Radhika (aka Sonnet): Girl with Superior Mesenteric Artery (SMA) Syndrome Scores 99.65 ATAR; Defying Odds, Redefining Excellence

Radhika (aka Sonnet) embodies resilience, determination, and extraordinary achievement. For the past three years, she has courageously battled a rare medical condition, Superior Mesenteric Artery (SMA) syndrome. This condition brought immense physical and emotional challenges, including frequent vomiting (30-40 times daily), significant weight loss, and numerous hospitalizations at the Royal Children’s Hospital.

Despite these hurdles, Sonnet demonstrated remarkable strength and focus, achieving an exceptional ATAR of 99.65 in her VCE, with perfect scores in two subjects.

She completed her VCE in 2024 from Matthew Flinders Girls Secondary College, Geelong, Australia. A passionate reader and budding writer, her debut poetry collection ‘Get Lost Dirty Covid-19’ won the Indie Reader Discovery Award in 2021.

Her works were published in the Indian Anthology ‘You Are Not Alone’ and in Pinecone Reviews. She is the recipient of her school’s inaugural Claire Jones Book Prize. In 2023, she won the Victorian government’s ‘Premier’s Spirit of Democracy’ study tour competition. In 2024, she received the Premier VCE Award and the Young Influencer of the Year Award from Deakin University for her writings and community work.

Indus Age caught up with the talented,
young girl for an exclusive interview. Read more:

By Rajesh Sharma

Can you share with us your journey of battling SMA syndrome and how it shaped your perspective on life and education?

My journey with SMA syndrome started in year 10 when I started vomiting quite frequently (once a week). Back then, I thought I was having a “bad stomach phase”, for I have dealt with such phases in the past. However, when I went to India for the summer holidays, I started vomiting more frequently across the back. Coming back to Australia, this became more frequent over time, and I found myself vomiting up to 20-40 times (or more!) every single day. Thus, a big chunk of my time was spent visiting the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) for treatment, and I was even admitted twice- once in year 11 and another time in year 12 (just before the exams!!). Vomiting frequently made my weight go rapidly down. I vividly remember standing on scales one day and seeing 39kg. My heart raced, and I felt an overwhelming wave of fear. It was at that moment I realised how severe my condition had become. Despite the challenges, I tried to maintain my focus on school, even when my energy levels were low, and my mind was clouded by constant nausea and weakness (I would also pass out/faint at times).

Being diagnosed with Superior Mesenteric Artery Syndrome (SMAS) was a turning point. Initially, the uncertainty was the hardest part-undergoing test after test without a clear answer made me feel frustrated and isolated. But once I had a name for what I was facing, I felt a strange sense of relief. At least now, I could start understanding and managing it. I am especially grateful to Doctor Devesh Kaushal in Sydney who helped me reach this diagnosis. Currently, I am working with RCH on weight gain, which is a part of my treatment. Thus, I am on a nasogastric feeding tube. According to my doctor, it is important that I maintain my weight at a minimum of 55 kg or a bit more so my symptoms can reduce in severity.

Living with SMAS has reshaped my perspective on life and education. I’ve come to appreciate the importance of having people who genuinely love me. I am so grateful for my family (especially my parents and sister), who were always there for me with unwavering support, and for a few treasured friends who have been very supportive. I have also come to appreciate the importance of resilience and adaptability. There were days when I couldn’t physically attend school, and I had to rely on my teachers’ understanding and find ways to study from home. It taught me how to manage my time effectively and focus on what truly mattered.

More importantly, I’ve also learnt the value of advocating for myself. As young people, we often shy away from advocating for ourselves. It is an almost Kafkaesque experience (I love Kafka and fell in love with him during this adversity) navigating the healthcare system, especially when you’re young and your concerns aren’t always taken seriously. Education during this period became more than just about grades; it was a lifeline. It gave me purpose and a sense of normalcy in a life that often felt chaotic. My journey has shown me that challenges, while painful, can also teach us strength, compassion, and the power of perseverance.

