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I recently completed my SEE. Once I get my results, I’ll need to enroll in a new school, meet new people, and begin anew in a different setting. I’ve been with the same friends and teachers at the same school for 10 years, and the thought of having to adapt in an unfamiliar environment is intimidating. How can I overcome my fear of this transition and learn to interact with new people effectively?

Answered by Kapil Sharma, counseling psychologist, Nepal Institute of Mental Health

Transitioning into a new school and meeting new people can bring about many emotions. On one hand, it can be incredibly exciting to embark on a new journey, while on the other, it can also feel quite intimidating. After spending 10 years in the same environment, it’s natural to have these mixed feelings. The sense of uncertainty is perfectly understandable and normal. To help ease your mind, let’s delve into the psychological reasons behind why you might be experiencing these emotions and figure out how to navigate through them.

One reason you might be feeling anxious is the fear of the unknown. Our brains are naturally wired to perceive new environments as potential threats, which can trigger anxiety. Additionally, this anxiety might stem from your attachments to familiar surroundings. After spending several years in a stable environment, it’s normal to develop a strong sense of comfort and security. The prospect of change can disrupt this sense of stability, leading to feelings of insecurity and heightened anxiety. Understanding these psychological factors can help you better navigate and manage your emotions during this transition.

Another reason as to why you’re feeling anxious about the transition could be social anxiety, which is the fear of being judged or evaluated negatively by others in a new social setting. You might feel apprehensive about how you will be perceived by your new peers and worry about making a good impression. This fear of negative evaluation can significantly contribute to your overall anxiety. Whether it’s the fear of the unknown, attachment to your familiar surroundings, or social anxiety about how others perceive you, or even a combination of all three, it’s understandable to feel this way.

To address these feelings, one of the first skills to practice is gradual exposure. This technique helps desensitize your fears and build your confidence over time. If you’re transitioning into a new school, you can start by visiting the school in advance, participating in orientation classes, and joining online forums or social media groups with other students attending the same school. This process is similar to dipping your toes into the water before diving in, allowing you to slowly adjust to your new environment and feel more prepared for the change.

Another approach could be enhancing your social skills. Social skills training might be beneficial for you. Practice interacting with new people by engaging with your family members and current friends. Consider attending social skills workshops and joining open club programs where you don’t know anyone. Even if you feel awkward, try to participate. Over time, this will help you become more comfortable with meeting new people.

Another strategy is to focus on the positive. It’s important to recognize that not all of your thoughts need to be negative or uncertain during this transition. Instead, consider yourself as growing and evolving. Redirect your attention from potential negative aspects to a more positive perspective. Think about the new opportunities that come with the new school.

If these strategies aren’t effective and you’re still finding it difficult, consider sharing your feelings with trusted individuals or family members who can offer reassurance. Alternatively, seeking professional help through therapy could be beneficial.

On June 14, YUWA, in collaboration with the Right Here Right Now 2 (RHRN2) Nepal coalition, hosted the SRHR Mela 2024, drawing enthusiastic participation from over 400 youths. The event aimed to promote Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) among Nepal’s young population. 

The RHRN2 Nepal coalition includes the Beyond Beijing Committee (BBC), Blind Youth Association Nepal (BYAN), Blue Diamond Society (BDS), CDS-Park, Youth Alliance for Development (YARD), and YUWA, which serves as the platform secretariat. Their shared mission is to empower young people aged 15-30 by advocating for comprehensive sexuality education, enhancing access to youth-friendly SRHR services, and influencing related policies and laws.

“We are thrilled by the overwhelming response to the SRHR Mela,” said Sijan Gelal, Advocacy Officer at YUWA. “It was inspiring to see young people actively engaging with SRHR issues, sharing experiences, and gaining valuable insights.”

Participants explored diverse SRHR topics, accessed educational resources, and interacted with representatives from various organizations dedicated to youth empowerment and SRHR advocacy. The event also featured captivating performances and artistic expressions that highlighted SRHR themes, fostering dialogue and promoting social change.

“The SRHR Mela was not just a gathering but a celebration of empowerment and education,” remarked Rajendra Maharjan, Country Coordinator of RHRN2 Nepal Coalition. “It reinforced our commitment to fostering a supportive environment where young people can make informed decisions about their sexual and reproductive health.”

The Nepal Research and Collaboration Center (NRCC) has unveiled an initiative aimed at fostering research skills among undergraduate students in Nepal. Dubbed the ‘Nepalese in Research Campaign: 3E—Encouraging, Educating, Empowering’, this program, according to the organizer, is the first of its kind in the country, marking a significant shift from traditional textbook-based learning to hands-on research experiences. 

The NRCC emphasizes that the campaign’s primary goal is to inspire and equip students with the necessary skills for effective research. “It targets undergraduates from all engineering disciplines, including Civil, Electrical, Electronics, Architecture, Computer, and Mechanical Engineering,” said the organizer.

Themed ‘Re-Engineering Knowledge: From Textbooks to Research,’ the campaign will feature a series of workshops and presentations. Senior researchers will provide guidance on identifying research topics, conducting practical research, and publishing findings. Additionally, the campaign will offer students the opportunity to connect with mentors and peers in person, fostering a collaborative research environment. 

