Delaney on Manju

Manju is a very unique person. She really stands out to me in this slum of people because she cares about her education and she cares about the well being of others. When I read about Manju I can’t help but to think of my own mother. In a couple of ways they are very similar. This is because when my mom was growing up her parents did not understand why she wanted to go to college. My mom did not want to accept not going to college so she worked her butt off to get there and stay there. This is similar to Manju because she is a female in India attending college, which is such a rarity. Another way that my mother and Manju are similar is that they both put the work and needs of others before themselves. “I don’t know what I am doing” (Boo 58). “My students will come in an hour, and I’m behind on my own work” (Boo 58). This statement made by Manju reminds me of when my mom talks about doing things for other people, especially relating to the elementary school yearbook, and doesn’t have time to do the things she loves, which is scrapbooking and spending time with her six kids. From reading this chapter about Manju one can really get a sense of her personal identity. She is focused on her life however she also actively participates in others as well. For example, “Manju’s secret pupil,” (Boo 66) Meena is benefiting from Manju’s kind spirit. Overall, Manju has a great future ahead if she still can look at herself as the strong woman she is and is becoming.