Please tell us about your background, in terms of your School Education.
I was born in Nepal, but spent my childhood in New York, and started Kindergarten there. As my family was constantly on the move because of my father’s job, we returned to Nepal, where I was admitted to Rato Bangala School in the second grade. I studied there until the beginning of 5th grade, after which my father was posted to Geneva, Switzerland. There, I was promoted to the 6th grade, and after completing grade 8 I returned to Nepal, and joined Rato Bangala again. I’ve been studying there since, and graduated in August 2010.
Why did you choose to do A levels?
I enjoy challenges, and A-levels are very mentally challenging compared to the rote-learning of the SLC exams. In fact, I performed better in my A-level exams than I did in the SLC exams. I’ve never been particularly responsive to memorization. A-level exams demand an understanding of the subject and of concepts surrounding it. I have retained so much more of what I learned during my Alevels course than I did during my SLC course.
Any challenges you faced while you were studying or preparing for the exams?
The biggest challenge was the amount of material that needed to be studied. Other than that, it was the number of papers – in some cases, I had five! Sometimes they drove me crazy. I realized, though, that if you are work hard, and have been consistent (instead of leaving all studying to the last minute) it is a lot easier – and more rewarding.
Where and what would you like to study?
I would like to study in the United States. I suppose because I began my academic journey there, I feel a kind of attachment. But that isn’t the only reason. The liberal arts system of the US attracts me. I have a lot of interests (both academic and extra-curricular) which I would be able to explore in the US. I have found that as I grow older, and my understanding of the world evolves, my interests evolve, too. I will most likely pursue environmental science, or perhaps lean towards engineering. I am also developing an interest in political science, and I will most definitely continue French.
What is your ultimate ambition?
My ultimate ambition is to bring about a kind of revolution in Nepal. This may be an economic revolution, an ecological revolution or a scientific one. I would define myself as determined, passionate, and a little quirky. I would like to harness these qualities in whatever I end up doing. What is sure, though, is that I wouldn’t like to be just any individual or lapse into complete anonymity.
Where do you see yourself after 20 years’ time?
I hope I will have a family; have established myself as a pioneer or at least a change-maker. I see myself living in an equitable, decentralized and steadily progressing Nepal; and I see myself being a part of that change.
