MAY - Teenz

May 2011
ISSUE 4, Rs. 30
facebook.com/teenzmagazine
www.teenz.com.np
YOUR TIME IS NOW
100
16
Casual Styles
from UFO
Confess on their
American Dream
Get Closer to the Musical,
Kristina Allen
A NEW HOME,
Hostel Life
5
Young
Achievers
Teenz Spills the Beans
on Standardized Tests
Childhood Lost,
Childhood Regained
WHAT AFTER
6
SLC ?
Siddhartha Vanasthali
Students Talk
About Nepali
Movies
The Big Decision Unraveled
ISSUE 4
MAY, 2011
MA1Y
1
20
contents
34
POST-SLC
DECISIONS
Facing a dilema
on what to do after
SLC? Teenz shows
you the way
44
HOME AWAY
FROM HOME
OMG’Z BACK TO SCHOOL PARTY
PHOTO CREDIT: SWORUP RANJIT
& JUNU GURUNG
ON THE COVER
Read about the difficult
life of someone who had
to find a home in the most
alien of places.
26
CASUALLY
CHIC
Learn how to balance
comfort with style with
the latest arrivals at UFO
KRISTINA ALLEN
PHOTOGRAPHY:
PIX- THE LIGHT SKETCH
MAKE-UP & HAIR: LOKESH THAPA
FASHION CONSULTANT: RUTH CLARKE
FASHION CO-ORDINATOR:
NITESH SHERCHAN
ISSUE 4
MAY, 2011
FEATURE
MA1Y
1
46
20
LIVING THROUGH
PERFECT MOMENTS
s
t
n
e
t
n
o
c
Read the story of a
perfect childhood.
BOOKMARKED
NAMASTE WORLD
16
The story of a girl
growing up, the difficult
way.
CLICK FLICKS
ALL THE WAY
ANIME
32
TRAIN OF
THOUGHT
THE SECRET
LIFE OF BEES
ENGLISH INVASION
Ever wonder if English is taking
over the whole world? Read what
people from all over the world
have to say.
52
FIND THE
LITTLE HEROES
IN YOUR LIFE
22
12
FROM THE STREET
GIRL’S
WARDROBE
GUY’S
WARDROBE
Teenz Magazine, Kupondole, Lalitpur, Nepal. Tel: 501.1571, 501.1639
YOUR TIME IS NOW
Publisher: ECS MEDIA PVT. LTD.
Managing Editor: SUNIL SHRESTHA
Director, Editorial & Marketing: NRIPENDRA KARMACHARYA
Group Editor: ANIL CHITRAKAR
Sr. Manager, Editorial & Marketing: SUDEEP SHAKYA
Manager, Editorial & Marketing: NEERAZ KOIRALA
Deputy Manager, Editorial & Marketing: Niladri S. Parial
Assistant Editor: UJEENA RANA
Copy Editor: UTSAV SHAKYA
Contributing Editor(Fashion):
SEBASTIAN ALCALA
Fashion consultant: RUTH CLARKE
Editorial Assistant/In-house Writer:
PRAJESH SJB RANA
In-house Writers: NIVIDA LAMICHHANE,
BONITA S. BASNYAT, GAURAV THAPA,
POOJA BYANJANKAR, LIZA PAUDEL, YUKTA
BAJRACHARYA, SHREEYA JOSHI
EDITORIAL INTERNS: CHAN WAN WAI
EUNICE, ANUKRITI SHRESTHA
Editorial Secretary: PRAGYA POKHREL
Editorial Enquiries:[email protected]
24
No. 4 „ 1 MAY 2011
Design Executive: MANJESH MAHARJAN
Assistant Design Executives: DIPESH
MAHARJAN, ANJAN ALE
Design Trainee: SMRITI SHRESTHA
Sr. Photographer: DASH B. MAHARJAN
Photographers: MOHAMMAD SHAHNAWAZ,
UMESH BASNET, SUYESH RAJ SHRESTHA,
HARI MAHARJAN, RABINDRA PRAJAPATI,
YOGENDRA MAHARJAN
Assistant Managers, Sales & Marketing:
ANGIRAS MANANDHAR, BIJENDRA PRADHAN
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Teenz Magazine is published 12 times a year at the address above. All rights reserved in respect of all articles, illustration, photography, etc published in Living Magazine. The contents of
this publication may not be reproduced in whole or in part in any form without the written consent of the publisher. The opinions expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of the
publisher, who cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions. All editorial inquiries and submissions to Teenz Magazine must be addressed to [email protected]
EACH ISSUE: Rs. 30.00 in Nepal, ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION IN NEPAL: Rs 350.00 (For 12 issues) | Send all subscription request to Teenz Magazine, E-mail: [email protected]
Entertainment
CLICK FLICKS
It’s All Anime!
