As students, especially those who have to attend college early in the morning, getting out of bed and reaching college in time may itself be a challenge. And yet we do it. The assumption here is that whatever you are sacrificing your morning sleep for is worth it and with hope it is not only the need to get the degree but also the want to learn.
Considering classes, assignments, presentations and all that one’s college life demands, what keeps one motivated to go on?
A group of seven students from St Xavier’s College at Maitighar share their thoughts.
Participants
Isha Poudel, Plus Two
Namrata Pandey, Plus Two
Prashanna Thapa, Plus Two
Smarika KC, Bachelor
of Arts-Social Work
Swarnim Raj Lamsal, Bachelor
of Arts
Swati Tamrakar, A Level, and
Rajiv Shahi, A Level
How would you describe your college?
Rajiv: Our College is dedicated to leadership, excellence and service. That’s also the college motto.
Prasanna: It’s a really welcoming place.
Namrata: A place that teaches us to be good human beings, not just good students.
Isha: It’s a Jesuit education-oriented institution.
Smarika: It has a really good name and it’s a place where we can explore our potentials.
Swarnim: Here, we aren’t merely taught but also trained in mainly three values: to be morally upright, socially conscious, and intellectually capable.
Swati: It has a good studying environment.
What motivates you to go to college everyday?
Swarnim: There are some things that we’re not happy about but on the whole, the positive aspects of this college outnumber those things. The teachers and friends in this college are always motivating.
Isha: The environment itself is inspiring. Teachers are trained well. We have friends from all over Nepal and all over the world as well. So we’re introduced to a lot of different cultures and perceptions. Moreover, we have many different clubs where we can get involved in, discover our potentials and leadership qualities. We also have value classes, unlike in other colleges.
Smarika: The college is very engaging. Especially the subject that I’ve chosen to study demands a lot of involvement. We have student exchange programs, seminars, group work and fieldwork to keep us motivated.
Rajiv: Our College focuses not only on academics but other aspects as well. Social service is a huge part of college life here at St Xavier’s. We’re taught to help people in need and this is very motivating. And, we have very good library services, the best I’ve ever seen in Nepal.
As a student of St Xavier’s College, what do you feel is a personal challenge that you face?
L to R: Prasanna Thapa, Smarika KC, Isha Poudel, Namrata Pandey, Rajiv Shahi, Swati Tamrakar and Swarnim Raj Lamsal. (BHASWOR OJHA)
Swati: We study with talented people from all over the country and sometimes it can be hard to cope with that. Also, our teachers teach us self-dependence and expect us to do everything on our own. This can be a challenge for some.
Namrata: For me, the daily rigorous practical classes for the science-studying students are a challenge.
Rajiv: Once, I was late for the assembly by 40 seconds and I had to pay a fine. Being on time and maintaining my attendance is a challenge.
Isha: There are over 3,000 students in our college and it’s a struggle to stand out.
Prasanna: There are lots of opportunities but no one will force you to take them up. So if a student isn’t self-motivated, they are left out.
Swarnim: A big challenge is to adapt the values and culture that we learn in college and the outside world. For example, our college teaches us to be punctual and we’ve learnt that value. But outside the college and in our Nepali society, being punctual doesn’t work.
In what ways has studying in this college helped you grow?
Prasanna: I now have a lot more confidence than I used to, and I can express myself a lot better.
Swarnim: I’ve been in this college for five years now and throughout the years I’ve learnt how to cope with different kinds of problems. I’ve become self-dependent, and today I have a large friends’ circle.
Rajiv: Earlier, if someone gave me a task to perform, I might have been hesitant. But after coming to St Xavier’s, I’m like “Bring it on!”
Smarika: I’ve gained a lot of experiences after attending this college. I owe a lot to St Xavier’s in terms of my personal and professional development.
Isha: If I reflect on what I was before joining this college and what I am now, there’s a big difference. Today, I’m more punctual and I’m able to handle responsibility much better.
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