Krishna is not your average student. She has a natural curiosity about the world around her and a drive to succeed that sets her apart from her peers. She is a graduate of Kopila Valley School who is pursuing her passion in traveling. She knows that studying tourism will be a challenging and rewarding experience, and she is determined to make the most of it. Her drive toward her goal is truly admirable. 

EARLY LIFE

The small girl crouched behind a makeshift shelter, her wide eyes scanning the desolate landscape around her. She was a vision of innocence in a world torn apart by conflict. Her hair was matted and unkempt, framing a face that betrayed her youth and vulnerability. Her clothes were tattered and torn, the remnants of what was once a bright and colorful outfit now reduced to rags. But despite her disheveled appearance, there was a steely determination in her gaze that spoke of a resilience far beyond her years. 

During the civil war in Nepal, she was  a sight to behold. Despite the chaos and destruction that surrounded her, Krishna exuded a sense of innocence and wonder that could not be dampened by the turmoil of her environment. Her bright, shining eyes were full of curiosity and optimism, despite the difficult circumstance she faced on a daily basis. Krishna was born in a remote village of Nepal, Kalikot. 

At age one, her father was killed by an Army during a war; the following year, her mother ran away with another man. 

At age 3, she was living with her uncle who already had his own children to feed. 

At age 4,  she was brought to the city. Without any reluctance, Krishna went to stay with some relatives she did not know. The life of an orphaned girl who lives with relatives is not easy. She existed as an unwanted guest rather than a girl in need of a warm and loving shelter.

Despite the dangers that lurked all around her, the girl had an unshakable faith in the goodness of humanity. After being taken from place to place, house to house where she felt unwelcome and unwanted, she finally was asked if she wanted to live in a Children’s Home. 

‘YES!’ was Krishna’s answer. When you’ve never had a place where you truly belonged, it makes you want to escape and try to find one. “I was a child unaware where I was putting myself with one reckless decision . But I knew that I wanted to find a place that I could call home,” she declares, rather with teary eyes.

She might have had a difficult start to life, but her fate had something else planned for her. 

WAS HER FATE WINNING? 

NEW DOORS OPENED WIDE

What a perfect place Kopila Valley became for a girl to grow up into a beautiful,  charismatic, inspiring, and talented young woman. With love and support, her dreams were nurtured. “I was taught to aim for the stars up above, to chase my desires with passion, to reach for the sky, and to dare to be bold.” Krishna was a star girl. “I found my playmates, partners in crime, I had siblings to laugh and explore life with. What more could I have ever needed?” As a child she was always curious, always eager to learn, and always ready to explore. She dreamt about all the adventures that awaited her. 

She transitioned out of the  Children’s Home in 2018. For her +2, she chose Science which she struggled with. At the age of 18, she realized Science was not meant for her, so she changed her choice of degree. After one year of doing Science, she started Management from the beginning. “It changed my life!” She exclaims. “I was getting the highest marks in my class. Everyday, I am reminded that every decision I make will either show me a different path or make me take the same path with a different perspective.”

HER CALLING

As a girl with endless love for adventures, Krishna found her calling at the age of 19. After graduating, she decided to go to Kathmandu and explore her options. That was when she got introduced to her calling while she was planning to do Charter Accounting. 

TOURISM

For many Nepalese, the decision to pursue a degree in tourism may seem like an unconventional choice. Some may view it as a degree for those who simply want to travel and take vacations, but in reality, studying tourism is much more than that. For Krishna,  it’s a degree embracing a field that is constantly evolving, offering endless possibilities for exploration and growth.

“Travel isn’t just a hobby, it’s a calling- and pursuing a degree in tourism is the ultimate way to answer that call and turn my passion into a profession.” 

Without batting an eye, she enrolled in Global College International  to pursue tourism because she fell in love with the aspect of traveling the universe and seeing all the heavenly places.  Edging closer to her dreams, she is now in her second year of tourism. 

“I am not just attending a college for a degree, I am also traveling for my knowledge.” What more is needed for a girl to whom learning is about venturing out into the world? In 2022, she was chosen to participate in a 10-day, all-female trek with an organization called Duluwa Outdoors. They started the trip from Chitwan and ended at Mustang. The journey from Chitwan to Mustang is one that takes you through the heart of Nepal, revealing the diversity and beauty. “The journey is not for the faint of heart, as it involves traversing rugged terrain, crossing high-altitude passes, and facing unpredictable weather. But since I was up for the challenge, the journey became a once-in-a-lifetime experience.”  

HER FATE IS WINNING

Her journey has not been easy, but it has been worth it. For in the end, she has proven that anything is possible if you only dare to dream. 

And so, as she looks back on her life, she realizes that her childhood in the Children’s Home had been a blessing in disguise. For it was there that she had learned the true power of hope, the true strength of resilience, and the true beauty of dreaming big. Krishna is well on her way to achieving great things in the world of tourism. 

HER FATE HAS WON!

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.