What motivated you to keep going and excel academically despite the physical and emotional challenges you faced?

A genuine love for education gave me the motivation to keep on going and excelling academically despite the physical and emotional challenges I faced. My parents both have PhDs and a natural passion for education. Thus, from a young age, both my parents (Especially my mother, Zuivere) raised me in a way that fostered a love for learning. I vividly remember that as a child, when I would do something good, my mother would reward me with a Winnie The Pooh book. In this way, my mum encouraged me to spend more time with books as opposed to the television. I started reading Elizabeth Barret Browning at nine and Wordsworth at ten. As I matured, I remember my mother accentuating the importance of education, especially for women. Given my Indian heritage, I am aware of how many Indian women are deprived of a sound education, increasing the chances of marginalization. Thus, as I was sick, I often reminded myself of the privilege of receiving an education and turned to my mother’s words of “capitalising on this opportunity”. I found refuge and solace in learning to some extent. I saw my academic success not just as a personal achievement but as a way to honour the historically fractured legacy of women and education.

Securing an ATAR of 99.65 and achieving perfect scores in two subjects is remarkable. How did you manage your studies during such a challenging time?

Managing my studies in such a challenging time was indeed very hard! Basically, my rule was: study when you have the time. I know most kids have study schedules, but with the nature of my uncertain symptoms, this was not possible. For instance, if I wanted to study every day between 4pm-7pm I could not guarantee whether or not I would spend most of the time vomiting in the bathroom. Thus, I had a vague study outline entailing an hour of study before school and, ideally, two-three hours after school. During the weekends, which were more relaxed schedule wise I would study more (I never kept track of time, but around six hours or more). My study sessions would often be disrupted by the need to vomit. Luckily, both my parents have University teaching experience, and they told me to “study effectively” as opposed to burning myself out by trying to meet the study hours you often see circling on social media. Following their advice, I was strategic in structuring effective study sessions. For instance, I would always study content before class using class time for consolidation/questions and tactfully did practice exam questions throughout the whole year. More importantly, I would frequently go through the examiner reports by VCAA so I knew exactly what the examiner wanted and what to focus on. Unlike most people who did group study sessions, my study sessions were largely solo, although, for English, I did have a great friend with whom I would frequently swap essays for peer feedback. During the exam preparation period I even bombarded my younger sister with way too many practice essays and asked her to highlight every bad sentence. More importantly, Additionally, I made it a point to stay adaptable and prioritise my health alongside my studies. When I felt too unwell to tackle heavier

subjects, I would switch to lighter tasks like organizing notes or revising flashcards. This flexibility, combined with the support of my family, teachers, and friends, enabled me to persevere and excel despite the hurdles I faced.

You’ve received prestigious awards like the Premier VCE Award and Deakin University’s Young Influencer Award. What do these recognitions mean to you?

Receiving prestigious awards like the Premier VCE Award and Deakin University’s Young Influencer Award is incredibly meaningful to me, as they serve as a testament to the resilience, hard work, and dedication I poured into my studies despite the challenges I faced. These recognitions are not just personal achievements but also symbols of gratitude for the unwavering support of my family, friends, and educators who stood by me throughout my journey. My Premier’s VCE Award for Extended Investigation (a subject I did early) was especially meaningful for me because my research was based on a feminist comparison of Jane Austen and Virginia Woolf- two literary icons I look up to! Thus, by receiving the award, I felt a deep sense of fulfilment, as it validated my passion for literature and my commitment to exploring the important theme of gender through my research.

Your debut poetry book earned you the Indie Reader Discovery Award. Can you tell us about the book, its themes, and what inspired you to write it?

My debut poetry book ‘Get Lost Covid-19’ explores themes that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic, including isolation, fear, and social distancing, among others. I wrote this book when I was just 13 years old, and while I’m proud of the work, my writing style has evolved significantly since then. The inspiration for this collection came from the unprecedented circumstances we all faced during the pandemic. Living in Melbourne—the most locked-down city in the world—my mum and I often discussed the global challenges of that time. These heartfelt conversations sparked the idea for a collaborative poetry project, which ultimately became this book.

