The first snowfall of the season dusted the streets of Toronto like powdered sugar on a pastry – soft, delicate, yet completely unfamiliar. Sailesh had never seen snow before. Not in real life. Back home in Nepal, winter meant crisp mountain air, the scent of firewood curling outside in the backyard, and the occasional frost glistening on rooftops. But this – this was different. This was a new world, cold and endless, stretching far beyond anything he had ever known. And he’s now thousands of miles away from home, standing beneath a foreign sky.

As he watched the snow settle over the towering glass buildings, he felt a strange mix of awe and doubt. Could he really do this? Could he build a future in a place where even the air smelled unfamiliar?

Then, almost instinctively, he remembers his mom’s face, so proud of him, grinning ear to ear with tears in her eyes as he boarded the plane. Sometimes, the tears of your loved ones hold great power, pushing you toward that dream you hold dear to you. It’s the reflection of his loved ones that holds the beginnings of a smile on his face. 

But are you wondering about Sailesh’s childhood? 

“Honestly, there is nothing grand. I did not go through a tragic childhood,” he says. “My father was an accountant at the armed police force.” While his family was not poor, they were far from wealthy. His father’s government salary provided a stable income, enough to cover the basics—food and shelter – but there was a question of education. They lived a modest life, carefully budgeting expenses to ensure that the family never faced financial strain.

Growing up, Sailesh was aware of the value of money. His parents emphasized the importance of hard work and financial responsibility, teaching him that every rupee spent had to be earned with effort. There were no extravagant vacations or expensive gifts, but there was always enough for basic needs – except for school. 

But are you wondering where he went to school? 

“The only major concern my parents had was ensuring I received a good education. That worry was put to rest when I was enrolled in Kopila Valley,” Sailesh says. “When I think of Kopila Valley School, this is what comes to mind: The Gate That Never Closes. I don’t mean it metaphorically, I mean it literally. THE GATES NEVER CLOSED. After school, I played football on the ground with my school friends, and some of my neighbor friends would also join us. This is where I developed many of my hobbies, particularly bird photography.” The greenery of the school attracts many birds who have now made it their home. Sailesh was a member of the Bird Watching Club, established by the Sustainability team. Each morning, they would venture out to observe and photograph the birds, documenting their sightings for a book now published, titled Birds of Kopila.

“Such happy moments. When I think back on my Kopila days, it warms my heart and brings a smile to my face.” Sailesh says. 

But are you wondering what he is up to now in Canada? 

At just the age of 19, Sailesh currently resides in Barrie, Canada, aspiring to become a dedicated software engineer. “I am currently doing Computer Networking from Georgian College.” He further explains, “Although I love travelling and exploring the wildlife through the lens of my camera, I am a tech-savvy dude who loves diving into the world of technology. Technology fascinates me, and in today’s digital age, a career in digital is more exciting and full of opportunities.”

Following his graduation from Kopila Valley in 2024, Sailesh immediately knew what his next goal in life would be. And currently, pursuing his goal is what keeps him motivated on days when he has doubts creeping from deep within. “The biggest surprise is how much I have to rely on myself. Managing finances, cooking, and daily responsibilities are all on me. It is overwhelming, and often I am clouded with doubts whether I can handle it or not. I miss my mother’s cooking, her helping me load off my laundry, and always telling me to shower after my afternoon soccer practice. But I also know that I’m not her little boy anymore. I have bigger things to achieve and will make her proud in thousands of ways.” 

When things spiral out of control, when the weight of doubt and overwhelm threatens to consume him, Sailesh pushes forward,  – because once he has begun, he knows that doubts and negativity will lose their power over him. “I also stay true to my values, set clear goals, and embrace challenges as opportunities to learn. I am not afraid to rely on my family and friends for support because they fuel my energy.”

But are you wondering what his vision is for the future? 

“I wish to one day combine my interest in international relations with entrepreneurship, focusing on global business and starting a business to connect nations and promote economic progress. BUT DON’T BE SURPRISED IF YOU SEE ME IN POLITICS ONE DAY!” He exclaims with rather much enthusiasm. You will find Sailesh has many interests in life.

And here’s a little piece of advice from Sailesh, to anyone who might need this today: “Start hustling early. Create opportunities, build skills, and embrace failures as part of the process. The grind shapes you into who you’ll become, and your future self will thank you for it.

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.