Dorji Lhazom
Answering the Call to Teach
During my interview, I was asked a simple question: “Why do you want to be a teacher?” Without hesitation, I talked about the ‘loop of learning’ on how being a teacher means you’re always learning, not just teaching. For me, it was the most beautiful profession because it never put a limit on my growth and development. Every student you meet brings a new perspective to life, and with each one, you learn something new. I also stated that I want to walk a lifelong learning journey one where I can inspire young minds and be someone they can truly rely on, a strong pillar they can hold on to when they need support. After the interview, I waited anxiously, praying every single day for that one call. And when it finally came, my heart skipped a beat I had been accepted into Paro College of Education. I remember smiling to myself and saying, “Yes! I’m ready to face any challenge to be part of this noble profession.” What made it even more special was knowing that today, Paro College welcomes some of the brightest students in the country.
This journey marked my first solo travel from my hometown to Paro. I left behind the place where I had grown up and spent my high school years, carrying hopes that Paro might offer me a better future. On the way, I couldn’t help but laugh at myself remembering how I used to imitate my teachers after school. I would dress up like them, gather my toys as students, and write on the glass of our shelf, pretending it was a blackboard and repeating what my teacher had taught that day. Looking back, I realized that little act might have been a glimpse of the path I was truly meant to follow. As I arrived, I was mesmerized by the sight of the beautiful Pa Chhu River winding through the mountains, and the majestic view of Rinpung Dzong. The college stood there like a grand fortress, as if it was silently calling out to me, welcoming me into this new chapter of life.
At the college, some student representatives warmly welcomed the new batch of students. I registered my name, and a student councillor kindly guided me to my assigned room. My hostel was on the second floor, and to my surprise, it had bunk beds I had never stayed in a hostel before. My roommates had already settled in, and the only bed left was the top bunk, which made me a little nervous. Everything else felt new the place, the people, even the silence. I tried to talk to my roommates, but they were shy and spoke very little. Still, I managed to learn their names and where they had come from. That night, I lay on my top bunk with teary eyes and a heavy heart. It was the beginning of a new journey but like all first steps, it felt uncertain and overwhelming.
The next morning, I woke up early, dressed in my new kira, and wore the hand-woven tego my mother had lovingly woven for me. I wanted to mark my first day with something meaningful something that reminded me of home. After breakfast, all of the fresher’s gathered in the Manjushri Hall. It reminded me of a high school multipurpose hall, but it felt more advanced like a real auditorium. Several lecturers gave us a warm orientation. They shared facts and stories about college life, and I found myself deeply engaged, listening with wide eyes. By noon, the interim councillor took us on a campus tour. I was genuinely impressed by everything I saw: a stationery shop, a cozy canteen, a spacious library filled with books, a music center, a laboratory pool, and even a gym with modern equipment. The gymnasium especially caught my eye it looked just like the ones I had only ever seen in movies. As I walked through the campus, I couldn’t help but think, how did I get so lucky? It felt like I had stepped into a beautiful, advanced little world a place full of opportunities, waiting for me to grow.
Paro College has exceeded my expectations. If the outside is this beautiful and well-equipped, I believe the inside will help shape capable, knowledgeable teachers. This institution is truly a blessed place where thousands have come to learn. Being part of this journey makes me feel proud. Paro College has become my second home. It is here that I’ve begun to turn into a new version of myself always hungry to learn, eager to grow, and determined to become someone who inspires others. I now realize that I want to be a teacher not just because it was my only option, but because this journey has shown me the value of education, the strength of resilience, and the power of guidance.
This place has given me more than I expected. For that, I will always remain grateful and one day, I hope to give back by becoming a teacher who can guide, uplift, and inspire future generations.
