Gorsharen Kaur – Student & Aspiring Teacher

“Growing up my parents didn’t categorize me as a girl. Meaning there was no preconceived notions that I was a lesser person because I wasn’t a boy. I was raised as a human. No hierarchy. No cataloguing. As a result, I have been opinionated throughout my life. I showed up and was encouraged to lead my life. My dad is more reserved and my silent cheerleader… he shyly smiles when I tell him about things in my life and things I am interested. My mom is always my number one supporter, she champions whatever I am doing. My mom was brought up with a strong religious background and it is what she relies on a day to day basis, but also during life’s challenges. It’s the beliefs and ideologies that keep her going. I remember times when my mom and I would recite religious verses that helped to provide solace and something to believe in when one feels lost. It was also a time I cherish because I found it relaxing and enjoyed spending time with her. As a Kaur I feel people in our community get blind sided with culture and those constructs get wrongfully fused with religion. I think it was because of my parents and other extended family member like my Nanaji and aunts and uncles that laid a religious foundation for me. It wasn’t until I was in the later years of elementary school that this curiosity formalized. At the time, students were wearing Sikh inspired t-shirts, which were later banned by the principal, but their pride in their apparel was something I was drawn to…but I didn't understand the context of the messaging. However, it probed me to research and ask questions of my Nanaji about Sikhism’s history. I discovered the religion gives women their rightful place of respect, honour and equality in the community. I found the ideas being framed to be very open, mellow and welcoming. I was drawn to the morals that teach you as well. I was curious about the past and looked further into Sikh women in history. I found that there weren’t any differences in the clothing female and men warriors wore, everything was equal. This is something that I found inspiring. It lead me to ask more questions and learn more. Perhaps that is the student in me.”