“I realized people will do their best to stop you, you just need to keep shining”
“I always knew I wanted to do something different, I wanted to make a change. I didn’t know how I would do that but I knew that I had do.
When I decided to join news media my family supported me, but so many people couldn’t deal with it. They thought I was too ambitious or too independent for a girl. When I tried to stand up for myself I was labeled “too liberal, too modern”. Everyone thought I won’t be able to handle university and work. I was constantly reminded that I won’t get anywhere. People would say “you can never make a home if you stay like this, you’ll never find a man; you’ll stay single all your life”. But it didn’t bother me. My life goal wasn’t getting a “man”.
At my workplace there were so many opportunities that were not given to me even when I deserved them. I wasn’t sent to many live coverages because I’m a girl. I was always told to become an anchor because field reporting is not the job for a girl. Everyone would tell me that you have to be friendly with you bosses. I was not ready to do any of that.
I had to work so hard to prove myself, but I eventually I did, and when I did, the people who thought I was fooling myself came to me when they needed my contacts. The ride wasn’t easy, but the view from where I stand now is definitely worth it. I realized people will do their best to stop you, you just need to keep shining.”