The four main agendas of the campaign, as per the organizer, are: develop interdisciplinary research through student connections; connect Nepalese students with global research opportunities; form diverse student groups across engineering disciplines; and provide mentorship from research to publication and beyond. By shifting the focus from theoretical learning to practical application, the NRCC aims to cultivate a new generation of skilled researchers in Nepal, ready to contribute to global scientific advancements.

The YUWA program, aimed at empowering youth and fostering positive change, concluded on June 27. Organized by Youth For Change Kathmandu University in collaboration with Academia Industry Cooperation Kathmandu University, the event brought together young minds and speakers to discuss and address critical social, educational, and health-related issues.

The program featured a lineup of panelists, including Sobita Gautam and Pradip Paudel, Members of Parliament; Nischal Basnet, renowned actor and director; Vidushi Rana, Executive Director of Goldstar; and Neelesh Man Singh Pradhan, CEO of Nepal Clearing House Limited.

The Chief Guest of the event was Prof Dr Suresh Raj Sharma, founding Vice-chancellor of Kathmandu University. The welcome speech was delivered by Dr Ram Lama, Coordinator of Academia Industry Cooperation Kathmandu University. The discussions were moderated by Susan Sapkota. The program concluded with a thank-you speech by Aayush Chaudhary, President of Youth For Change Kathmandu University.

Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal has said that the government was trying to prepare the basis for socialism by institutionalizing the achievements of revolutions and changes.

Launching a memoir 'Sahashik Yoddha Jagat Bahadur Bohora (Valiant Warrior Jagat Bahadur Bohora)' related to Jagat Bahadur Bohora today, PM Dahal reiterated that the government was moving ahead with good-governance, social justice and prosperity as its priorities.

"We have come to a socialism-oriented federal democratic republic on the foundation laid by the sacrifices and the sufferings of thousands of martyrs, forcefully disappeared combatants and tens of thousands of revolutionary warriors. We should embark on the journey of socialism by institutionalizing these achievements," asserted the PM.

Recalling Bohora who delivered keeping emancipation of the country and people, and changes in center in any challenging situations, the Head of the Government said that Bohora also made a significant contribution in the People's War that was in favor of revolutionary transformation of Nepali society.

Bohora was injured in a peaceful cultural program staged against the single-party autocratic Panchayat system at Piskar in Sindhupalchowk district in 2040 BS.

Ile Thami and Bir Bahadur Thami along with other protestors were killed while the remaining others were brutally suppressed.

Dozens of warriors including Chhatra Bahadur Bohora, Man Bahadur Thami, Meghnath Poudel, Arun Nepal, Suresh Nepal, Gopal Thapaliya among others were detained and put behind bars.

Bohora was one among those critically hurt in the incident.

CPN (Maoist Center) Spokesperson Agni Prasad Sapkota and CPN (UML)'s Amrit Kumar Bohora among others were present in the book launch program.

Eight people were injured when a bus met with an accident at Birta Lampani in Khimti of Likhu Tamakoshi Rural Municipality-6, Ramechhap district on Friday. Among the injured is the bus driver.

The bus with registration plate number Ba 5 Kha 5624 and belonging to the Araniko Yatayat Pvt Ltd was heading towards Manthali from Gairi of the rural municipality when the accident occurred.  The mishap occurred after the bus slipped in mud.

The condition of three among the injured is serious, said Deputy Superintendent of Police Pradip Kumar Singh, the Chief of the District Police Office, Ramechhap.

The injured passengers are being treated at the Primary Health Centre in Khimti and at the Manthali Hospital while those with serious injuries have been sent to Kathmandu for advanced medical treatment.

Police said the bus was carrying 25 people.

The District Police Office stated that the bus driver has been taken under control for further investigation.

Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Dinesh Kumar Thapaliya has said that intensive discussions are necessary between the political parties and the sides concerned on the issue of participation of the Nepali voters abroad in the election process.

Addressing a program organized by the Election Commission and the International Organization for Migration here today, the Chief Election Commissioner insisted that the topic of not depriving of voting right the Nepali citizen living in a place other than where he/she is enlisted in the voter list and those who are enlisted in the voter list but living abroad is an matter of global concern.

He stressed on the need of making legal and managerial arrangements on the basis of the existing constitutional system and of international and legal practices as well.

Secretary of the Election Commission, Rabi Lal Pantha said that migration is a citizen's right as well as in some cases a necessity, reiterating that the Commission was serious on the issue of not depriving the Nepalis living abroad of their voting rights.

According to him, it was found in the last election that the voter turnout in several districts and constituencies was less than 50 percent, which is probably due to the problem of outmigration.

The program will come up with suggestions and recommendations following deliberations among related experts, representatives of various political parties and the stakeholders.

The Election Commission and the government have been taking initiatives for implementing the Supreme Court's order directing to make legal arrangements allowing the Nepalis living abroad to cast their votes in the election. The Supreme Court had, in March 2018, issued such an order in the name of the Election Commission and the government.

President Ram Chandra Paudel and Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal held a meeting on Friday.

During the meeting held at Sheetal Niwas, they discussed contemporary issues, according to the Private Secretariat of the President.