What role did your family and support system play in helping you overcome the challenges of SMA syndrome and achieve these milestones?

My family and support system played an irreplaceable role in helping me navigate the challenges of SMA syndrome and achieve my milestones. My parents were my pillars of strength, consistently prioritising my health and supporting me with my education(in healthy ways) while shielding me from despair during my most vulnerable moments. My mother, Zuivere, in particular, inspired me to persevere with her unwavering belief in the power of education and her ability to make me feel valued even when I was struggling. For example, throughout the entire year, my mum would tell me really inspiring stories from Russian Fiction that touched on themes such as resilience and finding purpose despite absurdity. Similarly, my father provided practical guidance, helping me develop effective study strategies and balancing my health needs with my academic aspirations. He was the one who stayed with me in hospital and after my discharge would meticulously ensure if I was having my overnight feeds on time. Similarly, my younger sister Vidisha, too, offered invaluable support, such as lending a listening ear when I felt overwhelmed. Sometimes I would ask her to play classical music for me on the guitar, and other times, she would tell me funny jokes, elevating my mood so I could concentrate more on schoolwork.

My teachers, friends, and healthcare team were equally crucial outside my immediate family. My teachers adapted to my circumstances, ensuring I stayed on track even when I couldn’t physically attend school. Close friends provided emotional encouragement, reminding me I wasn’t alone in my fight and came to visit me in hospital. These friends would often send me encouraging text messages, pray for me, and give me “get well soon” cards helping me stay optimistic. Together, this network of love, understanding, and guidance gave me the strength to persevere and pursue my dreams despite the hurdles.

What advice would you give to other students or individuals who are facing physical or emotional hardships in their pursuit of success?

My advice would be to focus on what you can do rather than what you cannot. Hardships often come with limitations, but they also present opportunities to discover new strengths and adapt in ways you may not have thought possible. More importantly, I would stress the following things: Be kind to yourself and advocate for yourself. When facing physical and emotional hardships, it is really important to acknowledge your efforts and progress, even if they feel small. Additionally, advocating for yourself is also very important! I have been having a Franz Kafka phase since being sick, and his works have deepened my understanding of the importance of advocating for oneself. Kafka’s characters often struggle against seemingly insurmountable systems, which resonates with the challenges of navigating healthcare or education systems while dealing with hardships. His stories remind me that self-advocacy is not just about asserting your needs but also about refusing to let circumstances define your worth or potential.

Finally, I stress the importance of surrounding yourself with supportive people who believe in you and don’t hesitate to advocate for your needs, whether it’s with teachers, healthcare providers, or peers. Remember, resilience doesn’t mean being unshakeable; it means continuing to move forward, even when the path feels uncertain. Lastly, stay flexible and prioritise your health, and don’t hesitate to take breaks when needed.

What are your future goals, both academically and personally? Do you plan to continue writing alongside your studies or career?

Academically, I hope to pursue a double degree in literature and law, as these subjects align with my passion for critical thinking, storytelling and justice. Personally, I aim to continue raising awareness about SMA syndrome and advocating for better support systems for individuals with rare medical conditions.

Writing remains a central part of my identity, and I absolutely plan to continue it alongside my studies and career! Whether through poetry, essays, or even a novel, I hope to use my voice to explore themes of resilience, identity, and the human experience. My dream is to create work that inspires and uplifts others while fostering important conversations about social and personal challenges. My dream career is being a writer and I want to pursue it alongside my other career options as a feminist literature researcher or an international lawyer.

If you could sum up your experience in a message to others about resilience and determination, what would it be?

Oscar Wilde’s play (Lady Windermere’s fan) has a scene where a character says “We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars” and I’ve learned that resilience is about finding those stars even in the darkest moments. It’s about holding onto hope, embracing determination, and reminding yourself that no matter how challenging the gutter may seem, the stars above are always worth striving for.