Being born in a remote Village of Nepal came without any privileges and opportunities for Rushna. Her single mother spent days in the fields, barely managing to provide food for the family. Along with her younger sister, Rushna was sent to stay with her relatives in Surkhet when she was around 9 or 10. 

“It was better than having nothing,” she reminisces. “I was studying in a Government School and doing chores at the house to keep my stay.” It wasn’t exactly a privileged life she was living until she came across Kopila Valley. There was a vacancy when the school was first opening, and her relatives enrolled her there. 

“I missed my old friends. I was having a difficult time getting accustomed to the new environment. I was behind on my courses. And the English language was a huge barrier for me. Slowly and steadily, I started to get better with extra help from the teachers. At first, I didn’t know what to do with the freedom I got. Shortly after, I started being myself. I could laugh until my stomach hurt, I could share endless stories, and I also sang for my new friends which took me by surprise. I had never before let anyone hear me sing. In Kopila Valley School, I became a girl with dreams and ambitions, a girl with so much to offer to the world. I fell in love with the new me,” states Rushna. 

Rushna graduated her +2 in Management from Kopila Valley in the year 2019. Shortly after, she moved out of her relatives’ house and rented a room all on her own. “I was surprised how independent I had become!” she exclaims. “I’ll tell you it wasn’t a piece of cake. I was anxious to live on my own. I had a huge responsibility to outgrow my past.” 

After a couple of months living on her own, Rushna acquired a job in Surkhet Hospital as a receptionist and as a Cashier. She continued to pursue her education in BBS (Bachelors In Business Study). In her second year, she decided to move to Kathmandu for better opportunities. Now, she has joined Saint Lawrence College in Kathmandu. 

“I recently left my job as a Front Desk Officer from Orchid Care Home in Baluwatar, Kathmandu. I felt I needed change. I am looking for another job whilst focusing on my studies.” 

“Interesting” is the word Rushna uses to describe her life right now. “My life comes with ups and downs but it astonishes me at most times. Over the years, I have learned to appreciate the decisions I have made. I am proud of my roots, and I am grateful for the lessons that Kopila Valley taught me. At the same time, I am excited about the possibilities that the city has to offer, and I am eager to explore all that it has to offer.” 

Rushna is a strong, independent young woman working and battling the hardships of life, in order to achieve her dreams. When she is not working or not attending her classes, she finds herself engulfed in the possibilities of learning new skills, whether that is writing, dancing, singing, or reading.  

“Deciding to live on my own has shaped me into the person that I am today. It has taught me to be resilient, to work hard, and to appreciate the simple things in life. I am proud of where I come from, and I will always be grateful for the experiences that I have had.” Rushna, open to any experiences and molding them into her achievements, is striving for the trophy of succeeding in life individually. 

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.