I am a first-generation college student from my family who got the opportunity to go to college. I grew up in a small village in the Bardiya District of Nepal. Growing up in a village where there was not much awareness about the importance of education, prevailing gender inequality patriarchal societal norms, and ongoing Maoist war it was very challenging for me as a girl to continue my education. The situation worsened due to Maoist insurgency and war at that time. Many schools were bombed and destroyed, creating a fear of going to school for many students like me. As a child, I witnessed innocent people being injured, kidnapped, and killed, and those who were left behind living with just a daydream of survival and the safety of their loved ones. The abduction and rape of vulnerable women and girls during wartime became the new normal. 

At that time, many girls my age would get married early, discontinuing their education. Though my parents could not get the desired level of education due to various challenges like economic barriers and problems at their time, they always encouraged me to continue my education and unleash my higher potential. Being the eldest of my parents' children, I have also had the opportunity to serve as a mentor to my two siblings, encouraging them to see the potential in all of their goals and to think that anything is achievable with the right amount of determination. At the age of 17, I migrated to the capital city 'Kathmandu' leaving my family in the village seeking for better education and opportunities. I was a bright child from the very beginning and driven by the mindset of self-exploration, growth, learning, hard work, and dedication I continued to learn, explore, and excel in my studies throughout my academic life. 

When I reflect on my childhood memories and all the challenges I went through at a very young age, I feel like those things made me stronger today with a clear mission and vision. I hold a bachelor's degree in development studies and work professionally for a non-profit organization serving sectors in gender, climate, education, sexual and reproductive health rights, etc.  My overall journey seems nothing but inspiring, now I'm perceived as a wonderful example of the value of educating young girls by many of the parents in my village. Through the Women Welfare Foundation, I am actively working to empower and educate underprivileged, marginalized, and economically disadvantaged women and girls in different rural parts of the country. I am glad to be one of the change agents which I wanted to see. My goal is to continue advocating for the rights of women and girls, ensuring they have access to education and opportunities that can change their lives and communities. I hope my story can inspire many young girls to believe in the beauty of their dreams despite their backgrounds and challenges.