My name is Thusenthini, a 20-year-old college student from the Sri Lankan refugee camp in Kondam, located in the Arani district of the Tiruvannamalai zone, Tamil Nadu. I am pursuing a bachelor’s degree in computer applications (BCA). My father works as a labourer, and my mother supports our family by working from home.

In October 2024, I had the chance to attend a creative writing skills training organized by JRS-TN at Amalasaramam, Trichy. Before the training, I didn’t know how to write a poem or a story. I found it difficult to spot errors in my writing and didn’t understand literary elements like symbolism or nuance. I couldn’t even know how to write a four-line poem, and I didn’t realize the importance of reading books. After the training, everything changed. I learned how to write complete stories, correct my own work, and create meaningful poems—even short four-line ones. Most importantly, I began to enjoy the writing process. I also started sharing what I learned with CEC students in my camp, helping them improve their writing, too.

This training also sparked a new interest in reading. Earlier, I used to spend a lot of time watching TV or using my phone. But now, I invest my time in reading books and writing poetry with joy. Reading has helped me improve how I speak and behave in different situations. It has also encouraged me to take part in college activities more actively.

I am truly grateful for this opportunity. This training has changed my daily habits, improved my creativity, and helped me grow both personally and academically.