ENVISION endeavours to reach out to school students (especially grade X and above) with various programmes aimed at building their confidence, exposing them to different ideas and making them aware of the opportunities and challenges that lay ahead. In an initiative led by ENVISION, Global Tibetan Professionals Network (GTPN) members, engaged with young students to help inspire and motivate them to explore different careers/academics. This programme is also aimed at further engaging ENVISION’s GTPN members to contribute to the community, especially in mentoring young Tibetan aspirants academically or professionally.
Two schools that we work closely with through the year-STS Paonta and TCV Selaqui were our natural choice for this programme. Four professionals – three GTPN members Ms. Kalsang Yangzom, Mr. Tenzin Tashi, Dr. Tenzin Tsundue and one guest role model/mentor, Mr. Rigzin Wangtak an Engineer hailing from Ladakh and living in Delhi – accompanied by ENVISION Deputy Director Nima Choden, contributed to making the visit a success.
The visit to STS Paonta was organised on 25th March afternoon, and to TCV Selaqui on 26th March morning. At both the schools, the meet started with a brief introduction of the professionals by ENVISION Deputy Director who also shared the purpose of the visit and the expectations from all stakeholders – ENVISION, School Administration, GTPN members and the Students – towards enabling young Tibetan students to become the best they can. Following this, each visiting professional shared a few words about their background and current profession. Soon after, students were divided into four groups based on their interests/career choices, while one professional per group attended to all their queries, doubts, and expectations.
At both the interface with school students, the professionals spoke from their heart about their journey of being this indeterminate/clueless kid in school to becoming a professional of some repute; about the opportunities and challenges that came their way as individuals and as Tibetans. They encouraged the students to think beyond academics as well and stressed the importance of understanding what they want and how they should match it with the skills, and avenues they have.
“In the Hospitality sector, the toppers in school and the average students have the same playing field. Whether you scored 97% or 38% in your XIIth board, you both are equal with the same challenges and opportunities to face. You can achieve any position higher up if you are willing to put in the hard work, persevere working long hours and remain open to learning everyday”, said Tenzin Tashi.
Kalsang Yangzom spoke about the immense possibilities with pursuing Liberal Arts studies today. “I am currently researching on ‘Tibetan Diaspora identity’, about ‘Tibetans – poets, authors – writing in English’, similarly one can study literature, humanities, and write articles/papers about the ‘whys’ and ‘hows’ of a certain culture, tradition, school of thought, general practice, anything, and make a career out of it in today’s extremely digitalized world’’, stressed Kalsang.
“Is a career in medicine for you?” Dr. Tenzin Tsundue’s
wonderful powerpoint presentation covered almost every aspect of choosing a career in medicine. He explained, what to expect if you pursue a career in medicine– challenges and opportunities and the rewards; what other fields of study is possible for students of science; what scholarships and support are available for Tibetans, et al. He emphasized further, “It is not for everyone, it is extremely demanding yet rewarding, so make the decision wisely”, he urged the students.
Our guest mentor Rigzin Wangtak one of the first Ladakhi to get into IIT Delhi, shared his story of how he has achieved a balance of pursuing a career in science with his passion for social entrepreneurship. He said, “Despite my parents and families’ concern that the competition for Indian Institutes of Technology-Joint Entrance Examination (IIT-JEE) is tough, my love for the subject with a brain for Mathematics, and not to mention constant hard work sailed me through. It is you who have to be headstrong to achieve your ambitions and work towards it, no one else will do that for you”.
This school outreach initiative was a resounding success and the students made the most of this opportunity to hear and learn from their own, successful Tibetan professionals. ENVISION is grateful to the professionals for taking time from their busy schedule and helping the students with the information and motivation needed to aspire for different academics/careers. A word of gratitude to the two schools STS Paonta and TCV Selaqui for supporting this initiative and all their cooperation during the visit to the schools. Everyone has acknowledged the importance and congratulated ENVISION and the professionals for this meaningful initiative. With the commitment to do more such activities in future, ENVISION hopes to continue with this initiative as a yearly programme with two visits to different Tibetan schools annually.
