Neeti Pradhan, Communications Manager CORN
Date Published
Estimated Reading Time
6 mins
Sixteen-year-old Tenzi Sherpa has called Jiri home for most of his life. Though he spent a few early years in India with his father, he returned to Jiri, where he now lives with his father, stepmother, grandmother, and two younger step brothers. His journey has been one of resilience, shifting dreams, and a growing sense of responsibility toward his family.
Dreams Held in the Heart, Family Carried on the Shoulders
Tenzi has been a scholarship student with Calls Over Ridges Nepal (CORN) since the fifth grade. Now he is in ninth grade and maintains a disciplined daily routine, waking up at 5 AM every morning to study. He is committed to his education and continually strives to improve. However, he also honestly admits that the temptation of his phone can sometimes be overwhelming. What starts as an intention to watch just five minutes of football tricks or math tutorial videos often turns into an hour. When speaking about this, Tenzi reflected deeply and acknowledged that he should be more self-disciplined and mindful in his use of his phone.
Academically, Tenzi finds himself torn between his interests. English is his best subject, but his heart belongs to science, especially the world of technology and inventions. As a child, he dreamed of becoming a rocket scientist, sending satellites into space and discovering new planets. Inspired by movies like Iron Man and Transformers, he was fascinated by Tony Stark’s Arc Reactor and wanted to build something just as revolutionary. But as he grew older, reality set in. He realized that opportunities in such fields are limited in Nepal, and without the necessary resources, such dreams can be incredibly difficult to achieve.
Now, Tenzi sees life through a more practical lens. His biggest dream is no longer about space exploration or high-tech inventions, it’s about financial stability and supporting his family. “Life has taught me that for a better life, money is extremely important,” he reflects. His father has worked tirelessly to provide for him, and Tenzi wants to return that dedication by ensuring his family never faces financial hardships.
Growing Steadfast Determination Through Life’s Hardship
The future remains uncertain for him. His teachers and relatives encourage him to pursue medicine, advising him to apply for scholarships to make it possible. But deep down, another passion calls him, teaching. He recalls a moment in eighth grade when he taught younger children about nutrition. The joy and fulfillment he felt in that moment made him consider becoming a teacher. “Even if teachers don’t become kings, they are king-makers,” he says with admiration.
However when asked to choose between being a doctor and a teacher, he leans toward becoming a doctor, simply because it provides better financial security. His future, whether in Jiri, Kathmandu, or beyond, depends on where he can earn enough to support his family. When talking with Tenzi about his future, I was continually struck by how, at just 16, he not only feels the uncertainties of life but also must navigate the delicate balance between pursuing his own dreams and honoring his responsibilities to his family.
Tenzi’s life has been shaped by hardships, particularly the absence of his biological mother. His father’s perseverance has been a source of strength, and despite the challenges, his stepmother has cared for him well. He has learned the value of family over everything else. “Friends can sometimes be selfish, but family is always there for you,” he shares.
Gratitude Driving Continuous Growth
Despite the struggles, Tenzi remains ambitious. He wants to be mentally strong, improve his learning skills, and someday travel the world. He dreams of visiting places filled with nature, waterfalls, oceans, and breathtaking landscapes. For now, he walks 40 minutes to school every day, considering it both a workout and a way to maintain his physical and mental fitness.
His scholarship has been a crucial pillar in his journey. With a deep sigh of gratitude, he acknowledges how it has lifted a huge burden off his family’s shoulders. It has given him access to books, stationery, and other learning materials, essentials that would have been difficult to afford otherwise. Beyond financial aid, the scholarship has instilled in him a sense of motivation, pushing him to strive for better grades each year.
As Tenzi continues his journey, he carries with him the dreams of his younger self, the lessons life has taught him, and an unbreakable commitment to his family. His story is one of resilience, self-awareness, and hope, a testament to the transformative power of education and the unwavering strength of a young mind determined to rise above challenges.
Neeti Pradhan
Neeti is CORN’s Communications Manager
and is based in Kathmandu, Nepal
