“There was a time when I hid myself from the rest of the world. I was once an introvert. The kind of person who did not share anything—my joys, my fears, the little victories that should feel important enough to tell someone. I was that quiet kid in the corner of the classroom who shook with fear when all the attention shifted on me. Until one day, I decided to become an extrovert. You heard it right, I decided to become an extrovert!”

Sudip joined Kopila Valley School’s Kindergarten when he was six years old. He was a shy kid, which oftentimes became a disadvantage for him when he avoided outdoor games, debate competitions, or performances. The teachers worried, and his parents worried because they were not always able to give Sudip the time and attention he needed. His parents ran an electric wire shop and worked many late hours. 

In school, Sudip’s nose was always in books, and would be seen with very few friends. “There were so many things I wanted to try,” confesses Sudip. “I wanted to try being on the debate team, I wanted to play soccer like all the boys, I wanted to say what my opinion is about gravity or why the sky is blue. But the shyness held me hostage.” 

One very fine day, Sudip was seated at his desk when the teacher asked if anyone wanted to become a class representative. “I don’t know what got into me, but before I could blink out of a state of daze, my hand was raised up. I remember everyone looking at me, awestruck. I tried putting my hand down, but it was as if some sort of magic had forced it and glued it into thin air. Shortly after, I was collecting homework, delivering messages and announcements, selecting participants for events, and attending leadership workshops. I soon figured that all I needed was a chance to be courageous – which made me realize that, if there’s something you want to do, do it. Make the most of it. Missed opportunities hurt more than failed attempts.” 

Sudip slowly and progressively built his leadership skills, but his issue was still that he was an introvert. Although he knew it wasn’t a weakness, it still had kept him away from things he wanted to accomplish in life. Not holding himself back, Sudip participated in the school Vice President election when he was in 8th grade, and to his astonishment, he won the position. 

“It was definitely a moment of personal victory. I wasn’t competing against any of my fellow participants but myself. The war of doubt and anxiety swarming inside me started to unwind. Being Vice President was such a big opportunity for me to put myself out there and  change.”

Sudip graduated in the year 2023 as an extrovert from Kopila Valley School, and here’s what he has to say about his experience; “It’s very important for me to acknowledge the school that raised me, nurtured me, and built me strong enough to face any hurdles and challenges. I am who I am because I was provided with platforms to change and develop and I am beyond grateful.”

‘Why stop here?’ Sudip asked himself this question when he was applying for his further education, inspired by his risk-taking at KVS and by a lesson from his grandfather’s departure. He realized that life always comes to an end at one point, so why should he stay in one place? Always putting himself in the unbelievable had given him life’s milestones, so why limit himself? He looked for a University in the UK with a course in Finance and Accounting. After many submissions, the University of Roehampton accepted him, and soon after,he was onto another journey of self-exploration. 

Sudip’s journey was about more than just academic ambition; it was driven by a deep desire to challenge himself, to break free from the confines of his familiar world, and to immerse himself in something greater. Though his parents were initially apprehensive about the idea of him leaving home, they understood the significance of this opportunity. They had always placed a high value on education, since they did not have the privilege of completing school, and thus saw this as a rare chance for Sudip to expand his horizons. When he received an offer from a prestigious university in London, they recognized it as a life-changing moment—a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that could shape his future in ways they could only imagine.

“It’s only been a few weeks since I joined the university, but the UK has shown me so many aspects of life. ‘A rush world,’ I like to call it.  People are kind, sweet, but they also withhold a huge part of themselves. I have come to realize that some people are private and only share part of their story, revealing just a couple of recent pages and hiding previous chapters. It gives the feeling of a neat summary of a life without the nuances of struggle, pain and joy. Where I come from, people’s life stories are open books. In fact, I was among thousands of different lived stories that were worth sharing and telling because stories teach you gratitude, humility, and to find joy in the factors of life. For me, my story is my biggest motivation. When granted a chance, I share my stories with people so they can muster up courage to change their lives.”

For Sudip, it all started with an intention – an intention to become an extrovert, which  has brought him to this stage of his life. From socializing to making new friends, he is embarking on new adventures, and always building his skills for greater achievements. 

Here’s what he has to say to his dear juniors, seniors, and friends: “There’s a reason and hope to live for. We just have to keep trying to find the way out. It’s okay to take the time to, cause it won’t be easy. You want to change? Then you just have to be patient and be brave enough to face it. You have to bring out the courage in you that is buried in the very core of your body, and just watch what you will be capable of.” 

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.