At Thinking into Character, we are constantly inspired by the incredible stories of resilience and perseverance from our global community. Today, we bring you a powerful narrative from Deepa John, a dedicated Phase 1 Supervisor at GIHS in Dubai. Her journey through adversity is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and serves as an inspiration to all who face challenges in life.
In 2020, the world was gripped by the fear and uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a time when many of us found ourselves confronted with unprecedented challenges. For Deepa, this was particularly poignant as her family was scattered across four different countries. With worry clouding her mind, she found solace in an unexpected outlet—writing. This period of introspection led her to pen a book titled “The Serene Triangle: Parent, Teacher, and Me,“ a project that she had never envisioned herself undertaking.
Becoming an author was far from anything Deepa had imagined for her life. Yet, it was through a conscious decision to rise above the adversities that this opportunity presented itself. Her story is a vivid reminder that resilience and perseverance can open doors we never thought possible.
Deepa’s journey did not stop there. A few months ago, she faced another profound challenge—the loss of her partner. Grief weighed heavily upon her, threatening to stifle her passion for her profession and dim the bright ideas that had always driven her. In one moment, she believed she could overcome the sorrow; in the next, she feared that it might lead to failure in her career.
It took immense mental strength for Deepa to gather herself and return to work. Despite concerns about her family’s well-being and the daunting prospect of returning to Dubai, she remained steadfast in her determination. Deepa knew that her role as the lead of the kindergarten at GIHS was crucial, not just for herself but for the entire school community. She was determined to maintain and strengthen the foundation she had built in the kindergarten setting.
While Deepa humbly questions whether she can call this an achievement, there is no doubt that her ability to overcome such profound challenges is nothing short of remarkable. However, she is quick to acknowledge that her journey was not one she travelled alone. The unwavering support of the GIHS school community, including their esteemed Principal, Sreejesh Sir, her colleagues, and especially her beloved kindergarten team, played a pivotal role in helping her get back on track.
Deepa’s story is a powerful reminder that resilience and perseverance are not just about enduring hardships but about actively choosing to rise above them. It is about recognising the support systems around us and allowing them to lift us when we cannot do so on our own.
As we publish this story, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Deepa John for sharing her experiences. Her journey is a source of motivation and hope for all who face life’s challenges. We hope that her story will inspire others to embrace resilience and perseverance in their own lives, knowing that even in the darkest of times, there is always a path forward.
At Thinking into Character, we celebrate stories like Deepa’s because they remind us of the strength that lies within each of us. Let her journey be a beacon of hope and encouragement to all who read it.
Book available here – The Serene Triangle: Parent, Teacher, and Me
