Dorje grew up in a middle-class family in the small town of Ilam, Nepal. The town is famous for its tea gardens. His family lived a simple life. From their farm, it was small enough to sustain them for a living by selling vegetables and fruits at the local market.
Every morning, while his peers in the city attended tutoring classes to excel in their studies, he helped his mother at the local market. He had a younger sister to look after, and often he felt the weight of both his dreams and his family responsibilities. His mother would say while arranging Iskus(Chayote) for the local market to Dorje “The field may feed us right now temporarily, but the education and exposure will feed your soul”. His mother always kept insisting on ensuring that he had a good education.
Dorje was just an average student. Realizing the situation of his family, Dorje often studied till late at night, fueled by his mother’s belief in him. He would fall asleep at his study table. His mother gently put a blanket over him, whispering prayers to Buddha, “Kasai ko nazar nalagos” wishing for his protection and a bright future.
Life was challenging, but he persisted. As time went by, Dorje successfully passed his Class 10 exams with good grades, which filled his mother’s eyes with pride. His father, although not very expressive with his emotions, loved him deeply and supported him in his way. Even though they didn’t often show affection, there was an unspoken bond of care between them. In his way, he was proud of Dorje too.
High school was a significant milestone for any student, so with Dorje. While his friends moved to the big city of Kathmandu to pursue a brighter future, he remained deeply rooted in the soil of the family farm. He knew his family couldn’t afford to send him to a big city for further studies. He studied at the local public college. In his small hope for the American dream, he filled out a diversity visa application too. This was also a tiny hope to be selected so he could earn money and provide for his family.
Dorje often felt trapped in the familiarity of his surroundings. Every day he sold those vegetables and fruits by the roadside, watching the cars pass by, thinking about the lives of those inside. He also wanted to leave Ilam but the reality of his family’s financial situation weighed on him.
After the first year of high school, his childhood friend Lakpa takes part in army training too. Someone to learn the Korean language and others to work in Gulf countries. He works part-time selling newspapers as well. He discovered the exciting opportunity that newspapers hire individuals to create meaningful content. He dedicated himself to improving his English and writing skills, gradually starting to earn money. He often shares his opinions, details about his hometown, and various pieces of information. He frequently read newspapers and studied alongside them. Eventually, he recognized the opportunity to study abroad on a full scholarship.
During a meal with his parents, he turned to his father and said, “I am going to apply for further studies in the U.S. if I can secure a full-ride scholarship. I want to make you proud.” His father paused and expressed his disapproval, saying, “Why would you want to go to the U.S.? We need your support here.” He felt anxious about how he would manage on his own, having grown up in a small town.
His mom wanted to support her child. After the meal, she approached him while he was studying and smiled, though her eyes were filled with worry. “If this is what you want, then I will support you. But always remember where you come from.” Dorje nodded, determination burning in his chest. This was about more than just himself; it was for his family, his sister’s future, and for every young person like him who dreamed of something greater.
Meanwhile, in Delhi, Priya’s life was taking a different shape. She always felt unsafe outside. Her eyes darted between strangers around her while walking through the crowded streets. She has been working hard enough and poured her soul into preparing for the IIT(Indian Institute of Technology, JEE MAIN) exams, India’s most prestigious gateway to success. Yet, her father had other backup plans too. He wanted her to focus on getting married if she couldn’t make it into IIT and find a good husband.
Priya’s life revolved around her father’s ambitions aiming for IIT, the prestigious gate of success. But Priya’s heart was elsewhere. The pressure to meet his standard of success was high. She wanted to define her path, free from the constant judgment of society. She had heard about his senior classmate who had a full-ride scholarship at the prestigious Ivy League university in the USA. And his senior made a seminar on his journey as well. This sparked something inside her. Maybe she could do the same. She spent late nights researching scholarships, hoping she could follow the same path.
While she was talking and gossiping with her mother after school, she shared her dream with her mother one evening, “I don’t want to do IIT. I want to study abroad”. But when her father heard, he was upset. “Why leave everything behind for something uncertain?” he asked, confused.
Before Priya could speak, her mother interrupted and said she’d worked hard for this. Let her go. His dad was speechless. Like Dorje’s father, he was worried about the unknown, wanting to keep Priya close and safe.
Her mother gave her the courage she needed. This was her moment. At the bed, before taking her eyes down, she prayed and whispered to herself that this is my chance to start and I will try.
To be continued …