People say that personal opinions come first, and that was true for me. While other young people same age with me were eager to travel abroad for higher education and chase the luxuries of life, my dream was different. I wanted to go to villages and teach children who were trapped in ignorance.

My name is Nafisa, a young woman about twenty-two years old. I come from a royal family, a family of pride and wealth. But I never cared about riches or status. It was not my focus.

I struggled a lot to convince my father to let me study to become a teacher. After much effort, he allowed me to complete my education. However, he completely refused to let me work. This was a big problem because it stood in the way of my dream.

With tears streaming down my face, I went straight to my uncle’s room. He was the only one who could talk to my father and make him listen without argument. I didn’t even greet him or ask for permission; I just pushed the door open. As always, he was sitting on his prayer mat, counting his prayer beads.

I fell to the ground in front of him, like a thirsty camel desperate for water. He looked up at me, his bright eyes full of concern. Then, in his usual gentle voice, he said, “Naf!”

I pouted and let out fresh tears.

“Who upset you this time?” he asked calmly, his deep voice making him seem even more dignified.

Through my sobs, I replied, “It’s Daddy! He said I can’t work for the government.”

My uncle smiled, revealing his perfectly white teeth, which he always kept clean with his chewing stick. “Go, I will talk to him,” he assured me.

But I quickly shook my head. “No, please, Uncle, let’s go now before others make him even more stubborn.”

I said this because my family was known for their strong opinions. They believed that it was beneath us, as royals, to work for the government—especially as a teacher.

My uncle opened his mouth to speak, but I quickly grabbed his soft, muscular hand, which was smooth like a woman’s. He immediately looked at my hand and I let go, remembering that he had warned me many times not to do that. Not just with him, but even with my own brothers. He never allowed me to be too close or physically affectionate with them.