In 2010: Abhishek was enrolled in Kopila Valley School. His transition was smooth and easy. “Something about Kopila Valley made me feel at ease. Maybe it was the homey environment or the fact that I could be whoever I wanted to be,” he says. He looked forward to each day, learning new things. Teachers, whose passion for their subjects ignited sparks of curiosity in every lecture, encouraged him to dive deeper, to question boldly, and to seek understanding. The school offered him an ample amount of room for growth.

After school, Abhishek was always playing football on the Football Field with his team members.

IN 2012: As a strong football player, Abhishek’s formidable skills on the football field breathed new life into the Kopila Valley School soccer team. His powerful presence helped the team achieve their very first win, AND he won the “Best Player” award. Throughout the season, his lightning agility made the team unstoppable. He knew from early on that football was his love and he was never going to stop playing.

IN 2016: For higher studies (Grades 11 and 12, which we call +2), Abhishek chose to pursue science. Along with his classmates, he went to Surkhet Horizon Academy — affiliated with Kopila Valley School at the time. “I missed being at Kopila Valley School,” he expresses. “The lunch hours were not the same. We were often hungry as we didn’t get a full course meal for lunch. The teachers’ methods were different from what we were used to. I missed reading story books, experimenting with nature, and going on field trips.” But, he was always a part of the school. He looked forward to weekly meetings with the Futures Team at Kopila Valley School. Plus, the football ground always called him like an inevitable force. He says, even though he didn’t get to pursue his +2 in the very walls and compound of the school, he always felt as if he was right there.

IN 2017: Abhishek graduated from his +2 studies in science. He and his mom had a goal – to open a cafe of their own. But first, he knew the value of experiencing things first-hand, to gain knowledge, make plans, and only then to act. He took a gap year and secured a job in a family business called ‘Pooja Sabji Mandi’ owned by his aunt. It was there where he had insight into the world of business and how to run a very successful one. Pooja Sabji Mandi is a wholesale business of groceries, and Abhishek was responsible to look after the accounts and operations. “One thing I learned during my time there was that you have to get hold of what the world has to offer,” he shares with us.

IN 2020: It had already been two years of gap for him and working at Pooja Sabji Mandi. He knew that he had to pursue a Bachelor’s Degree sooner or later in order to reach his goals. When weighing his option between BBA (Bachlor’s Of Business Administration) and Journalism, he opted for Journalism and Mass Communication. “I felt like I already understood the fundamentals of running a successful business from my time working for my aunt,” he further explained. “Since my dad is the News Chief of Triratna Media here in Surkhet, I like to think he helped me decide, although he never asked me to follow his career steps. I knew the only thing I lacked was good communication, and I thought the course would benefit me.”

After his decision, Abhishek applied for Journalism and Mass Communication in Midwest University (MU) in Surkhet. This was the best decision he made for himself. He immersed himself in public speaking, made new connections, and he learned the fundamentals of communicating.

IN 2021: This was the year that marked a significant divergence in his life’s path. He started to hang out with his friends constantly, late in the night, leaving the dream he once shared with his mother to open a cafe buried under dust. His dreams and aspirations just remained unfulfilled. “I remember my mother’s daily disappointment. I never stopped going to college; that was very important to me. But I was rarely at home, spending time with my family.” As the eldest child of the family, he seldom helped his mom with household chores. Their discussion about launching a cafe stopped. “One day, I suddenly had a realization. I had to learn to balance my life.” Abhishek then started to prioritize his family and spend time with his friends only when necessary. He indeed learned to balance his life.

IN 2023: This was a year to remember but also a year to grieve. Abhishek got married to the love of his life. After a few months, he lost his mom. The loss and grief hit him like a ton of bricks. It was only at the age of 26, and a sense of adulthood was instilled in him when he lost his mom. “I always underestimated her presence,” he says. “Because she was hand-holding everything related to household chores, I didn’t realize that is how we were able to live our dreams and fulfill our goals, go out and hang out with friends. Everyday the meal would be on the table, clothes would be washed, the bedroom would be made. But now the hole in my chest is colossal.” Abhishek got swamped with responsibilities. He took the role of head of the family. While his younger sister was away pursuing her dreams and his father was busy running his news media house, he looked after the household needs.

IN 2024: A new member entered Abhishek’s life a few months ago. His lovely wife gave birth to a beautiful baby girl. His world revolves around her right now. “Becoming a dad has suddenly made me see the world from a different lens. As the head of the family, I have to support them.” He dusted off his old goal and started making a tentative plan. His experiences and the communication course he took has paid off. With hundreds of sleepless nights of thinking and making a business plan, he has finally named his Cafe—Diveyshwori Restro and Cafe, named after his daughter. The cafe will be on the ground of the community futsal turf, opened for tired and thirsty football players. He also plans to open a gaming environment. With so much anticipation, Abhishek is set to inaugurate his cafe VERY SOON!!

“My mother will always be in my heart. I know she is looking after me even from heaven. And she would want us to continue on with our lives,” he says. “Every day she reminds me that life must be lived, dreams must be fulfilled, and the living should continue living.”

So he continues with his journey…

To his juniors and seniors at Kopila Valley School and anyone who is reading, he says, “I am continuing my journey; so should you, no matter how fast or easy-going you have lived. Perhaps you need a ‘re-do’ in some aspect of your life. But remember, it’s never too late to find your calling. When you stumble, all you have to do is ARISE AND SHINE.”

We are thrilled to have one of our very own Kopila Valley School graduates write this guest blogger series and share alumni stories! Anjali Karki graduated in 2019 and is pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism along with a journalism career. We can’t wait to see what each of these world-changers does next. Follow us on social media with the series hashtag (#NarrateYourKopilaStory) for more about these young adults and their adventures.