{"id":329,"date":"2024-12-01T14:14:08","date_gmt":"2024-12-01T08:44:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rubaroo.org\/blog\/?p=329"},"modified":"2025-10-10T15:08:02","modified_gmt":"2025-10-10T09:38:02","slug":"impact_anita","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rubaroo.org\/blog\/impact_anita\/","title":{"rendered":"Don\u2019t be Stuck in Your Bubble – Anita"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

In December 2023, Anita was deeply engrossed in her UPSC preparations, tackling the rigorous demands of academic life. Then, a simple message changed her course, when a faculty member shared information about an opportunity with Rubaroo facilitated through the United Way, Hyderabad. \u201cI was intrigued,\u201d <\/em>Anita recalls. \u201cI\u2019ve always loved interacting with people, so I thought, why not try?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Within days of applying, Anita was invited to attend the foundation workshop in Bangalore. This marked a significant turning point in her life. \u201cI was buried in academics, and suddenly, I was stepping out of my home\u2014and even my state\u2014for something entirely new,\u201d<\/em> she shares. The workshop brought together over 20 girls from diverse backgrounds, creating a space where stories unfolded without judgment. \u201cIt was a safe haven,\u201d Anita says. \u201cFor the first time, I felt free to share my opinions without fear.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Youth Lab<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Anita joined Rubaroo\u2019s Youth Lab Programme<\/em>, a three-month initiative focused on STEM education for students in government schools. \u201cWe worked with adolescent girls to map their career paths in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics,\u201d <\/em>Anita explains. While the programme spanned from January to March 2024, its impact extended far beyond. \u201cIt wasn\u2019t just about teaching STEM; it was about connecting, listening, and growing.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the pivotal moments for Anita came during an activity facilitated by Monisha in Bangalore. \u201cWe explored why women often need to seek permission for their choices, whether it\u2019s career-related or personal,\u201d <\/em>Anita says. The exercise sparked a profound shift in her thinking. \u201cWhy should we validate our decisions through someone else\u2019s approval, especially when men aren\u2019t held to the same standards?\u201d<\/em> she questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This realization hit close to home. Anita began noticing gendered dynamics in her own family, about how responsibilities were divided and how permissions were sought. \u201cI started conversing with my mom about these patterns,\u201d <\/em>she shares. \u201cIt led to small changes, like involving my brother in household chores.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Beyond Awareness: A Call to Action<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

The programme didn\u2019t just broaden Anita\u2019s perspectives; it inspired her to take action. \u201cBefore Rubaroo, I was consumed by academics. Now, I\u2019m working on a mental health initiative,\u201d<\/em> she reveals. Drawing from personal experiences and stories she encountered, Anita aims to create a support system for individuals battling loneliness or depression. \u201cWe\u2019re not just about offering technological solutions,\u201d <\/em>she says passionately. \u201cWe want to reconnect people with nature, take them to their favorite places, and build genuine human connections.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

She credits Rubaroo for instilling this sense of purpose. \u201cThe journey wasn\u2019t easy as convincing my parents to let me participate was challenging. But once I joined, I knew there was no turning back. It gave me the confidence to take risks and dream bigger.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Broader Impact<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Anita is unequivocal when asked if Rubaroo\u2019s work has a broader societal impact. \u201cAbsolutely. If it changed me, it can change others,\u201d<\/em> she asserts. She\u2019s already seen the ripple effect in her interactions, where she applies the lessons she\u2019s learned to foster equality and empathy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, she does have one recommendation: extending the programme\u2019s duration. \u201cThree months felt too short. Building meaningful connections and understanding students deeply takes time. A six-month or year-long program would make a greater impact,\u201d <\/em>she suggests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A Message to Future Participants<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

Anita has a simple yet profound advice for anyone joining Rubaroo: \u201cDon\u2019t revert to the person you were before. Embrace the change, take risks, and continue growing. This journey is transformative and make the most of it.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

As she balances her MA in Political Science with her burgeoning mental health initiative, Anita reflects on her Rubaroo experience with gratitude. \u201cIt taught me that life is about more than just academics. It\u2019s about giving back and creating something meaningful.\u201d <\/em>She smiles, adding, \u201cIf not for Rubaroo, I\u2019d still be the same old me, stuck in my bubble. Now, I\u2019m ready to make a difference.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"CTA\"<\/a><\/figure>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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