Author: Samyukta Dawadi, Sr. Knowledge Management Officer
Born and raised in Kathmandu, Ritu ventured into a new world when she began a two-year teaching fellowship in UWS Jhedi through UWS Nepal. Her journey is a tale of self-discovery, overcoming challenges, and making a lasting impact on the community and its children.
Discovering Herself
With a Bachelor’s in Social Work, Ritu sought to apply her academic knowledge practically. Reflecting on her motivations, she shared, “Before the fellowship, I felt lost, unsure of who I really was. But through this experience, I discovered strengths and capabilities in me, I never knew I had. Overcoming personal challenges, particularly my introverted nature and my state of mind at the time, was a significant part of my journey.”
The Heartfelt Challenges and Rewards
When asked about the rewarding yet challenging nature of the fellowship, Ritu revealed, “The old me would have easily backed out. But once I began the fellowship, everything changed. The children’s eagerness to learn was incredibly motivating. They inspired me to be my best self and strive to improve the quality of their education. The students had so much confidence in me, I felt like I couldn’t let them down. The community’s acceptance and love also played a crucial role. They treated me like family, offering support and love, I never expected.”
A Journey of Growth
Initially, Ritu saw the fellowship as just a job. However, as her return approached, she realised it had become a way of life. “It was more than a job; it was a medium of connecting with people and learning from the community. I learned so much more than I ever expected. I received more than I gave, and for that, I will always be grateful.”
Transforming Students’ Lives
Ritu observed significant changes in her students over time. Initially hesitant and uncommunicative, they gradually became more confident and interactive. She shared a touching example: “There was a student, Nimesh (name changed), who struggled with Maths and had failed his first term exam. Raised by a single parent, an elderly man, Nimesh was determined to improve. We worked hard together, and he began to show remarkable progress. By the end of the term, not only did he pass his Maths examination, he was asking questions in class and participating more. His pride in his achievements was palpable, and I was thrilled to see my efforts pay off.”
Recognition and Fulfilment
One moment of recognition stood out to Ritu. “After two months of working, the municipality Education Officer, who often visited us, noticed the changes. He observed that students who were once reserved and hesitant to interact had started gaining confidence, speaking more with teachers and engaging actively in school activities. Recognizing this, he said, ‘fellow ko impact bhaneko yo ho,’ which loosely translates to ‘this is the power of a fellow.’ Moments like this really uplift us when we face challenges. Seeing that we are making a tangible difference and positively impacting the lives of students and their families is incredibly fulfilling.”
Ritu’s journey reminds us that true fulfillment comes from inspiring others, nurturing dreams, and leaving a legacy of empowerment. Her leap into the unknown not only transformed her but also lit the way for many others. Through dedication and perseverance, Ritu discovered her inner strength and made a profound impact on the community and its children. Her story is a testament to the transformative power of education and the profound changes that occur when passion meets purpose.
