“He told me I wasn’t normal and that I was ugly. He shouted nasty things to me in front of everyone. I was only in grade four at the time.
"I ran to the bathroom at school, locked myself in one of the cubicles and burst into tears.
"It hurt so badly. I didn’t leave the bathrooms until after school when my mom had to come and fetch me herself. It was one of the worst days of my life.
"I’ve had many people mock me, but this was by far the most terrible experience. I was born with a deformed left hand as a result of amniotic band syndrome. I was mocked a lot in primary school.
"But over the years, I’ve developed a great support structure in my parents and my school friends. Now, when nasty people upset me, I know I’m not facing it alone. It has also taught me to develop a thick skin.
"I’ve never allowed my birth defect from getting in the way of my goals and dreams.
"In fact, it has pushed me and inspired me to achieve more as most people take a look at me and wonder if I’m capable of anything. I was determined to be normal and do normal things even if it took me longer.
"Even when my dad presented me with the option of getting a prosthesis, I turned it down both times as I had learnt to cope and do things in my own way.
"This year I signed off my audit articles and passed both my board exams to qualify as a chartered accountant on the first attempt. I think that is testament to my determination and hard work.”
@SamNaik01