Lakyden Ram, a proud matriculant from Paterson High in Shauderville, has used her final year at school to reflect the values her family instilled in her, especially those imparted by her beloved grandmother, who passed away just weeks before a significant event she had been anticipating with great excitement – her matric dance.
“My gran always said, ‘An open hand is a giving hand, and you can neither receive anything if you have closed hands,’” shared Ram. She explained how her grandmother and her mother taught her and her siblings the importance of generosity and helping where possible.
“The basics we have are dreams for others,” she added, a lesson that has shaped her approach to life. Growing up with kindness as a foundation, she developed a habit of giving that has become second nature. “Helping or assisting someone doesn’t feel like I’ve gone the extra mile. It’s part of who I am now,” the 17-year-old said.
Ram’s grandmother played an instrumental role in her life and was a source of inspiration. “She had a deep belief that if something is meant for you, no one can take it away. Even in her absence, I carry her values with me,” she explained. Her grandmother, who passed away in December last year after a brief illness, had been eagerly looking forward to her special day, even contributing towards the event by purchasing her dress with her pension funds.
Honouring her memory, Ram used the occasion to bring happiness to others, continuing her grandmother’s legacy. “This gesture is too small compared to the worth and value of my Gran. She will continue to live through me, my mum, my sister, and my brother,” she said.
Ram moved to Missionvale with her family during the COVID-19 pandemic, when they were unable to return to their original home in Kensington due to tenant restrictions. Despite relocating to a less privileged area, her family’s values grounded her, helping her embrace the Missionvale community. “We didn’t feel out of place because our upbringing taught us not to feel entitled, no matter how much we had,” she said.
Reflecting on her time in Missionvale, Ram noted the hardships many households face, including overcrowded living conditions, limited employment opportunities, and improper waste management. “People must be enlightened and educated about the long-term effects of dumping and the importance of breaking the cycle of poverty,” she said.
As a matriculant in Paterson High’s centenary year, Ram takes immense pride in her school and its legacy. “It’s such an honour to be part of a school with so much history – one that has fought its way through the years and is now flourishing. I’m also a prefect and recently received an academic award for coming first in my class. How cool is that?” she beamed.
Ram plans to continue contributing to her community and leading by example, inspired by her grandmother’s teachings. “A helping hand becomes a healing hand. One hand helping at a time can eventually make a difference, even if it’s slow. It’s like planting a seed and coming back to enjoy the shade of your tree,” she explained.
Her vision for the future involves paving the way for the next generation while holding on to her family’s values. “I have my mum, who is my stronghold and shares so many of my gran’s beliefs. Together, we’re building a foundation for my sister and me to carry forward the spirit of generosity and selflessness. We are women, and building each other should become the new normal,” Ram concluded.
Through loss and challenges, Ram said she hopes to embody the wisdom and generosity of her family, and serve as an inspiring example of perseverance, kindness, and leadership within her community. As she celebrates her final year at Paterson High, she represents both the strength of her upbringing and the potential of the next generation.
