Child of the Week: Sathya Gayathri

Child of the Week

Week 1: December 19, 2011

Contributed by: Marisa Plescia, Darius Alemzadeh, Rahil Tejani

Name: Sathya Gayathri

Grade: 10

From: Krishnaguri, Tamil Nadu

Family Background: At home, I have my mother and stepfather. I never met my real father. My stepdad is Muslim but we are Hindus. At first, that caused issues in my family but not anymore. My mother and father work in other peoples’ houses. I have a younger brother who is studying in the 3^rd grade at a school by our home.

Overcoming Challenges: In the 7^th grade, I had eye surgery. I didn’t know I had an eye problem until eye doctors from Agarwal Clini came and found out I had an eye problem. They said I needed a cornea transplant. They asked for a lot of money. Shanti Bhavan did what they could to help me. My mother used to work for a lawyer whose daughter is a doctor. She found a hospital in Coimbatore that agreed to do my surgery for free. My right eye had a cornea transplant and my left eye had laser surgery. I was very scared. I missed half of 7^th grade, but I was able to do all my schoolwork and get promoted to 8^th grade.

Hobbies: I like to draw. I also like to listen to music. Chris Brown and Britney Spears are two of my favorite singers. I also really enjoy watching comedy and mystery movies.

Favorite Memory at Shanti Bhavan: When I was in 4^th grade, I sang a trio in front of the whole school. I was shocked that I was chosen to sing but everyone told me that I sang well. It made me feel happy and I liked it when everyone appreciated me.

Future Goals: Math and Science are my favorite subjects in school. I want to be a doctor so I can help and serve more people.

If you’d like to sponsor Sathya, please click here!