Surviving a crisis is an experience that changes you forever. I know
this firsthand, having faced two devastating events that shook me to
the core. The 2015 Nepali earthquake and the COVID-19 pandemic, which
happened five years apart, left me reeling and struggling to find a
way forward.

The earthquake hit Nepal on April 25th, 2015, and it was a disaster
that I could never have imagined. The ground shook violently, and I
saw buildings collapse, roads crumble, and people screaming for help.
It was like a scene from a horror movie, but it was real. I felt
helpless and alone, and I knew that my life would never be the same
again.

The aftermath of the earthquake was just as harrowing. We were left
without electricity, water, or food. We had to sleep outside in
makeshift tents, with the constant fear that another quake could hit
at any moment. The sense of isolation and despair was overwhelming.

Five years later, the COVID-19 pandemic hit the world, and it felt
like another cruel blow. The virus spread rapidly, and soon, the world
was in lockdown. We were told to stay indoors, avoid contact with
others, and wear masks. The streets that were once bustling with life
were now empty, and the silence was deafening. The fear of getting
sick or losing a loved one was always present.

But despite all of this, I learned that there is always hope, even in
the darkest of times. I saw people come together to help each other,
providing food and shelter to those in need. I witnessed the courage
and resilience of those around me, who refused to give up even when
the odds were against them.

In the eye of the storm, I discovered that the human spirit is
stronger than any disaster. It’s what keeps us going when everything
else has fallen apart. And it’s what gives us the strength to rebuild
and emerge stronger than before.

As I reflect on my experiences, I realize that I have been forever
changed by these crises. They have left me with scars that may never
fully heal. But they have also taught me the value of life, the power
of community, and the importance of hope.

In the end, I can say that I am a survivor, and that I am grateful for
every moment of my life. Because in the eye of the storm, there is
always a glimmer of light, and it’s up to us to find it.

By: Yash Dangol Maharjan, Management, G1