There have been brilliant award-winning
anime movies that have managed to
leave a strong imprint on our hearts.
We’ve all watched some anime movies
and here, we bring you a collection of
our Top 5 Animated Movies.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Final Fantasy 7 – Advent Children
The Girl Who Leapt Through Time
5 cm per second
My Neighbor Totoro
Tales of Earthsea
BY PRAJESH SJB RANA
GRAVE OF THE FIREFLIES
AKIRA
A movie that is bound
to move you to tears,
Grave of the Fireflies
tops my list of best
anime movies. A story
set in World War IIravaged Japan, the
movie follows two
orphaned siblings, Seita
and Setsuko. Struggling
to survive in a country at war, the two protagonists
suffer from malnutrition and are homeless. Looking for
a place to sleep, they move into an abandoned bombshelter, depending on fireflies for lights. The movie is
a melancholic narrative of Seita and his ravaged life. A
movie no one should miss.
SPIRITED AWAY
Any decent anime fan
will have heard of the
brilliance of Hayao
Miyazaki. Miyazaki
is probably the most
respected man in
the anime industry.
Co-founder of the
famous Studio Ghibli,
Spirited Away is Miyazaki at his best. The movie
follows Chichiro, a ten-year-old girl who, while moving
to a new neighborhood, finds herself lost in a strange
world. Her parents magically turn to pigs and Chichiro
adventures on to find a cure for her parents. ‘Spirited
Away’ boasts a beautifully surreal world with vivid
characters and lots of magic.
Based on the epic graphic novel by
Katsuhiro Otomo, spanning over five
volumes, Akira tells the tale of a gang
leader, Kaneda in a post-war Tokyo.
Kaneda’s friend Tetsuo, while in a gangwar, meets a strange wrinkled young boy,
from whom he receives mental powers.
Government officials immediately
capture him and take him to a secure facility where they
discover that Tetsuo has a mental frequency similar to a
small child with apocalyptic-mental powers called Akira.
Akira is one movie all sci-fi movie lovers will treasure.
PRINCESS MONONOKE
Another epic movie from
the world-famous Studio
Ghibli, ‘Princess Monokone’
is probably one of the most
respected animated movies
and the fourth highest
grossing animated movie in Japan. The movie follows
Ashitaka, the last of the Emishi Royalty, who gets
banished from his village because of a cursed wound
that he gets while battling an enraged boar. The movie
then follows the exiled prince in search for the reason
for the boar turning evil. Few movies come close to the
brilliance of Princess Mononoke, a must watch for all.
PAPRIKA
Based on a novel of the same
name by Japanese writer
Yasutaka Tsutsui, ‘Paprika’
is about a device that lets
psychologists help patients
by entering their dreams. Events go horribly wrong when
three unfinished prototypes get stolen, enabling the owner
to enter anyone’s mind. A brilliantly woven story, Paprika
follows Doctor Atsuko Chiba and her dream alter ego
Paprika into a world of sub-consciousness and dreams.
 TEENZ | MAY 
Entertainment
ARTIST PROFILE
Kristina Allen
Kristina Allen is a fresh new artist on the rise. The 15-year
old singer has just released her debut album ‘Nabadhana
(Don’t Tie me up)’ which holds a promise of staying in
people’s playlists for a very long time. She shares her
stories and her journey through Nabahdhana with us.
BY SAJJAN RAJ VAIDYA
When were you first
introduced to music?
I first started with the cello
when I was really young. I
didn’t really enjoy it the way I
expected to. So I moved to the
guitar which agreed with me
and I have been playing it ever
since. I have always wanted
to get on stage to perform and
now that I am up there, I’m
enjoying it to the fullest.
