BABITA: Seeing is Believing
Monday, February 19, 2024
Babita graduated from Kopila Valley School in the year 2019. Even though she only spent two years of her high school at Kopila Valley School, she found her place rather easily.
“I saw myself studying at Kopila Valley School, and I not only did that but I am part of the team now!” she says, with the biggest smile. She radiates rays of sunshine; with a perpetual smile gracing her face, Babita exudes a contagious joy that uplifts the spirits of those in her presence. Her positive energy is infectious, creating an atmosphere of warmth and happiness. As she adds values to our Kopila family, we are proud of her and equally thankful for her. We anticipate the day when she can fulfill her dream and soar high above.
In her own words, “SEEING IS BELIEVING!” She tells her story below.
Beginnings
I have a small family; I like to call it an ideal size in the retrospect of Nepali society. We are a total of five members, my parents, sister and a brother. I am the oldest. My mother is a sweetheart, and my father is the breadwinner of the family. It’s been 25 years and counting as a driver for my father. He’s always on the road, we seldom see him when he comes home for a night or just a day.
Because of my father, even though life is complicated, I get to experience life from the driver’s seat. But even with his earnings, it was not enough to run our family. Luckily, my sister was enrolled in Kopila Valley School from an early age, which elevated the capacity for my parents to enroll us in school. The way they struggle everyday to make ends meet, I wish I was in a parallel universe and they were doctors or engineers. But it’s the harsh reality we live in.
No matter how much we think the Nepali society has evolved, people’s perception hasn’t. Girls who are lucky enough to receive education sometimes get to do further studies or have to end their dreams after +2. Despite this, my parents are rooting for me everyday.
I chose Kopila Valley for my higher studies (+2) because of its mission and values. I also wanted to be in the same space where my sister was, now that I think about it. My younger sister is just three years younger than me, and we’ve never been to the same school. I believe Kopila Valley transformed me wholly, like an alchemist refining base elements into gold, the very fabric of my being. My confidence peaked, and my dreams became visible.
My favorite memories are performing dance on special occasions, playing outdoor games, taking a finance class, and growing our own snacks in gardening class. I got to do everything I felt like I missed out on during my school days at another school.
What's next
After Kopila Valley School, I am now enrolled in Mid-Western University taking BBA (Bachelor’s In Business Administration). And together with that I am also working at Kopila Valley School as an Admin Assistant. It’s been almost five years since I started working, and through a stroke of good luck, I get to help my parents financially.
Working as an Admin Assistant is a truly enriching experience that allows me to connect with everybody. But my favorite part about it is when my junior sisters and brothers come to me with issues. I become a supporter, a go-to-person. The reception area is a melting pot of enthusiasm and collaboration. It is a space where relationships are built and strengthened. I love witnessing the constant flow of positive energy that fills the reception area when people visit with concerns and questions. Because of work, I get to support my family, I get to attend college – but there is a dream that beats in my heart.
A dream in the making…
As a business student, there is a constant ringing feeling that I am fulfilling my dream. I want to run my own flower shop.
Years and years ago, I dreamed of opening a flower shop. Now, Kopila Valley’s green environment has resurfaced that dream again. I have found love for plants and flowers. When visitors come to Kopila Valley School, I collect flowers and leaves to make bouquets for them. The smiles it brings to their eyes is a moment to capture.
I have built a small flower garden at home, which makes me believe I am a step closer to achieving my dream. Flowers are the smile of my soul, the magic of life and the ultimate reminder of my connection with the earth.
“Sometimes you need to bet on yourself and pave your path.” When I first heard this quote, it struck a chord in my heart. Something lit up within me. It was as if those were the words I had been waiting to hear all my life.
Dreaming is easy, but turning it into a reality takes a whole lot of you. Especially if you’re a girl from a society that has few expectations from you. I’m not sure when this dream will become a reality, but I’m determined.
But I’ll tell you what; although I have a dream that is yet to come true, I am on a journey walking toward it.
We are thrilled to have a Kopila Valley School graduate 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.