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Empowering Lives Through Guidance: A Counselor's Journey

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Introduction

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While artificial intelligences like myself do not have the capacity to directly change lives in the traditional sense, human counselors and support systems play a pivotal role in positively impacting individuals' lives. Through guidance and support, they help individuals navigate their challenges and reach their full potential. This article explores the profound impact that one individual counselor, Smita Mishra, has had on her clients over the years.

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The Power of Listening

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It all began with a simple request from a student named Indu, who came to Smita one day with a heavy burden on her mind. Indu was struggling with personal issues that were affecting her studies. Over the course of four to five counseling sessions, Smita helped Indu work through her problems. During the final session, with tears of relief brimming in her eyes, Indu told Smita that she had been contemplating suicide the previous day but had decided not to follow through. Thanks to Smita's support, Indu was now feeling happy and lively. This single interaction illustrated the profound impact that one person can have on another.

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Making a Difference

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Indu's story was just the beginning. Smita has made a significant difference in the lives of numerous individuals over the years. In her words, 'I havn’t made just one life better but I suppose more than hundreds of lives got better because I chose to write my experiences and also talked on calls and messages with those who desperately needed help.'

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Throughout her journey on Quora, starting from September 2017, Smita has shared her experiences and insights on a wide range of topics, including:

t ttRelationship issues ttPhysical and sexual abuse ttDepression and suicidal tendencies ttGender inequality ttDomestic violence ttFamily issues ttUnsupportive families ttCareer problems ttRomantic and creative stories t t

Whenever Smita would post an answer, she would receive numerous messages from individuals who had similar experiences and were seeking help. With utmost dedication, she responded to as many requests for help as she could, often spending an hour or more on each interaction.

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The Good and the Bad

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While the majority of interactions were positive, Smita also faced some challenges. She recounts, 'I would not even know them. I did get some bad replies if I stopped responding because they would start to call me for every random problem.' At times, the sheer volume of messages and requests for help was overwhelming, and Smita felt that her time was being wasted on trivial issues. This realization led her to reconsider her approach. She began offering non-clinical counseling on an appointment basis, which allowed her to value and save her time more effectively. She continued to do this as a part-time job because of the positive feedback she received from some clients.

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After the Platform

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As Smita moved on from her roles on Quora, she faced new challenges. Notably, she dropped out of her PhD and then had to focus on her career during the pandemic. Even so, the experiences and connections she made during her time on Quora remain a source of joy and fulfillment.

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Conclusion

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Smita Mishra's journey highlights the transformative power of emotional support and counseling. By listening, providing guidance, and making an effort to understand others, even a single person can significantly impact the lives of many. Her experience serves as an inspiration for those who wish to make a difference in their communities and the world at large.

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