The story of Geeta is one of opportunity and a passion to support her father’s small business. Despite the pebbles and stones in her way, nothing stops her from dreaming and going all out to do what she really wants to do. She is determined, persistent and amazing. Let’s uncover her story of rising and shining. 

Early Days and School

The sun slowly rises over the fields, as farmers rise from their slumbered yields, stretching their limbs to greet the day. The morning dew rests on the leaves, a gentle mist like a cloak that weaves around the earth. The cows awake and the chickens cluck and strut about.  People’s  faces are kissed with golden light. 

Geeta was born into a family of three siblings; her older sister is a person with a disability, and she has a younger brother. Her father is a successful farmer in Belauri, Kanchanpur, Nepal. She would always spend her time in the field, playing with mud and helping her parents harvest crops. One of the biggest businesses her dad handles is a rice mill.

Geeta finished her schooling years (Grades 1-10) in a local school called Little Garden. Even though she could have joined another school nearby her house for her +2 years, she wanted to go far away from her hometown where she could actually learn in new ways.  She always marveled at the thought of moving out of her small town. 

One of her relatives was on the staff of Kopila Valley Children’s Home, and they told her that the school was introducing a +2 course for the first time, for Management students. And what a coincidence it was – she wanted a change, and it was introduced to her. The very next day, she was on a 15-hour bus ride to Surkhet, with excitement and so much to look forward to. 

Bold Choices for Continuing Education

“I don’t regret my decision,” Geeta says. “In fact, sometimes I wonder where I would be if not for my bold choice. Kopila Valley was an extraordinary experience. It was a reminder that, no matter how different we may seem on the surface, we all share a common humanity that can be celebrated and nurtured through acts of kindness, empathy, and understanding.” 

From the moment she set foot on the campus, Geeta knew she had found her home. The school was a vibrant and dynamic community, with students and teachers from all over the world, each with their perspectives and talents. Beyond the classroom, Geeta thrived in the school’s diverse and inclusive community. She joined clubs and teams, making friends from all backgrounds. When she graduated in the year 2019, she had not only gained knowledge and skills but also a sense of purpose, a commitment to social justice, and a deep appreciation for the power of education to change lives and communities.

Geeta knew she wanted to pursue further education; she understood the perception  that, without a degree, you’re nothing in Nepal. She enrolled in a local college in Surkhet for BBS (Bachelors in Business Studies). After a couple of months of exploring and learning, a sudden realization hit her. BBS was not her calling.

She took a couple of days and sat with her parents, her friends and relatives, and talked about what she should do. They all told her to continue BBS, but no matter how her family saw the importance, Geeta just couldn’t persist. After a long and overwhelming thought process, she chose to move to Kathmandu and study BBA (Bachelors in Business Administration) as a second option while applying abroad.

Fate was not on her side; no matter how determined and persistent she was, she didn’t get the Visa to travel abroad. That’s when it dawned on her – the biggest mistake is to reach your goals by aiming low rather than aiming high and missing them.

Finding a New Purpose

Geeta didn’t let the rejection crush her to pieces; instead, she focused on her BBA. “I want to learn the rules of business by books and knowledge and one day help my father in his business. My father is amazing; without any education, he has taken his business so far, and I want to help him take it even further, branching it out,” she tells us. 

“When I finally got over the rejection of my Visa, I experienced another roadblock. I was diagnosed with an ovarian cyst. I had to make so many trips to the hospital on my own, and whatever the doctors would say, I would get nervous and overthink everything. They told me the surgery has to be immediate. I knew I was just a daughter from a small town, who had never dealt with serious problems without the guidance of my parents, and it was a pivotal moment for me. After my surgery, everything I worked so hard for came to a cessation,” she pours out.

A girl crushed by the denial of her dream, and now a disease, is slowly healing and back home with her parents in Belauri. She was reluctant to leave a city of dreams and endless opportunities, but her health was at stake and she had to prioritize it. 

Geeta has learned many lessons in this time. “I have put my goals and dreams to a halt, but that is not the end. I do want to go back and pursue my aspirations, but I don’t know when that will be. Perhaps in a year or two. But I haven’t given up. I believe there is always room for one more seat at the table. If you focus on creating more opportunities, rather than competing for the same ones, you will make the world a better place.” 

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.