My life story began on a farm. From childhood through high school, I helped my family with our farming—watering plants, weeding—it was hard, but our livelihood depended on it. After graduating high school at 18, I went to the United Arab Emirates to work as a housemaid. My madam, Lucy, and her husband were kind and respectful. My duties included cleaning, cooking, and caring for their two children. I often cried, missing my family and struggling with the demanding work. My daily routine involved cleaning, cooking, picking up the children from the bus, and helping them with their meals. Afterward, I cleaned the kitchen, played with the children, prepared the parents' meals, cleaned again, ironed their clothes, and then cooked dinner. I had no rest, waking at 4:30 a.m. to prepare breakfast and lunch for the children. After three years, I became thin and anemic, with a swollen stomach. My madam took me to the hospital, where a scan revealed a 3kg ovarian cyst. My madam and her husband arranged for surgery. I was scared but had no choice; my stomach was so large my uniform hid it. The surgery was painful and left me feeling empty. My mother cried, but I remained patient. After a month's recovery, I extended my contract for another three years. After six years abroad, I returned home, my family overjoyed to see me. My mother encouraged me to continue my education, and I enrolled in a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, majoring in crop science. I am now in my fourth year and will graduate in May 2025.
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