A Brief Glimpse of How I Came to Be · by Yashoda Aryal

When I was younger I was a mediocre student studying in government school. I progressed after I was sent to private school. My brain is and was really sharp. I didn’t have to study much as I could remember each and every word my teachers used to spell. While I was in fourth grade I took two examinations for two schools i.e. one national and one local. The school at national level was Budhanilkanktha and the local was SOS Hermann Gmeiner School. Both were among the best schools. Due to my sharp and tricky brain, I tackled all the questions and was selected for both schools. My first option was Budhanilkantha, which was based in Kathmandu but I was denied admission, I don’t know the reason, rumors said that somebody rich replaced me.

I joined SOS in the 5th grade that was based in my hometown. It offered me a lot of opportunities and a platform to develop. In the initial years, I was a bit shy and had developed an inferior complex relying on the fact that the students studying there had much more than I had. I didn’t have to put extra efforts at my studies; without any good preparation, I always used to be in top three students of class. I used to see students playing basketball, football, table tennis and their participation in extracurricular activities. I always used to participate, it wouldn’t matter whether I won or not, I never stepped backwards.

I was attracted by martial arts and always used to compare myself with guys. I wanted to swing my leg and high kicks. I had an immense eagerness to join martial karate, but my mom had objections. However, I persuaded my mom and joined it against her will. After I joined my life totally changed, I was able to concentrate more. I always had a fear whether I could compete with my friends at studies. So, I used to recall each and every class while I was practicing kata, the result was that I secured first position in class. In our school, there used to be a national athlete, I dreamed of beating her in athletics. So, I used to wake up at 5 am and practice for the race and long jump. I too beat her up in the 100m race (with a school record of 13.28 seconds), long jump and relay race. I had been the best athlete for three consecutive years 2000- 2002.

I vividly remember the day while I was in 6th grade, we used to have an assembly and the school captain used to conduct. One thing struck my mind, I came to think of replacing him when I would be in the 9th grade, my thought turned to be true. I became school vice captain in my 8th grade and school captain in 9th grade. I am proud to say that I was the only female school captain.