Here, I pause and reflect on how grateful I am to have grown up with opportunities that many girls and boys in my country do not have.I had access to a bubble of private education at that time—my parents also made an effort to give me access to summer classes When I was 14, I joined a summer jewelry-making class.

Making bracelets, earrings, and necklaces wasn’t just a craft; it was a business as well. I started selling my designs to my aunts, their friends, and classmates. What began as a fun hobby slowly evolved into a small jewelry brand when I entered my 20’s.