Which artists would you say
has influenced you the most?
I guess it all began when I
walked into my school and Avril
Lavigne’s ‘Complicated’ was
on. I really connected to her
style of music so it would have
to be her.
How would you classify your
music?
I would say it is acoustic music
with a style that borrows from
Colbie Caillat and John Mayer.
I really like Avril Lavigne and
others too but theirs is the kind
of music I really enjoy playing.
What is the story behind
the title of your album
‘Nabandhana’?
My parents supported me
through what I’ve done but I’ve
seen that many parents do not
really let their children pursue
their dreams. ‘Nabandhana’
is basically a message to the
parents telling them to let us
teens be free and do what we
truly want to do.
You have worked with Nhyoo
What do you want to do before
Bajracharya, one of the big nam
es
you
die?
in music in Nepal. How was that
Play
in Liverpool women’s football
experience for you?
club. I am on my school football
I would describe it as ‘awesome’.
It
team and I’m actually trying to get
has been great working with him
and it into the national
team of Nepal. That
really was an amazing experience
.
is something I really want to do.
If you were to pick a favorite out
of
your album, which one would it
be
and why?
I like all of them but if I had to pick
one, it would be ‘Pani Paryo’. The
tune
is catchy and I really like it.
Who’s your favorite new Nepali
artist?
Jindabaad. They’re pretty out ther
e
already but they’ve been with me
from
the start of my career in music and
they are really good too. They are
just
such talented people.
Who is your main inspiration?
My dad for his support in letting me
do
whatever I want to do. I love my
dad.
He had a piano and a guitar whic
h he
only got to play sometimes but whe
n
he did, he would play amazing stuf
f.
Whenever he played I would be like,
“Wow! I wish I could play like
that.”
What would be the one
thing you cannot live
without besides
music?
I love football.
Sports has been
there before I was
interested in music.
I actually have a copy of my albu
m
signed by Steven Gerard.
MUSIC
Entertainment
STRONGER - SARA EVANS
COUNTRY
“Stronger,” Sara Evans’ first
studio album in six years is
proof that some things are worth
waiting for. The American country
singer has compiled a brilliant
10-track set with songs that
reflect the challenges of surviving
relationships, taking on all that life
brings and moving on with life and
romance. The album comprises
of a strong mix of contemporary
country music. It also features an
achingly vulnerable cover of Rod
Stewart’s “My heart can’t tell you
no”. Built with cleverly written lyrics,
deep, chilling ballads and country
music with a flavor that is a bit
different, “Stronger” is bound to
make it to the playlists of all country
music lovers.
Out in the market,
into your music system
Two contemporary albums that should definetly be in
your iTunes Library, Sajjan Raj Vaiday sheds lights on
two albums that teenagers today should definitely not
turn a deaf ear to.
COLLAPSE INTO NOW – R.E.M
Alternative Rock
If R.E.M’s comeback with
“Accelerate” in 2008 satisfied
you even a little bit, you are
going to get hooked to their
newest album “Collapse into
Now”. This album portrays the
band’s acoustic and pastoral
flavors as found in some of
their songs like “Out of time”
(1991). The album is positive
and poetic and beautifully
crafts all of R.E.M.’s varied
sonic adventures into a
concentrated 41 minutes of
mostly short, tight songs
that will keep ringing in your
head until you get more of
them. R.E.M stands tall yet
again with a new addition
into rock with “Collapse
into now”. The album also
features special guests like
Eddie Vedder, Peaches,
guitarist Lenny Kaye, The
Hidden Cameras frontman
Joel and much more
surprises. So get your copy
now!
MAY  | TEENZ 
Entertainment
BOOKMARKED
e Secret Life of Bees
Another book on racism and the Civil Rights Act? Not quite. Read on for
a review that marvels at a book that is a distinct mixture of happiness and
grievance, sadness and hopefulness, and love and forgiveness.
BY LIZA PAUDEL
H
ow oen is it that a
narrative of a 14 year old
would actually be heard?
Perhaps not too oen.
