Rough childhood cements strong adolescence
Strolling down the streets of Auckland after dusk with her uncles, the young mind went through turmoil. Caught by the Police for mischief, she realised that she had to pull herself together, seek orderliness in her life and become a responsible citizen.
“I hope to become a Police Officer and I am working towards that objective,” Emelda Shah, our Model of the Fortnight, said.
Split family hurts
With one parent in Tonga and another in Fiji, growing up was not easy for this young woman (who is now 19 years of age), born and raised in Auckland. She went from one foster-house to another during her formative years, living with families or friends, without a sense of belonging.
“Every day after school, every child would be picked by their parent or family member but I would sit there and get frustrated and angry at my parents! I would walk home day and night and no one would tell me what to do. I would watch movies on YouTube, cartoons on television and learn valuable lessons from Barney or Goku from Dragon Ball Z. I watched how the spoiled brats mistreated their parents,” Emelda said.
Grandmother grooms
It is a pity that some children are left without parental love and as Emelda said, she neither had the warmth of her mother nor the protection of her father. She is however blessed to have the love and care of her grandmother.
“Tati Ma was a mother and father to me. She was a strong woman with an Angel’s heart. God took her away a year ago but gave be back my mother a few years ago.
“God has a plan for everything. I went through a journey and I believe that He wanted me to reach out and help others!” Emelda said.
She loves architecture, designing, cars, extreme sports and food- “any good activity except swimming because I will tap out!” she said.
Helping people
Emelda loves to help people- something she did not have during her early years.
Whenever she feels bad or believes that she is going down, she remembers a few lines from ‘Thinking,’ a poem by Walter Wintle for an instant refresher:
It’s all in the state of mind
If you think you’re outclassed, you are.
You’ve got to think high to rise
You’ve got to be sure of yourself before you can ever win the prize.
Life’s battles don’t always go to the stronger or faster female or male.
But sooner or later the person who wins is the the one who thinks he/she can.
-Venkat Raman
Editor’s Note: Young people like Emelda Shah deserve admiration, support and encouragement, for, they do not give up even if their parents have done so. They rise, educate themselves and become models of reformation. If you wish to be featured as our Model of the Fortnight, please write to editor@indiannewslink.co.nz
