My village is in one of the most underprivileged and isolated regions of Nepal. There are no hospitals, schools, or means of public transportation and few opportunities. In late November 2000, as I traveled with my mother to Kathmandu for the first time, we met other parents and children from our village along the route. Little did I know that my final destination would be India, where I would be given an opportunity to be educated.

The journey from Dolpo to the base camp of Dunai was very long and challenging. For many days, we walked from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. At night we would sleep in a tent or a cave and prepare our meals in the open. After resting for two or three days, we continued our journey to the Juphal airport. Waiting for the weather to clear and a flight to become available, we finally reached Nepalgunj after a 45-minute flight and stayed another three or four days. It was there that I learned from my mother that I would not be going to Kathmandu after all but would instead be traveling with the other kids from Dolpo to receive an education in India. I was confused and didn’t know what the word education meant or where India was located. My mother explained everything, including that she knew all along but didn’t want to frighten me. I was sad to leave my mother but thankful that the other children helped to cheer me. We were fortunate that brother Karma Tsewang, an elder from our area, traveled with us from Nepalgunj to India.

Lama Tenzin Choegyal warmly greeted us at the Dehradun bus station, where he took us to our new home to enjoy sweet tea with bread. The next day my companions and I took baths for the first time and were given new clothes and toiletries. Adapting to a new culture and language was challenging, but we learned to speak Hindi and English and basic etiquette to fit in with the community and our new private school during the next two years.

After graduating from the 12th grade, I took a gap year to learn about community service skills. During that year, I returned to my village to visit my parents and siblings. Following my gap year, I studied and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Animation from the Institute of Technology and Management in Dehradun. I’m now pursuing a Master of Science degree in Animation and Multimedia from Chandigarh University and learning new software and design skills online to become a successful 3D Animator.

I want to leave a small message to brother Lama Tenzin, his family, and all my sponsors to thank you from the bottom of my heart for the education I received through your continuous support, care, love, and so many other things. Stay safe and healthy.