In 2007, my family and I moved to Kathmandu, a city rich in culture and opportunity, hoping to find prosperity and new beginnings. We established a modest hotel that quickly became a central hub for students and educators from Tribhuvan University, the oldest and largest university in Nepal. These individuals visiting us for their daily meals, far from their homes, were united by the common goal of shaping their futures through education.

As a young observer, I was captivated by the engineering students who frequented our hotel. They were vibrant and full of energy, with guitars, sports equipment, and the latest gadgets—a rarity at the time. Their world intrigued me, and I eagerly learned about the various branches of engineering, like computer, mechanical, and civil engineering, as if discovering a new realm.

However, beneath this exciting exterior lay a story of struggle and perseverance. I witnessed the financial pressures, the relentless academic challenges, and the repeated setbacks that many students faced. Despite years of dedication, not all of them reached their goals. My cousin, who studied engineering, found himself unemployed, illustrating the competitiveness of the local job market and why many found it necessary to seek opportunities abroad.

These experiences and observations profoundly influenced my career choice. On one hand, I was afraid of financially stressing my family, while on the other, I wanted to avoid the frustration of the unemployed engineering graduates I’d observed . Therefore, I decided not to pursue an engineering degree and instead go for one in computer science and information technology, an on-demand field with which I could become globally ready for work with just a laptop and the internet in hand. 

In this regard, I benefited from the insights from the lives of my engineering friends. I was fortunate to have this exposure and freedom to make an informed decision—a privilege not available to many Nepalese students in colleges and universities, let alone early schools.

This led me to a critical reflection: what if every child in Nepal had the same opportunities and exposure? Unfortunately, many students lack access to resources and guidance, limiting their ability to explore different careers and make informed decisions. Without these opportunities, they may miss out on discovering their true potential, leading to a cycle of unfulfilled aspirations or dropping of aspirations and settling with the same famous and secure choice that's visible in the market — foreign employment or investment in abroad-study.

Addressing this gap is essential and a desire to do this was what led me and the other Teach For Nepal fellows placed in Tanahun, a semi-urban town near Pokhara, to create the "Career Education For Student Agency" project at Janakalyan Higher Secondary School. This initiative aims to empower students to take charge of their futures by providing career information and exposure to various professions.

The project represents a collaborative effort between students, teachers, local government, and industry professionals. A key event we organized was a Career Exhibition that brought together 171 students from four different schools with 250 key stakeholders like teachers, local government officials, community members , industry professionals, and, the highlight for the students, alumni from their schools who were successful in various fields. The students directly engaged with professionals from diverse industries, such as IT, civil service, sports, medicine, hospitality, politics, economy, social work, agriculture and so on.

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One of my co-fellows who helped organize the exhibition, reflected on her personal connection to the event. Having grown up in a small town, she knew the struggles of limited exposure to career awareness. She recounted how one of her students, a boy with academic and behavioral challenges, transformed after discovering his love for acting. “He was struggling, but when I introduced drama as a creative outlet, his confidence soared. His participation in a school play marked a turning point for him and for me,” she said. Dikshya’s experience underscored the importance of personalized support and creative interventions, which she hoped the Career Exhibition would amplify. Saddam Hussain, another co-fellow, shared that he was inspired by how students were able to take the lead in identifying and inviting a community member from an industry they were interested in - professional sports. They connected with a football coach at a local academy who happily accepted the invitation to become our guest.

This hands-on experience allowed students to explore new interests, reassess their career goals, and gain insights beyond what textbooks could offer. For example, one student who was vaguely aspiring to become a scientist found cybersecurity in the exhibition—a solid medium for him now to become a scientist. Another student who wanted to become an artist now wants to become a bank manager after meeting two bankers at the exhibition.

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Through this initiative, we learned several important lessons. First, communities are rich with resources that can support students. Engaging local professionals and alumni provides students with the guidance and inspiration they need. Second, involving students in the process builds their leadership skills and confidence, helping them acquire critical skills in communication, teamwork, and problem-solving.

Third, collaboration is crucial for success. By working together, schools, parents, professionals, and local authorities can align student skills with workforce needs, ensuring the project's relevance and sustainability. This cooperative education model highlights the power of local ties and community resources in shaping students' futures.

Looking ahead, this initiative is just the beginning. The success of the Career Exhibition has paved the way for more frequent interactions between students and professionals, potentially expanding to field visits and more in-depth experiences. With strong support from all stakeholders, this project is set for sustainable growth, continuing to provide students with real-world experiences that inspire and prepare them for future careers.

In conclusion, the journey from my personal lessons to collective career growth underscores the importance of career education. By leveraging community resources and fostering collaboration, we can create opportunities for students to explore their potential and achieve their dreams. Whether you are an educator, a community member, or a student, remember that shaping a career is a collective effort that requires knowledge, support, and the right opportunities. Together, we can help every student build a bright and fulfilling future.