A few days after, I was called by Ruma Maharjan (Recruitment Coordinator at TFN)
Didi for the interview process. The interview was also going well with her. In
the evening time of the same day, again I was called with the good news that I
was selected as TFN college lead. It was an exciting moment for me but on the
other side, I also realized my schedule. Because I also had to start my
academic internship in a healthcare organization that I was forgetting during
the application process. But I was believing that I would manage my time.
It
was the third week of May 2019, I got the mail from TFN about induction
session. I was excited about the session. I could also see the preparation of
TFN for college lead induction sessions in their Instagram’s stories and that
made me more curious and excited.
The induction session was great. I could see diversification in terms of academic
backgrounds, culture, etc. among the college leads. I met more than 40
likeminded friends there. The ice break session was interesting and interactive
and that made us easier to know each other. Shailendra Jha (Recruitment and
Selection Director) Dai explained about the overall college lead program. It
was a voluntary engagement of graduating students to harness their leadership
skills by engaging them in community visits, 60 hours of theoretical learning
sessions, and 40 hours of practical engagement. And that I found so interesting
and exciting. The induction session made me more clear about the college lead
program.
Our
TFN college lead journey began with 2 days of community outreach. We all
college leads along with some TFN staff moved towards the Bhimtar community of
Sinshupalchok. I still vividly remember the warm welcome by the Bhimeshori
Secondary School and Community peoples. We all college leads were sent to
student’s homes for the night stay. Many students of Bhimeshori school had to
walk 2 hours by foot just to reach a school. The hard work and their
willingness to learn inspired me. I could observe the community capitals. Most
of the peoples were belong from Majhi and Danuwar caste. During the time I
could see the community cultures, people’s behavior, and their values.
(Pic: TFN college leads at Bhimeshwori
Secondary Schools, Bhimtar Sindhupalchok.)
(Pic: With my host family for the
night stay.)
Secondly,
I cannot forget the event WALKATHON while talking about the TFN college lead
program. WALKATHON is a solidarity walk for the public school students of rural
areas. It is also the fun-raising event of Teach For Nepal. One should raise at
least a fund of Rs. 1000 to be a part of this solidarity walk. We, the college
lead took the responsibility to do a promotion of this event and to encourage
the peoples to be a part of this event. We had already provided with the
theoretical knowledge through a different workshop for this. With my effort, I
could able to raise a fund of Rs. 34,115 from my friends, family, and relatives
circles. I had just set the target to raise a fund of Rs, 10,000 but I was able
to exceed my target. I along with my 3 other college lead friends was able to
raise a fund of Rs 1,05,000 from our entire Nobel college. And that was beyond
the expectations. That built confidence inside me. I was amazed at how could I
able to convince such mass of peoples who even did not hear about Teach For
Nepal. But yeah, Now I can say that it was only possible through the learnings
and techniques from different sessions, support systems, guidance, motivations,
and inspiring stories and experiences from the TFN team members and my
colleague’s college leads. It is a great satisfaction for me also. I felt that
at least I embody the value of PAY IT FORWARD through this.
(Pic: With my college mates in
WALAKTHON event.)
Different
theoretical learning sessions like growth mindset, a story of self, event management,
branding self, collaboration leadership, marketing, emotional intelligence,
sustaining team, etc. helped me to harness my leadership, communication, and
storytelling skills. We could implement these theoretical learnings in
different programs such as WALKATHON, talk programs, panel discussions, etc. I
have got a chance to moderate the panel in front of more than 200 peoples which
brought more confidence to me while speaking in the mass. As I was also
involved in Youth Red Cross Circle – Nobel College as a Program coordinator and
fellow at Samaanta Foundation at this time, I could implement these tools and
techniques in my work. I found that the outcome was better while implementing
the learnings from the theoretical sessions.
(Pic: Learning and practical engagements)
I
don’t know how my one year was passed working with the amazing team of Teach
For Nepal and with my fantastic college lead friends. Last month, the closing
ceremony of the college lead program was conducted virtually as the corona pandemic
forced us to stay home. This program was led by college lead self. When my name
was announced as a “Fund Raiser of the WALKATHON Event”, it was an amazing and
satisfying feeling ever.
The
TFN college lead program gave me a lot. I have a bit large friends circle now.
I am grateful to have a network among different professionals. I have now
improvised leadership, communication, and storytelling skills. I am now more
confident to speak in a mass. Many students from my college know me, even
though I may not know them. And that’s what I gain from a year TFN college lead
journey. I consider it is a milestone in my leadership journey.
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