I was born in the mountains of Nepal, where the air is thin, in a village called Kalikot where life begins. The morning sun would wake us up, and we’d gather our cows and goats for the day’s work. The fields of rice and wheat would grow, and we’d toil all day to make them so. The evening would bring a different scene, as the villagers would gather, to laugh and sing. In this village where I was raised, the beauty of life was not praised, for we had our struggles and our strife. And the challenges we faced were a part of our life. But through it all, my single mother somehow made it alive, carrying me on her back and feeding me all the way.

My mom was a strong woman, managing what little money she could gather, and doing “man’s labor” (heavy manual work, house construction, digging holes, plowing fields and more) all day and all night. She wanted so much for me. She would always say, “Hikmat, there is so much for you to do in this world. Remember, you have to work for it.”

 During the 10 years of the Maoist Movement, my mom and I moved to Surkhet when I was old enough to embrace changes. My mother struggled the most to make ends meet. She would do odd jobs that barely paid enough to buy a single meal. After some time, my mom moved back to Kalikot and I rented a room on my own. I would miss my mother, her warm hug, and her warm meals even though they were not much. As time passed, I learned to lead my life in Surkhet, a city unlike anything I grew up in. 

Staying alone was not exactly what I would call an opportunity. I was left to fend for myself at such a young age. Maybe that is what made me rigorous and mature in life. And just maybe that WAS an opportunity for me to grow into a better version of myself. And it CERTAINLY was an opportunity because I found my purpose.

At the time, when I was lost, I didn’t have much hope. A school opened two minutes away from where I lived. A hope grew in my fragile heart like a vine spreading and affecting all its corners. Fortunately, Kopila Valley listened to my story and enrolled me in 6th grade. 

This was when it dawned on me, I had found a place I could call home. I found friends who had similar stories like mine, and I had people that I could relate to. It felt like I no longer was alone. Before I knew it, I started spelling out my dreams and aspirations in life. My acclimation at Kopila Valley School was like a lightning bolt. 

I took Science in +2. And I struggled to pass. I took my classes repeatedly, and I was still flunking. I started losing hope. One vacation, I went back to my village to see my mother. Many villagers mocked me, told me that I had no hope. But my mother, on the other hand, was a box full of inspirations and compliments. “You’ve got this,” she said, “Do it one more time.” 

And finally, I passed. I didn’t let my discouragement drag me down. 

I graduated from Kopila Valley in 2017 as a young, sharpened, and brushed-up adult who is going to change his own fate.

During my summer break after finishing my +2, I went to Kalikot and taught Science at the local Government School for three months. It was my first experience teaching, and it made me fall in love with teaching. Soon after, I enrolled in Mid-Western University to pursue BBS (Bachelors In Business Studies). I got a job at Roseland Academy School.  While I was taking my morning classes, I could work during the rest of the day. I learned so much as a teacher here. My fellow teachers, my boss, and my dear students would praise me.  After teaching for almost a year, they called me and took me by surprise; I was handed a Principal’s Position. That was when I told myself, “It’s not the end of the story.” 

In the wake of working as a Principal, I felt a need for change and growth. I applied for a job in Kopila Valley School and got into the position of Cleaning and Safety Supervisor. I wanted to contribute my share of knowledge and my share of skill to the school that offered me so much. And most importantly, Kopila Valley teaches me in so many ways.  I don’t know for how long I’ll be working here, but I’ll tell you what, it sure is calming to be somewhere where it feels like a home. 

For the job you have, for the roof over your head, for the ability to think and for everything, practice gratitude continuously. As the saying goes, ‘if we change our thoughts, we change our lives.’ Take the opportunities in front of you. Listen to everyone but decide by yourself. 

My mom is 65 years old and is rooting for me. Now I look back on those early days, and the lessons I had to learn in so many ways. In that village, so far away, lies the roots of who I am today. Though life has taken me far and wide, what I am today is because of the choices I have made in life. 

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.