The year 2072 BS was a year of earthquake and fuel crisis among others. These two things made an impact in many aspects of life, including the education of our students. With arrival of New Year, our college goers are excited. But as they prepare to welcome 2073 BS, they share with The Himalayan Times about their not so happy educational journey in 2072 BS and the lessons they learnt: I was preparing for the pre-board examinations of the BA IIIrd Year when the earthquake struck in 2072 BS. My mind got diverted due to the continuous aftershocks and I could not fully concentrate on my studies. As a result I could not take my exams as I had expected. Despite the distractions, I am happy that I passed my Bachelor’s level. I have already joined my Master’s level. I am pursuing my Master’s in Nepalese History, Culture and Archaeology and to score excellent results, I will study seriously in the New Year 2073 BS. Unavailability of course books of this subject is a challenge though. They are not available in the books stores, and the library of Tribhuvan University (TU) — the only library where these books are available — is in chaotic condition due to the quake. While I will continue studying, I hope the library will be maintained in the New Year.

—Tenzin Dolma, MA Ist Semester, Central Department of Nepalese History, Culture and Archaeology, TU, Kirtipur

In 2071 BS (2014/15), the results of Bachelor IIIrd Year had been delayed by the TU. A batch senior to my batch had been unable to join their Master’s level due to this. In a few months gap, the results of two different batches were published. As a result, TU decided to allow only the former batch to join the Master’s level — despite completing the Bachelor’s level, I could not join University to pursue my Master’s. After much debate, TU decided to intake our batch couple of months later. However, I had already decided to take a year’s break from my studies. So, I was free in 2072 BS — it was a boring year. I recently joined the Master’s level, and in the upcoming year I want to give continuity to my studies. I am determined to work hard and give my best as a student.

— Sita Sapkota, MA Ist Semester, Central Department of Nepalese History, Culture and Archaeology, TU, Kirtipur

The first terminal examinations had just been over, and our college was closed for a few days. Before the classes could resume, the quake shook the nation in 2072 BS. It affected everything including our studies. I could not attend classes for nearly two months. Teachers could not complete the courses, and as a result I could not do good in the board exams. Meanwhile, our annual day celebration was also cancelled in 2072 BS. Learning lessons from the previous year’s experience,  I have planned to make notes of each subject on time in the upcoming year. I will also start studying those notes from now, without waiting for the exams. Hard work and revision of the lessons are must to get good grades in exams, and I will follow it in the New Year.

— Sneha Shrestha, BA LLB IInd Year, National Law College, Bakhundole

BA LLB is a five-year course. In our first year in 2072 BS, the course could not be completed as the schedule was disturbed by the earthquake. We paid the fee of entire year to the college, but the courses remained incomplete. I could not study properly and was unable to do well in the board exams. However, since our studies had been affected due to a natural disaster, we could not blame anyone. I was unable to manage my studies in the previous year, but I hope everything will be normal and on track in 2073 BS. I will not wait for my exams to study — I will begin to prepare for the exams from now.

— Barsha Shrestha, BA LLB IInd Year, National Law College, Bakhundole

The classes of BBA VIth Semester were shortened in 2072 BS — our six months’ course  had to be completed in nearly three months — due to earthquake. The fuel crisis made it difficult for us to attend classes regularly. Despite all odds, I went to college and continued my studies. And I am looking forward to the New Year 2073 BS with better plans. Taking help from my teachers, I hope to implement my theoretical knowledge on share market into practice. As I am in the last semester of BBA, I wish to do my internship at Rastriya Banijya Bank or UNICEF in 2073 BS. I will get job easily after my graduation if I am able to do so.

— Ujjwal Bhattarai, BBA VIIIth Semester, Kathmandu Model College, Balkumari

All my plans and routine got affected due to earthquake and fuel crisis in 2072 BS. The classes of VIth Semester got delayed for a month. When the classes started, teachers seemed to be in a hurry to complete the courses in three months, rather than making the students understand the topics properly. Its impact was seen in the VIIth Semester as well — I could not study all subjects properly. Now in the VIIIth Semester, I have applied for an internship at a bank. I hope in the year 2073 BS, I will gain the experience needed for working in the corporate world after my graduation. I am also looking forward to continue my Master’s level in Nepal.

— Mahesh Koirala, BBA VIIIth Semester, Universal College, Maitidevi