Sarmila Tamang (BBA, Thames College)

Fourth Cohort

I am Sharmila Tamang. I am from Lalitpur, Tikabhairab. I completed my schooling from Shree Buddha Secondary School and was one of the top 5 students in the school. There are six members in my family: my grandfather, grandmother, father, mother, me, and my little brother. The main source of income for my family is agriculture. We also supplement our income through a small furniture store (karkhana) run by my grandfather.

When my SLC results were published, I didn’t have a clear plan on what to do for higher education. I didn’t know what or where to study. I had just heard about some faculties like management, science, and humanities. But I was totally unsure about all these options.However, I was lucky because my school had connections with Teach for Nepal (TFN) and two teachers (Kushal sir and Prabin sir) were also volunteering there. So, through the help of TFN’s teachers I was recommended to apply to the Samaanta fellowship. And I got the greatest opportunity to continue my higher education through Samaanta Foundation.

Earlier, during my schooling, I had also received scholarship from Grades 5-10 from Lele Development Committee. I participated regularly in various non-academic activities like sports, drama, and public speaking. I was also commended by the District Child Welfare community for the participation in drama activities in Children’s day. I got ranks in public speaking competitions and won a Presentation on Climate Change in my school. I was also awarded from PABSON for getting Distinction in my SLC.

Currently I am studying BBA at Thames college and I plan on becoming a Banker after I complete my higher education. This is my path to be a successful, capable, and independent woman. I humbly believe in this proverb – “Success is a journey, not a destination”.