle, I overcame many obstacles and never gave up.

I am giving this message to all the girls at Mother Miracle School that every dream can become a reality.