But that would probably change
if the speaker were Lily Melissa
Owens—the poignant protagonist
of the book ‘e Secret Life of
Bees’. With a wihat is eccentric
at best and an inventiveness that is
hilariously genuine, she narrates her
tale of running away from her harsh
father to understand the mystery of
her mother’s death, only to end up
learning more about life and herself
than anything else.
e book, wrien by Sue Monk
Kidd, gets off to an edgy start—with
Lily remembering pulling the trigger
on her mother and then, darkness of
her memory failing her. But it slowly
freshens on to track, and aer a few
pages, the reader is already hooked!
Instead of being the loving father Lily
craves, Terrence Ray (whom Lily calls
T. Ray, because he is not the “daddytype”) yells at her constantly. An
outcast at school and in her family of
two, Lily finds a friend in her faithful
but fierce black servant Rosaleen,
and solace in a hidden picture of
her mother’s. All this until Rosaleen
gets in trouble with some “white
guys” and they’re sent to jail. Aer
T. Ray refuses to let Rosaleen out,
Lily, seeking escape, runs away from
home, heroically fleeing Rosaleen on
the process. Fibbing their way out,
they go to Tiburon, where her hunch
that they may know her mother leads
them to three maverick beekeeping
sisters. ese sisters let them stay,
seemingly believing their wild lie.
As Lily gets more immersed in their
unorthodox faith—a Black Mary
looking aer them, no less!—she
starts gathering strength from their
unwavering solidity and as the
sisters struggle to get their life back
aer a slew of tragedies, she herself
learns about love, forgiveness and
life in general— all from their quietly
tucked-away world full of bees. e
story ends with Lily finally finding
out the mystery behind her mother
(and her father) and geing the two
things that she has always wanted:
love and redemption.
Touted by many as a “modern day
update on ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’”,
the book does share quite a few
similarities with the classic. ey
both abound in innocence and have
fantasies that soar beyond their
ages (and the pages!). However, by
the time you reach a quarter of the
book, you begin to see that it is an
independent book of its own accord.
ere is neither a humble Aicus
 TEENZ | MAY 
Finch nor a Boo Radley, but there
are other characters equally riveting:
August, wise and understanding; June,
tough yet ultimately vulnerable and
Rosaleen, fiercely loving. Aer one
whimsical (and sometimes mandatory)
decision aer another and their
implications, as Lily matures, the
readers mature with her—sharing
the same imagination while
simultaneously smiling at the honesty
and geing upset at it as her moving
tale unravels.
Kidd displays a mastery of language
and visualization highly rare in books
of this type. While the first person
account adds depth and humor to the
characters, the detached descriptions
add vividness. Furthermore, the text
is rife with casually strewn deep
sentences, making for a thoughtprovoking read. She has also very
niily avoided controversy, subtly
treading on racism (a white girl living
with a black family) and touching on
feminism. All the same, her message of
fearlessness and love for all rings clear.
However, for a book with a slow
beginning and a gripping middle, the
end comes disappointedly abruptly
and is even predictable in its positivity.
Moreover, with so many strong female
characters, the deficit of a leading male
is also palpable.
All in all though, ‘e Secret Life
of Bees’ is an upliing tale that leaves
you believing life is full of hope and
brimming with insane possibilities.
Puing it in Lily’s words, “A person
should not look down on absurdities.
I wake up to wonder every day.” I
couldn’t agree more!
EVENT
Entertainment
Back to school on New Year’s eve!
As Nepalis turned to welcome
the new year on the eve of
12th April, OMG Events and
Teenz teamed up to provide
the Kathmandu partygoers with
reminiscences of their favorite
years: school life. A one-of-it
kind event in the party scenario
of Nepal, the ‘Back to School’
party featured an out-of-thebox theme—providing the
unique experience of partying
at school.
To ensure that the party lived up
to the theme, the whole venue
of Rave Lounge, Putalisadak was
decorated like a school, with
each floor labeled as a separate
classroom. While the main party
was organized on the 3rd and 4th
floors, the floors below were
designated as UKG, Grade 1
and 2 respec vely. Different
games were played; the winners received free entries, gi s
and sponsored drinks while all
the par cipants were eligible
for a lucky draw prize.
