Mahendra’s journey unfolds like a captivating story of self-discovery, a narrative woven with the threads of passion, fear, and the pursuit of dreams. As he is courageously planning to pursue his dream to study Social Work, he has returned to Kopila Valley School to teach soccer where he imparts wisdom to his juniors and reflects on the twists and turns of his own life. He is kind with traits of an older brother. He is soft toward the world and takes on challenges like a warrior. 

Learning life every day, Mahendra stands at a crossroads, contemplating a shift from business studies to the dream he holds dear. Here are his words.

Let’s face it, we’ve all missed opportunities, taken the easy way out, or let our fear destroy the truth. 

I TOOK THE EASY WAY OUT.

But before we come to this part of my life, here’s the beginning;

I was born in Accham, a tiny town near Surkhet, Nepal. I am the oldest of my two siblings. Ever since I turned eight, I have never lived with my family. My parents are just farmers. They grow and cultivate their daily meals, and barely scrape by any produce to sell and earn. 

Every Nepali parent wants their children to go to school, get a degree and a respectable well-paying job. My parents’ dream was to educate me. So they sat me in an hour or two bus ride to Surkhet where my uncle lived. Every minute that passed, it felt like I was miles? away from the familiar warmth of my home. When I finally arrived in Surkhet, it felt like I was a city away from the familiar warmth of my parents. 

Eventually, I joined Kopila Valley School from grade four. While I was away from my home, it instantly felt like I found my new home. The day I finished my first day at the school, a realization dawned on me – my parents’ dream was going to be fulfilled. 

When you’re just a child, time is infinite. And in that infinity of time at Kopila Valley School, I found my purpose and my passion. I was really into soccer. It filled my heart full, especially when we brought back trophies and medals. And just like that, I also wanted to win at life. 

While I found many passions at Kopila Valley School, I also found my purpose to follow the path of Social Work. But not everything you plan goes according to it. In my case, I took the easy way out. 

I graduated from Kopila Valley School in the year 2020. I took a one long year gap and went to visit my family back home. The moment I saw my parents’ eyes gleam with hope, it weavered my heart. A fear crept in. What if I don’t fulfill their dreams? 

While I was still pondering on what I wanted to do further, I played soccer with my siblings, my hometown friends, and relaxed. I helped my parents in the field. They never pressured me or asked me what I wanted to do, as if they knew deep down what I was planning. 

After some time, I went back to Surkhet with an intention to do something or figure out my future. The first thing I did was move out of my uncle’s place. I rented a room for myself and started the journey of a solo man. At the time, I felt like in my studies and in life, I was having a hard time making quick decisions. But moving out has to be one of the best decisions I made. It instilled motivation in me like a stubborn disease. I was making financial goals, mapping out my path to success, and maturing every day. 

After a while, I enrolled myself in college. 

I’ve always dreamt of studying Social Work. But I am studying BBS (Bachelor’s In Business Studies) at Gyan Sindhu College in Surkhet. I was afraid, so I took what I thought was the easy path. I hoped BBS would help me see the path clearer, but all it has done is confuse me even more. I am in my 2nd semester, and I am already rethinking my choices. 

Besides studies, and regretting some unwise decisions, it’s been almost four months since I joined Kopila Valley School as a sports instructor trainee. I realize the deeper we’re willing to go, the more we’re ready to explore the light in our own story. It’s such a triumphant moment for me to come back as a trainee to the soccer field where I played day in and day out and teach my junior sisters and brothers who equally share the love for it.  

Reuniting with Kopila has made me rethink, learn, and unlearn a lot. A want to pursue Social Work is in the corner of my heart, sizing up everyday. I’m in a moment of uncertainty. To build a compelling dream, I want to make it seem as real as possible.

Is it too late? 

I do not think so. 

I think I am going to make one more reckless decision and pursue Social Work because it has been my life-long dream, and I think I’m not going to settle if I don’t. “I must turn the page, and start anew,” these words have become somewhat of a personal motto for me. 

The more defining the life experience, the deeper or more meaningful the lesson. You only have one shot at life. There are no retakes, so it makes sense to live life to the fullest. 

So I leave you with a challenge: dare to do what your heart desires the most.