Hi Jharana! Where are you and what are you doing right now?

I am in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal. I am a 20-year-old architecture student who’s all about creating designs at Kathmandu University.

What’s your favorite thing about architecture?

I have a deep and abiding passion for this course for several compelling reasons. Firstly, I am captivated by the creative freedom it offers. Designing buildings  allows me to express my artistic inclinations and bring my imaginative visions to life. 

Share with us your Kopila Journey

OHH!! Where do I start! I remember why I wanted to join Kopila Valley School. I received my place through a girls-only entrance exam. I remember working so hard on it because I really wanted to get in. I wanted to do everything Kopila Valley School was providing, not just education, but extracurricular activities. I immediately joined all sorts of activities like public speaking, poetry writing, soccer, dancing, writing, basically everything I could fit on my plate. 

What was most surprising to you about life after moving out of the house?

Moving out for me was like entering a whole new world! A little while ago I was just a little girl, but suddenly I was handling chores and figuring out money. I miss my family a lot, and there’s this loneliness that sneaks in. Getting used to a new lifestyle is eye-opening. Making friends and dealing with ups and downs? That’s the real deal. It is tough, but as time passed I figured out I am actually stronger than I thought. So, yeah, adulting is a mix of surprises and cool discoveries!  

What inspires you?

Living solo in the big city, I get major inspo from the cool architecture, diverse vibes, and buzzing energy around me. My family’s got my back, keeping me grounded with their love and values while I tackle the challenges of city life. I’m all about soaking up knowledge and staying curious – learning is my thing. Nature’s beauty blows my mind and fires up my creative side. Finding my strengths and figuring out who I am? That’s my deep-down inspiration.  

What are your future plans?

When it comes to my future plans, I haven’t mapped out every detail, but one thing’s for sure—I want to become an awesome architect. My goal is to dive into my work, maybe open my own firm down the road. I just want to make my loved ones happy. I’ve got this thing for travel and adventures, and I just want to be out there, soaking it all in. Most importantly, I want to spread kindness and happiness wherever I go. So, yup, that’s the plan – architect life, adventures, and a sprinkle of happiness!

A challenge you’ve faced and how did you overcome that?

A challenge I’ve faced is dealing with the loneliness of living away from my family. There are times when it gets tough, and I feel like giving up. During those moments, I’ve learned to take a step back, relax, and remind myself of why I’m here. I focus on my dreams and the reasons behind all the hard work. Keeping everything simple is my mantra – no unnecessary stress. If I’m not feeling up to something, I go for a walk, dance it out, or take a stroll in nature or the city. That’s how I tackle problems, by simplifying life and facing every challenge with a fighting spirit and a smile.   

How are you navigating your path in life?

Navigating life on my own at 20 and diving into the architecture world, I’m kind of creating this life blueprint: setting goals that feel like dreams, focusing on what truly matters, managing my budget wisely, and keeping the curiosity alive — it’s like learning is my superpower. Connecting with people, nature, facing challenges head-on, taking care of myself, and celebrating wins, big or small. It’s all a journey, and I’m just enjoying every step of it!

A quote you believe in

The quote I strongly believe in is: “Just love whatever you’re doing in your life, be kind, spread happiness, and simply live and enjoy your life to the fullest – and don’t worry.” It’s a simple mantra that encourages me to embrace life with love, kindness, and a commitment to spreading joy, all while letting go of worries and savoring every moment. It’s just a reminder to live authentically, happily, and without unnecessary burdens. 

Finally, is there anything you want to say to your younger generation?

To all the young dreamers out there, I just want to say: do what you love and find joy in every moment. Simplify life, embrace a positive mindset, and let kindness be your compass. Spread love and happiness wherever you go. Your dreams are worth pursuing, so go after them with passion and a smile.

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.