School > Kathmandu to Sermathang: My experience as a new teacher at Yangrima school.

During the rainy season, I read in the Kathmandu "Daily News" that there was a vacancy for a math teacher at Yangrima school. I submitted my application and after an interview I was selected for the position. On the occasion of my appointment, the principle of Yangrima organized a small party, which I attended with my family.

When it was time to leave Kathmandu, I went to the Tinkune bus stop and caught the first bus for Melamchi. The highway from Kathmandu to Lamidanda is quite good, so that part of the journey was comfortable. After Larnindanda the highway turns into a muddy trail. Sometimes we had to get off the bus and walk for a short distance. Eventually, we reached Melamchi at one o'clock in the afternoon. On the way there I began to doubt my decision to go to Sermathang. But in the end I decided that this was an important opportunity for me and that sometimes in life it is necessary to take a chance.

I had lunch in Melamchi and arranged for a porter. After lunch we started trekking. This proved to be quite an experience as it was my first time going up a mountain. As we climbed, the heat of the midday sun and the steepness of the trail began to make me sad. But then I remembered the proverb "try and try until you succeed." I also received some encouragement from a group of primary school children that we met along the way.

I reached Sermathang at 8 p.m. that night. I was greeted by a friend and by the dim light of a kerosene lamp. The dimly lit room reminded me of when I was a 15-year~old student as I used to have to study by lamplight. I was introduced to all of my new friends and eventually went to bed very tired. However, I did not get much sleep that night. The porter never arrived with all of my possessions. I was afraid that he had gone off with my things. My new friends tried to reassure me by saying, "Porters are very honest here." Still I felt uneasy.

I woke up early the next morning to wait for the porter. He eventually did arrive about 9 that morning. I was very happy to see him and all of my things. I ended up paying him more than he asked because I was so impressed with him.

I came to Sermathang from Tharu society, which is completely different from Helambu society. I will need to give my self more time to adjust to this change. However the transition has been quite smooth, due to the support and cooperation of the school and school staff. I have grown to like Sermathang, the culture of the people and the school family very much.

I have since decided to live here with my family. When I first talked about this with the principal he was very encouraging and said. "You are welcome here with your family." After the Dashain and Diwali vacation I came to Sermathang with my family. Since then, my wife also has joined the school as a teacher. My son was admitted to class one this year. He has made friends quickly and now enjoys his time here.

I am devoted to the school with all of my heart and I want all of our students to pass their exams in the first division with good marks. At last I heartily pray to God for the prosperity of the students and for the school.

Arun Kumar Chaudany
Math Teacher