A Go-getter's year Review

The 22^nd year of my life was full of achievements, travel, learning, reflections and moving on. In the beginning of the year I made one of my dreams come true. I always wanted to secure 4.0 GPA in BBA since I joined the course. Finally in the 8^th semester I did it. It felt like hitting the bull’s eye. I don’t think GPA reflects my intelligence or makes me a better person or student but accomplishing my goal feels great.

Many people have this concept that when you are involved in a full time job and extra-curricular activities you miss out on your studies. But I know for sure that applying your classroom learning at work and sharing your work experiences at class is quite beneficial.

Honestly, it was not at all fun at times to wake up at two in the morning to prepare for exams, complete assignments and project works and balance a full time job as a journalist for a leading national daily and host a Radio Talk show. But it was all worthwhile. I graduated as the ‘Best Graduating Student’.

( This one is for my parents, teachers, mentors, friends and everyone who has helped me. Would not be possible without you, really. )

Then I also got an opportunity experience and write about Bungy jumping at The Last Resort. I did the Tandem swing. It was a life time experience. Swinging just above the wild Bhotekoshi River and having the golden rays of sunshine on my face made me realize how beautiful this world is.

(The most adventurous moment of my entire life..many more to come, please stay tuned! Thank you Aman Dai and The Last Resort)

After that success, I went for an exciting and memorable college tour to India. Gazing at the setting sun at the Marine drive in Mumbai, parasailing and singing karaoke in Goa, shopping and meeting my cousin in Delhi and exploring the majestic beauty of Jaipur with my friends will always be cherished. I did not get much time to travel with my friends during the four years so I enjoyed India tour to the fullest without worrying about anything and living every bit of it.

Well, the year just about successes. I tried learning swimming but on the first day of training itself I got allergies and rashes all over my body. Even though I tried doing it for two more days, I was not afraid of water and picked up the instructions well but the allergies got worse and I couldn’t continue. I have learnt that not everything is meant for me in life and I must sometimes let go. My body has some limitations and I should accept and respect it.
I also went for bike rides around the valley. One of the most memorable one was the ride to Kakani, we meditated for a while in Osho Tapoban and enjoyed eating trout fish. The hills looked mesmerizing while on the way back home. The sky was full of twinkling stars and the city brightened up with all the glowing lights.

Beautiful view from Kakani

2016 was also a year full of learning and work. I interviewed young entrepreneurs and wrote lead stories focusing on tourism issues for the English national daily. I also coordinated with other writers/contributors and learnt basic editing skills. Further, I also attended a workshop on Journalism, writing and power point presentations. I tried my best to become a better journalist/writer and a presenter this year.

Interview with Dr Dee Aker, Advisor for Strategic Peacebuilding, University of San Diego, USA

I left my job at a point where I was about to get a raise and promotion. I did not have any better offer that attracted me to leave the work as a full time journalist in one of the leading media houses. I just followed my intuition. I reached a point where I felt like I need to learn and grow more. I need to educate myself to do my work better. I need to understand and explore myself before being committed to anything in my career. I just moved on and there is nothing that can stop you when you have the determination to move forward in life. I have no regrets for the choice I made at this point of my life. I am grateful to the organization, seniors and juniors for helping me learn and develop life skills.
A new chapter of my life began after that. I represented Nepal in “5^th International Buddhist Conclave” where there were delegates from around 40 countries were present. This was a life changing event for me in my life. I witnessed spiritual aarati in the Ghats of Varanasi, observed the holy place Saranath where Buddha gave his first sermon, visited the Mahabodhi temple and meditated under the Bodhi tree where Buddha attained enlightenment and stepped on many other spiritual sites. All of these events and networking with professionals, government officials and delegates from around the world broadened the horizon of my mind. It made me more perceptive.

The International Buddhist Conclave

With  Ranjit Rae, Ambassador of India to Nepal and other delegates for International Buddhist Conclave, at the Indian Embassy

This year I hosted an international event, ‘Nepal Africa Film Festival’ in Kathmandu and Bipul Chettri’s concert in Itahari. I met some really amazing people at these events and I believe every person we meet and every incident in our life has a purpose and significance.

Sharing my story at the Story Yellers

 Hosting Bipul Chetri’s Concert, Itahari

Apart from this I spoke at the Story Yellers where I shared my learning at Bourgandi Children home where I volunteered during my undergrad days. I was the Moderator at the First ever Women’s Entrepreneurship Day in Nepal, presented at Presidential college in the program ‘Am I weird?’, Judged national speaking championship, attended Nepathya concert for the first time, learnt how to drive a car.
Moreover, I started something profound this year. I started teaching and training school and college students. I conducted workshops for students at various business schools on writing, presentation and public speaking skills. And I got an opportunity to work with a school to help students write better. I am learning more when I am helping others learn and develop new skills. I am highly motivated and I wish to continue this endeavor.

Last week I visited three different colleges to promote a marathon for breast cancer awareness. Further, I ran, jogged, walked and completed 10 kms in the Pinkathon marathon. My intention to run this marathon was to encourage myself and other people to stay healthy and happy.  I am not running a race. I am paving my way to a unique and creative journey.
When I look back and reflect on my life so far I feel blessed that I have not stopped. No matter what I happened I have followed my intuition and moved on. But I did have some pauses in between, some confusions and disappointments. In these moments of despair, I have been my own best friend. I have talked to my own self in silence. I have consoled and comforted myself. Now I feel really happy when I am at the end of the day and I enter my room and I am alone.
Overall, 22 was a year that made me wiser and more compassionate. I truly feel blessed for I have this power to express myself and in this process I can be connected to people I have never met. As I embark a new year in my life I express gratitude to each and every being that have entered my life. Without you my journey is not possible. Let’s walk together, or let’s meet again at another junction of life.
I can already feel that 23 will be a dream year with more travel and learning, love and happiness. We all have the capacity to fulfill our dreams and help others in their journey. I hope we harness this power in whatever way we can.