The event was mostly attended by teenagers, some
of them even dressed appropriately in customized school
uniforms! And with the music,
ambience and the friends of
school to match, they celebrated the New Year’s Eve
virtually in school! The event
was organized in partnership
with Teenz Magazine.
(Liza Paudel)
PHOTO CREDIT: SWORUP RANJIT
& JUNU GURUNG
Teens Go Artsy
Leave No Child Behind
March 25th marked the formal
inauguration of a school that promises
quality and effective learning to the
students of Nepal. Kanjirowa National
School in Balkumari is a modern
school in Kathmandu
established to cater to
the modern educational
demands of students
and parents alike. A
redefined version of
Kathmandu Don Bosco
School, which has been
operating in Kathmandu
since 1998, Kanjirowa
National School runs
with the motto ‘Leave No
Child Behind’. The school
provides the students
with apractical teachinglearning environment by
way of talented teachers and excellent
facilities. The school aims at making
students independent, creative,
intelligent, and sovereign which is the
need of the moment.
MAY  | TEENZ 
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Day-Care and Grief
Tech Realm
iCANDY
FOOT-BALL
SIMULATION
Football gaming is undoubtedly a large global phenomenon today.
Over the years, EA Sports and Konami have emerged as the
heavyweights, with their annual gifts gracing every platform known
to man. The 2011 editions of FIFA and Pro Evolution Soccer are
out, with a plethora of updates introduced into both games. Here’s
a thorough comparison of the two games
BY PRATEEK VAIDYA
Konami definitely has the dedicated
PES 2011
football fanatic in mind, whereas
Game Play:
FIFA is a game for beginners and
Each player has his own style of
veterans alike. e amount of realism
dribbling, controlling and shooting,
making for a unique experience with
during play is commendable in both
every pass
games. However, the amount and
‘Total Control’ means AI provides no
variability of tweaking and modifying
assistance at all: slightly over hit or
is far simpler yet expansive for PES.
underpowered attempts can have
You can even download patches
frustrating outcomes
and expansion kits for PES by
Hence, each successful pass or
performing a simple web search.
cross is immensely satisfying
Aer installing one or two, PES turns
thanks to the challenge
into a completely different prospect.
Easily perform one or string a
However, many gamers never bother
combination of tricks and feints or
to patch their games. Store-bought,
create your own link feints
Modify your formation and player
FIFA is the beer choice. It also has
roles with a simple yet excellent
the beer multiplayer option. If you
interface
want to experience the game and are
Player
likeness seems to be the
willing to face a steep learning curve,
priority- you can instantly recognize
PES is the way to go.
Represents only a few officially
licensed teams and one authentic
tournament- the UEFA Champions
League
There are many fictional stadiums, but
the graphics are beautiful, complete with
electronic ad boards, cameras, et al.
Edit the preloaded stadiums- change
everything from attendance numbers,
pitch patterns, stands, tunnel
placements.
a known player
FIFA 2011
Game Play:
Player movements are more refined,
allowing 360 degree control
Introduction of the power bar
requires the player to specify the
amount of power on each pass,
cross or shot
The AI provides assistance on
those, making it easier to be
accurate
Numerous tricks can be performed,
with special players having special
dribbling styles
The game is more physics-laden,
with tall and muscular players
having an edge over smaller
competitors in one-on-one
situations
One can create and edit your own
formation and specify player roles
Finally graphics for PCs are
comparable to those of the
Xbox360 and PS3
Nearly every major league is
represented and thousands of
authentic teams with registered
players
 TEENZ | MAY 
Team kits are beautifully replicated
Stadiums are true-to-life, and grand
spectacles are guaranteed
Martin Tyler and Andy Gray team up
to be the best commentating team
in any sport, ever.
Tech Realm
iCANDY
GOING
STRONG
With the arrival of the console giants, PlayStation 3 and the
XBOX 360, game producers have rushed to meet the need
of these high-end gaming consoles with games flaunting
premium graphics and exquisite game play. Millions of new
games are now available but what happened to the old games
that had us glued to our TV screens? They are still on and
going strong, and to highlight some of these games, Teenz
has come up with a list of five games, making it big even after
years of its original release date.
