by Jhamtse Gatsal Graduate Phurpa

It has been 2 years since we graduated from Grade 12 as the first batch of Jhamtse Gatsal. We were the first ones to get the exciting opportunity of joining college, but I must admit it was terrifying too! Moving to college was a very big step for all of us. We had not come face-to-face intimately with the “real” world before this moment; neither had we lived away from Jhamtse for an extended period of time. I remember Vasudha Ma’am dropping me off at college.

            Amity University was an altogether new world for me—the buildings, the food, the language and the people—everything was different. I had three roommates in the hostel who were from different states. I tend to be very friendly with people which is why I didn’t have much trouble connecting with them. Most of my college friends told me I was different—I dressed differently, I spoke differently and I behaved differently. I didn’t know back then whether this was a good thing or bad thing. As time went by, I began seeing what they felt about these differences which were all but unnoticeable to me. A conversation that describes this well is one I had with my hostel warden. She had young children studying in a school in Delhi. She asked me which school I was from and whether it was possible to send her children to the same school. She wanted her children to learn the “different” things that she had noticed about me. She was surprised when I wouldn’t wait for a sweeper to clean my room or to wish her a cheerful good morning when I passed her by. I slowly began to realize that these were not common occurrences outside of Jhamtse.

            Currently, I am pursuing my Bachelors degree in Social Work. I chose this course because I genuinely enjoy helping people. Learning about behavioral sciences gives me insight into doing this better. My course includes a lot of fieldwork which is my favorite part. I have worked with organizations like “Dignity Foundation,” which works with senior citizens. There is so much to learn from our elders that often I find myself overwhelmed with the vast amount of knowledge I can gain from them.

I can handle myself very ably by connecting with people—the ones who need help and the ones who help others. However, despite my friendly nature, this is not easy for me because I am quite shy until the ice breaks. In a city like Delhi, Hindi language is polluted with a lot of slang, which I have difficulty following, especially when we are out in the field. It has helped me greatly to have friends who support me with these challenges.

            My life outside of Jhamtse has been surprising and exciting, to say the least. I have faced many challenges, but I have also felt well equipped with skills which many children from the best schools in the country don’t possess. I don’t depend on anyone for my day-to-day needs—in fact, often I find myself teaching my friends how to wash their clothes and take care of themselves! I hope I can gain many resourceful skills in the near future to serve more people.

Lastly, I would end with a simple message to my global Jhamtse family: I want to thank you, our Jhamtse family members around the world, for giving me this opportunity to be different. If it wasn’t for you, I wouldn’t be able to pursue my dream of helping others. I will continue to work hard and try to be worthy of your faith and support. I wish you well in these unprecedented and challenging Covid-19 times, and I pray for your good health and wellbeing.