Hope is the quiet strength that keeps me going, even when everything feels uncertain. It whispers, “Keep trying,” especially in moments when I feel lost or defeated. For me, hope is not just a feeling—it’s a way of thinking and living that gives meaning to my struggles and pushes me to rise again.
There was a time in my life when everything felt like it was falling apart. I had just faced a failure—something I had worked so hard for slipped right through my fingers. Despite the sincere effort and dedication I put into the village exposure programme, I was disheartened to receive a disappointing report about my performance. I remember sitting alone, feeling defeated, questioning my worth, and wondering if I should even keep trying. But one evening, while walking alone, I noticed a small plant growing through a crack in the pavement. It was so tiny, so fragile, yet it had found a way to push through solid concrete. That moment struck me deeply. If something so small could keep growing despite the odds, why couldn’t I?
That plant became a symbol of hope for me. From then on, I began to shift my mind-set. I started seeing failures not as endings, but as steps in my journey. I leaned on my loved ones—family, friends, sisters—who reminded me of my worth even when I doubted it. Slowly, my confidence returned. Hope didn’t come all at once, but in gentle reminders that life still had beauty and purpose.
Now, I believe hope is about trusting that even in the darkest times, something new can grow. It helps me stay connected to my dreams and to the people who care about me. Hope gives me the courage to move forward, to try again, and to believe that better days are always possible.
Sr. M. Sangita Hembrom CJ (Age: 23), St. Mary’s, Gorkha, Nepal Region
