• Topics
As a grade 11 student, I've seen countless seniors from my school eagerly apply for universities abroad. Every year, social media is flooded with their photos of acceptance letters in hand, smiles as wide as their dreams and aspirations.
At first, it's exciting to watch. I cheer them on, inspired by their success and determination. But the more I see it, the more it makes me wonder: why do so many of our brightest students leave Nepal?
It feels strange, doesn't it? A country like ours, so rich in culture, beauty and community, somehow doesn't feel like enough for many of us when it comes to opportunities. I started thinking about this more deeply because I'll soon be at that crossroads myself. Should I stay or should I leave, just like them?
Why do students want to leave? Talking to my seniors, I hear the same reasons again and again. The first one is education. Sure, Nepal has schools and colleges, but let's be honest-most of us don't believe they can compete with what's out there in the United States, Canada or Australia.
I've heard most of my seniors talk about how jobs here don't pay any good. They argue, "Why would a rational person stay in Nepal earning Rs. 25,000 a month when you could make ten times that somewhere else?" For them, leaving feels like the smart, obvious choice.
What happens to Nepal when they leave? When I think about the students who leave, I feel bittersweet. On one hand, they are going for a better future and that's great for them. On the other hand, Nepal loses something every time a talented student leaves the nation.
Brain drain will inevitably spell doom for Nepal. Our healthcare, technology and innovation will lack skilled manpower for steady development.
Who will solve our problems if the people who can make a difference aren't here? Who will bring fresh ideas to our hospitals, tech companies, or government offices if everyone's working in Silicon Valley or Toronto? It's not just a loss of people-it's a loss of potential.
It's strange to think about all this while still in school, but it feels personal. I want to believe that I don't have to leave to chase my dreams. I want to live in a Nepal where staying feels just as exciting as going abroad.
When my seniors leave, I cheer them on because I know they're doing what's best for them. But deep down, I hope that one day, the story will be different. I hope that instead of watching everyone pack their bags, we'll start unpacking the potential of our own country.
The question is: can Nepal give us a reason to stay?
