My name is Choedup and I am 23 years old. I was born into a family of simple semi-farmers in an extremely serene and peaceful small village. The place where I saw the most beautiful scenery was from the warm lap of my graceful mother. Our village was surrounded by a high range of mountains with vast meadows. There were about twenty families. They were always very kind and helpful to each other. The native people were very reliable and the region was a holy place and full of natural resources. It was located in the Nangchen county of Quighai province, Tibet.

I had an unforgetable happy childhood. I was always playing with the children of the village. At the age of 9 or 10, I used to be a herdsman instead of going to school. There was no school in the village and my parents, due to lack of knowledge, preferred keeping me inside instead of sending me to school. Then after a few years, my family moved into a city which was quite developed. There, the people were very busy and everything and every event was connected with education. I tried many times to get into a school but that was not so easy because of my age and some sort of conditions. While I was roaming along the streets aimlessly every day, the other children were carrying their school bags, with clean uniforms, going to school. When I saw them, I found myself like an animal walking the streets. I spent a few years

and with a sharp pain in my mind. During that time, I went to gambling houses and snooker houses as well as discos and bars. I fought with people after drinking and I lost many times. Then after some time, I found myself as foolish as an animal and I realized that living like that was not a solution to my life. Then I did some small business with friends but it didn't go as well as I wished. I always felt that without education, you are always a slave in this human society. Then I decided to try to go to India eventually.

I got an extraordinary feeling when I saw the gate of my former school, Sherab Gatsel Lobling School (T.T.S). Since I had a strong desire to be an educated person, I studied hard as much as I could. I was quite happy when I knew some English words for the first time. I was very happy in my school. I usually read books and participated in different activities of the school. Sometimes I played basketball with friends during our leisure time and danced at night every second Saturday. These three things were my hobbies. Unfortunately, after one year living at school, I fell sick with T.B. That made my memory and body very weak and unhealthy. Anyhow, I managed to finish my school completely through this hardship, because of the support and equipment of the school.

After my graduation, I stayed in Mcleodganj for almost four months

with my friends. During those four months, I attended some different classes and a computer course as well. But my English was not good enough and I knew that if I returned to my homeland with little education, I would be embarrassed and people would laugh at me. The fire of strong desire to enhance my knowledge and education was still burning. I knew that E.S.Tibet school was the place to improve myself. So, with a huge wish I tried my best to join the school. A few days after the examination, I was very excited when I heard that I had passed. I am extremely happy studying in E.S.Tibet right now. The staff members are very kind and the students are very friendly.

Thanking you

E.S.Tibet Student
Choedup