A Journey of Resilience and Triumph: Hafsa Malik’s Odyssey from Kashmir to Unacademy

May 13, 2024

3 Minutes

Early Life in Tumultuous Kashmir

Hafsa Malik embarked on her life’s journey in the year 1991, amidst the tumultuous backdrop of Kashmir. Her father’s profession as a bank manager exposed the family to an atmosphere of uncertainty. Recognizing the precarious nature of their situation, Hafsa’s parents made the difficult decision to relocate for safety.

Moving to Srinagar: Educational Challenges and Cultural Differences

In 1996, the family sought refuge in Srinagar, where Hafsa’s father had been transferred. While her education flourished in this new setting, she faced significant challenges due to cultural disparities and language barriers. The experience of bullying left her feeling isolated and marginalized. Undeterred, she gradually emerged as a leader, finding solace and strength in her resilience.

Academic Obstacles and the Passion for Biology

Upon her father’s transfer to Hyderabad in 1999, Hafsa encountered a new set of academic hurdles. Physics and Chemistry presented formidable obstacles, threatening to derail her ambitions. Despite these challenges, her passion for Biology remained unyielding, fueling her determination to become a doctor.

Graduation, Psychology, and the Birth of a Teaching Inclination

After graduating from high school, Hafsa pursued higher education, where she discovered a captivating passion in Psychology. The field offered her a lens through which to understand her own experiences and navigate the complexities of human behavior. She excelled in her studies, simultaneously uncovering a hidden talent for teaching.

Master’s in Psychology and the Transformative Power of Resilience

Hafsa’s master’s program in Psychology proved to be a transformative experience. She developed an unwavering resilience, learned to confront difficulties with aplomb, and embraced the challenges of internships and dissertation writing.

Job Search and the Return to Education

Upon completing her master’s degree, Hafsa secured employment in an IT company. However, her true calling lay in teaching. Inspired by a friend, she resolved to leave her current position and pursue the National Eligibility Test (NET).

Preparing for NET Amidst Personal Challenges

Hafsa’s preparation for NET coincided with the demanding task of caring for her grandmother, who was battling dementia. She dedicated countless late nights to studying, tirelessly utilizing every available resource.

Clearing NET and Embracing New Opportunities

In 2019, Hafsa’s perseverance bore fruit as she successfully cleared the NET. While she had anticipated immediate job opportunities, they failed to materialize. Undeterred, she seized the opportunity to join Teach for India, gaining first-hand experience of the challenges faced by underprivileged children.

Empathy, Resilience, and the Transformative Power of Education

Working with these children profoundly altered Hafsa’s perspective on poverty and inequality. She witnessed the transformative power of education and the unyielding resilience of the human spirit.

Online Education at Unacademy

In 2020, Hafsa joined Unacademy, embracing the platform’s potential for online teaching. Despite initial doubts and fears, she wholeheartedly accepted the challenge. Her interactions with students flourished, and she derived immense satisfaction from empowering them to achieve their goals.

The Loss of a Father Amidst Professional Triumph

In September 2020, Hafsa received the devastating news that her father had passed away in Kashmir. Grief and despair enveloped her. However, her students became her lifeline, constantly reminding her of the importance of fulfilling her responsibilities.

Perseverance and Success

Through the pain of her father’s loss, Hafsa found solace in her work. She channeled her energy into creating impactful content and supporting her students. As her efforts bore fruit, her ranking on Unacademy steadily ascended.

The Power of Effort and Supportive Connections

Hafsa firmly believes in the transformative power of relentless effort. The unwavering support of her students has been pivotal in her success. Their achievements have become a source of deep meaning and purpose in her life.

Concluding Reflections

Hafsa Malik’s journey from the complexities of her childhood in Kashmir to the triumphs of her career at Unacademy is a testament to the indomitable spirit of resilience. Through adversity and triumph, she has learned the enduring value of persistence, the power of human connection, and the profound impact one can have on the lives of others. Her story serves as an inspiration, reminding us that even amidst the most challenging circumstances, the pursuit of personal growth and fulfillment is an ever-evolving and rewarding endeavor.