Design Your Future: A Journey to Craft New Dreams for Grade 10 Students

Dr. RC Lamichhane

It was one of those perfect, sunlit afternoons when the world seemed to pause in contentment. I was lounging in my yard, the soft rustle of leaves accompanying the lazy hum of distant traffic. My phone was in hand as I casually scrolled through social media, enjoying the day’s tranquility. But then, a sudden ring shattered the quiet moment. Glancing at the screen, I saw the name of Mr. Raju Ram Adhikari, the Executive Director of Green Field Education Foundation.

“Hello, brother! How are you?” His voice carried its usual warmth, immediately pulling me into a conversation that felt more like a friendly chat than a formal call.  “I’m doing well, thank you! How about you?” I replied, curious as to what might have prompted him to call. After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Mr. Adhikari came to the reason for his call. “We’re planning a workshop for Class 10 students at one of our schools. Could you manage some time to facilitate it?”

His proposal instantly piqued my interest. “Of course, I’d be honored! When are we thinking?”

“August 17th, from 7 AM to 12 PM,” he responded. We quickly ironed out the details, and with that, I was on board. I knew this would be more than just another workshop; it would be a chance to ignite dreams, to inspire young minds to see beyond the ordinary and aim for the extraordinary.

The Big Day: August 17th

As the sun began to rise on August 17th, I found myself driving towards Raniban Pathshala, one of the 17 schools under the Green Field Education Foundation’s umbrella. The drive was peaceful, with the morning light filtering through the trees, casting long shadows on the road ahead. But despite the serenity of the journey, I could feel a growing sense of anticipation within me.

Upon arriving at the school, I was greeted by a scene of organized chaos—a typical morning at any school, filled with the sounds of laughter, chatter, and the occasional barked instruction from a teacher. The principal, along with several members of the foundation, met me at the entrance, their smiles genuine and welcoming.

“Welcome! We’re so excited to have you here today,” the principal said as we made our way towards the school hall.

As I stepped into the hall, I was met with a sight that took my breath away—over 150 students were seated, their eyes bright with curiosity, waiting eagerly for the day’s events to unfold. The moment they saw me, they rose to their feet, breaking into applause that reverberated through the room. I was taken aback by their enthusiasm, their energy palpable in the air. It was as if they were already aware that something special was about to happen.

Mr. Adhikari took to the stage first, introducing me with words that felt both humbling and empowering. His introduction was brief, but it was clear that he held high expectations for what the day would bring. With that, he handed the stage over to me, and the real journey began.

The Workshop Begins

Standing before the sea of eager faces, I started with a question designed to provoke thought and stir ambition. “How many of you want to be successful in life?” I asked, letting the question hang in the air for a moment.

Without hesitation, nearly every hand shot up, and I could see the determination in their eyes. These were young minds ready to soak up knowledge, eager to grasp any opportunity that would bring them closer to their dreams.

I began the session by sharing stories—stories of individuals who had defied the odds, who had turned their dreams into reality through sheer willpower and a shift in perspective. As I spoke, I watched their expressions change, their eyes widening as they realized the power of their own thoughts. I wasn’t just telling them tales; I was showing them that they, too, had the potential to shape their futures.

“Think about the moments in your life when you felt successful,” I urged them. “What was it that made those moments possible? What strengths did you rely on?”

The room buzzed with energy as the students engaged in discussions, reflecting on their past successes. They paired up, shared their stories, and in the process, began to uncover their own unique strengths. I could see the spark of realization in their eyes—some of them were discovering for the first time that they possessed qualities that could lead them to greatness.

I guided them further, asking, “When your friends or family ask for your help, what do they usually ask for? What does this tell you about what you’re good at?”

This exercise wasn’t just about identifying strengths; it was about understanding how those strengths could be harnessed to carve out a successful future. The students were deeply engaged, their minds racing as they connected the dots between their past experiences and their potential futures.

Perception: Life Now Here or No where?

To deepen their understanding of the power of perception, I walked over to the board and wrote a seemingly cryptic phrase: “lifenowhere.”

“Take a moment,” I said, stepping back. “What do you see?”

The students stared at the board, puzzled at first. Then, slowly, hands began to rise.

“Life no where,” one student offered.

“Or is it ‘life now here’?” another student countered.

I nodded, smiling at the recognition dawning across the room. “Exactly,” I said. “This simple phrase can be read in two very different ways. It all depends on how you choose to see it. The same goes for life—your perception shapes your reality. You can choose to see obstacles, or you can choose to see opportunities.”

This simple exercise had a profound impact. I could see the students mulling over the idea, realizing that their outlook could change everything. They were beginning to understand that the way they perceived their lives, their challenges, and their opportunities would determine their path forward.

Dreaming Big: Crafting a Vision for the Future

With their minds now buzzing with the possibilities that perception offers, I moved on to the next phase of the workshop—dreaming big. “Close your eyes for a moment,” I instructed, “and imagine your ideal future. What do you see? Where are you? What are you doing?”

The room fell silent as each student retreated into their own thoughts, envisioning a future unbound by limitations. This was their moment to dream without restraint, to visualize a life that truly excited them.

After a few minutes, I asked them to open their eyes and write down what they had imagined. The students eagerly scribbled their dreams onto paper, their faces reflecting a mix of excitement and determination.

“Now,” I continued, “how do you plan to turn these dreams into reality?”

We shifted gears into action planning. I guided them through the process of setting realistic goals and breaking down their dreams into achievable steps. We discussed the importance of perseverance, of maintaining focus, and of continuously revisiting and refining their plans. The students began to map out their futures, creating a roadmap that would guide them on their journey toward success.

But I knew that dreaming and planning weren’t enough. I wanted them to understand that achieving their goals would require more than just a plan—it would require grit, resilience, and an unwavering belief in their own potential.

Wrapping Up: A New Perspective

As the workshop drew to a close, I could see a transformation in the students. They were no longer just a group of teenagers; they had become young visionaries, each armed with a dream and a plan to achieve it. They had shifted from a mindset of passive learning to one of active creation.

The principal of Raniban Pathshala stepped forward, his voice filled with gratitude as he thanked me for the session. “You’ve given these students something truly valuable today—a vision for their future,” he said.

As I walked out of the school, I felt a profound sense of fulfillment. I knew that these students had taken their first steps toward designing a future that was entirely their own. They had learned to dream big, to believe in their strengths, and to see opportunities where others might see only challenges.

Conclusion: A Journey Worth Taking

The journey of dreams and goals is not a straight path. It’s filled with twists and turns, with moments of doubt and setbacks. But it’s a journey worth taking because the rewards are immeasurable. For the students at Green Field Education Foundation, this journey had just begun. They were now equipped with the tools and mindset they needed to navigate the challenges ahead and create the future they wanted.