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