Rising above adversity
Asha Patel's journey is one of extraordinary resilience as she overcame a series of challenges to build a fulfilling career as a healthcare professional
In the face of life's toughest challenges, some individuals have the remarkable ability to rise like a phoenix. Asha Patel is an inspiring example of this indomitable human spirit. Hailing from Pune, Asha's life has been marked by numerous financial struggles, a painful divorce, and the burden of social stigma. Yet, rather than succumbing to these hardships, her unwavering willpower and unyielding determination have led her to embark on a journey of empowerment and personal growth.
Discovering Tata STRIVE
Asha’s traditional background and conservative upbringing only strengthened her determination to break free from her constraints and create a better life for herself and her family. In her relentless pursuit of independence and search for a fulfilling career path, Asha stumbled upon Tata STRIVE, a skill development initiative of Tata Trusts . Intrigued by the opportunities it presented, Asha convinced her family to allow her to enrol in the General Duty Assistant (GDA) course.
The GDA course is designed to build proficiency in a wide range of healthcare support tasks, from assisting nurses and performing procedures to tending to patients' needs and creating a comfortable environment for them. The course curriculum covers crucial aspects of day-to-day healthcare responsibilities, such as patient bathing, grooming, meal support, infection control, and accurate measurement of vital signs. Candidates are also trained in relevant soft skills such as teamwork and communication.
A transformative journey
Asha soon found herself in a novel environment, surrounded by students much younger than her. Yet, she embraced this experience wholeheartedly. The Youth Development Module (YDM) played a pivotal role in boosting her confidence and equipping her with essential social interaction skills. The emphasis on personality development, work preparedness, and grooming also resonated deeply with her. Through Tata STRIVE's GDA course, Asha not only found a career path but also gained the necessary skills to make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients under her care.
Embarking on a compassionate career
Upon completing the GDA course with flying colours, Asha successfully secured a job as a Patient Care Assistant at Bharti Hospital in Pune. Her innate warmth and caring nature have won the hearts of both her colleagues and patients alike. Her family is proud of her decision to pursue a career and now supports her at every step of the way.
Refusing to let circumstances dictate her destiny, Asha has found immense fulfilment in her role as a healthcare professional. For Asha, however, this is just the beginning of her journey towards self-improvement. As she continues to excel in her career, she aspires to positively impact the lives of others, while striving to be the best version of herself.
