At 17, Karishma Dhanoopdarie has 17 subjects and plenty of reasons to smile.
The Anna Regina student emerged from this year’s examinations with an impressive 13 Grade Ones and four Grade Twos, capping 11 years of studying, sacrificing and pushing herself to do better.
For Karishma, the result means more than a collection of grades. It is proof that the little girl who started dreaming about her future in primary school has taken another big step towards making those dreams a reality.
“I wanted to make something of myself and know that all the hard work and sacrifices were worth it,” Karishma said.
The only child of Devika Ahwad and Jagjeet Dhanoopdarie, she admits the road to the results was not always smooth.
There were times when balancing school and responsibilities at home became difficult. Managing her time was sometimes a struggle, motivation dipped and there were moments when she questioned herself. Financial challenges also meant that some opportunities were not always easy to pursue.
But Karishma kept going.
Those experiences, she said, taught her to be more responsible, resilient and determined. They also taught her not to let a difficult moment decide where she would end up.
Her parents, who both work in the beauty and grooming industry,her mother as a hairdresser and her father as a barber,were there to encourage her along the way.
Karishma says making her family proud was important, but her biggest motivation was proving something to herself.
Now, after years of preparation, she can finally enjoy the payoff.
“Very elated and beyond grateful” is how she describes the feeling of seeing her results.
And there is little time to rest on her laurels.
Karishma plans to continue her education, pursue a career she is passionate about and work towards becoming independent while building a comfortable and happy life for herself.
She also hopes her results can encourage other young people who may be struggling with their own circumstances.
“Don’t give up on yourself,” she said. “Keep going, even when it’s difficult. Don’t compare your journey to anyone else’s.”
Karishma credits her parents, Aunt Petty, Papo and their children, teachers, lessons teachers, extended family and friends for helping her get across the finish line.
She said their encouragement, advice, sacrifices and belief in her made a difference throughout the years.
