PERSISTING THROUGH

‘No!’ ‘Why?’ ‘Choose something else.’ ‘It’s not for you.’ Many people discouraged Bipana’s dream with their opinions. She understood why they were not approving her choices; it was because they knew no better. They were entrenched in the Nepali society that recognizes achievements if you take the path of doctors, or engineers, or pilots, or architects. Social work was not an option. Social work was pursued by the weak, by someone seeking to choose easy, as people believed in Bipana’s community. 

Bipana was left in conflict. “People were not encouraging me. They were simply choosing to frown upon my choice,” she says. “I had always known I wanted to pursue social work as my further education. But strong disapprovals were playing in my head over and over again like a repetitive clock. Seniors and my peers were also not helpful. They shared their experiences and told me social work is of less importance in today’s world. I thought that was ridiculous. TODAY’S world needs people like me, who want to make it better, different, changed, and more kind.” She knew not to be swept into someone else’s force. She knew to listen to her heart. She knew to take the path she intended to. 

Bipana says, “If there is one thing that I take pride in about myself, it is the fact that I wanted to try. Just like how we try to get out of bed even when it pulls us stronger than gravity. Just like how we push ourselves to socialize even when isolation gives us more comfort. Just like how we try to live even if living feels like a challenge. I wanted to try my fate and challenge myself rather than just give up.”

Leaving everyone in awe, Bipana applied for a social work course. It took her a week or two to find out if she was accepted. The anticipation was heart-wrenching. Two weeks felt like the longest time. And when she received the news, she danced with joy and relief. Mid-Western University (MU) accepted her as their social work student. 

“I think I was the happiest on my first day of college.” Strapped in a backpack, she excitedly hurried to her first class. Bipana met like-minded people and quickly befriended them. They too were there because they strongly felt the need to change the world. She felt she belonged, she felt purposeful, and she knew that she was going to bring impact in the world. 

DREAM FLASHBACK

Bipana’s persistence to pursue social work wasn’t born out of a single defining moment. Growing up in a small, close-knit community swallowed by rolling hills and lush greenery, she was always attuned to the needs of those around her. From a young age, she witnessed disparities in access to education, healthcare, and basic necessities, which ignited a spark within her to make a difference.   But she only truly found her calling during her high school years when she volunteered at a local shelter for elderly people. It was there that she first realized the transformative power of empathy and support. She listened to resident stories, their hurdles, their happiness, their hardships, and was amazed that they still harbored dreams for a better tomorrow. It was then she found her true CALLING. 

After graduating from Kopila Valley School in the year 2023, Bipana listened to her calling and followed its voice. 

UNDERSTANDING REALITY

“One thing I love about social work is when we go for field visits. This is when I get to experience the feeling of getting out and truly doing what I initially set out to do – helping people. We choose a remote place, village, or community that needs our help, and we go there to provide them with our assistance,” Bipana says. “I love the fact that we get to experience their lives and truly go through what they are going through. Sleeping in tents, not eating full-course meals, without showering for weeks! It helps us resonate and reminds us that some of us are fortunate in this life while some barely survive battling every stage of life.”

Bipana points out that  many people mistake social service and social work. She explains that social service generally refers to a range of activities and programs aimed to improve the quality of life of individuals or a community. On the other hand, social work is a profession dedicated to helping individuals, families, groups, and communities to enhance their well-being and address social issues. 

WHEN IN DOUBT

“I’m not a saint. When friends and family members constantly remind me not to follow the path of social work, I encounter setbacks and moments of doubt. When people ask me what I am studying, upon hearing my answer, they scrunch their nose and tell me that it’s not too late to switch my major. It really takes a toll on me. They say to choose what you want, but I wonder if they truly know what they are saying.” 

The battle is not easy for Bipana as she is nearing the end of her first semester. Every day, she drains her energy while trying to prove people wrong. It is scary to be the only one climbing the ladder that many refuse to.  Caught between setbacks and doubts, Bipana pushes through, hoping that one day her determination will be fruitful. When she is in doubt, she reminds herself that she is already fulfilling her lifelong goal and how many can pull that off?!  

Bipana works at the Kopila Valley School as an Admin Trainee. She says the school always gave her a purpose in life, from the very beginning when she joined. “The ethics, the virtues of the school just sparked inspiration in every core in my body. I’ve always known that the ethics and virtues the school followed were going to be ingrained in my heart forever, wherever I go or whatever I do. And now to be back at the place where it all started is like my life is coming full circle. It feels like everything has come together, returning to where everything began, perhaps with a sense of nostalgia or completion.”  It’s been almost 10 months since she joined, and she tells us that working has given her skills in many areas, like how  to talk to people, time management, and  understanding people. “I know that all my learnings will come in hand one day for my future journey, and I am confident that I am prepared. I want to tell everyone who discouraged me that everything I wanted has unfolded in front of my very eyes, and there is no stopping me.” 

Bipana’s story is one of inspiration and determination. She proves that when you have the strength and willpower to do what you aspire to, nothing can stop you. To her juniors AND seniors, she says, “Do not be swept into someone else’s force. Be the example, the peace, the quiet. And then in the meantime, be the bud, a root to ground in this universe. There is a great force supporting you, and that force is your will, embedded deep within you.” 

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.