BY: PRAJESH SJB RANA
Duke Nukem
The king of the FPS is back. Duke Nukem,
first released on 1991 as Duke Nukem by
3D Relms, took the gaming industry by
storm. Starting out as a platform game,
Duke
evolved to a Doom like First-Person
D
Shooter with the release of Duke Nukem 3D.
Now, with the transfer of rights for Duke from 3D Relms
to Gearbox Software, a new dawn for Duke is expected.
Gearbox has announced the release of the new Duke
Nukem Forever for PC, XBOX 360 and PS3 by 2011.
Mortal Kombat
Where would a list of retro games
be without its gruesome
fatalities? And where would
fighting games be without Mortal
Kombat. First out in 1992, under
the name Mortal Kombat, it has spawned many
sequels and many adventure games. A new game
under the same name, Mortal Kombat is due to
release on 2011, for the PS3 and XBOX 360.
 TEENZ | MAY 
The Elder Scrolls
First released under the name, The Elder
Scrolls: Arena in 1994 by Bethesda
Softworks, it has made history in
the RPG Game industry. With the
improvement in the graphics of the game
since it was first released, the Elder Scrolls
has become one of the most sought after RPG Games.
Elder Scrolls IV: The Shivering Isles was released in 2007.
Mario
Where would gaming be today without
the Italian Plumber? Mario is probably
the most successful game out there and
it just doesn’t do this list justice without it.
Mario was first released on 1985 under the name, Super
Mario Bros. for the Nintendo Entertainment System. Mario
now is available in a wide variety of platforms including cell
phones. A new Mario is due to release on 2010 for the Wii,
under the title Super Mario Galaxy 2.
Final Fantasy
With SquareEnix’s stunning graphical environment and
brilliant storytelling, Final Fantasy is the most successful
RPG game in the industry. Final Fantasy was first
released in 1987 in hopes that it would solve Square’s
financial difficulty. Final Fantasy became a huge success
and is not on its thirteenth sequel. Final Fantasy XIV was
released for the PS3 and PC in 2010.
MAY  | TEENZ 
Trends WARDROBE
GIRL’S WARDROBE
Monica Khadka
Monica Khadka is a fun-loving person who is currently
studying A Levels at Gems. Fashion she says is what
makes her feel comfortable. Some of her favorites from
her wardrobe are on display.
Welcome spring!
TEXT: POOJA BYANJANKAR
My American
Dream
My glares!!
A perfect tee that
beautifully hides
my winter belly
Chunky
handcuffs
Mom’s
inheritance
My long skirt.
It goes with
casual as well as
formal wear
It’s old but still
helps me reach
everywhere
exactly on time
Go green
Girls just love
shoes and I am
no exception
These flowery
shoes are perfect
for summer
 TEENZ | MAY 
WARDROBE
Bought this fedora
for a fashion
event in college
Trends
I can’t do without
leather belts
Always ready
to party
Yea, I am a
Chelsea fan!
My check shirt
from Bossini
I love stripes
My Titan watch
My beach shorts
from Pattaya
Comfortable
jeans
GUY’S WARDROBE
Sandesh Mainali
Pursuing his Bachelors Degree at KCM, Sandesh Mainali
is a trendsetter in his own right. The fashionable youth
says that he loves dressing in stylish checkered shirts and
experimenting with color.
Comfort counts !
MAY  | TEENZ 
TEXT: POOJA BYANJANKAR
Trends
FROM THE STREET
Pratistha Rai, 16
Where: Civil Mall, Sundhara
This teenager lives up to the style mantra of
being simple yet stylish. The pouch is chic and
compliments the subtle attire that Pratistha is
wearing. Take some inspiration from her and
accessorize well when wearing something very plain
to take yourself out of the ‘Plain-Jane’ zone.
Tsering Shrepa, 23
Where: New Orleans
Café, Pulchowk
Semi formal doesn’t
always have to
mean the clichéd
‘boring coat with
jeans’. The stylish
grey cardigan and
the white sneakers
are duly paired to
provide variation
to an otherwise
monotonous
monochrome look.
Kritisha Prajapati, 13
Where: Sherpa Mall, Durbarmarg
The injection of purple into the get up
adds glam here. While the oversized
sneakers brought from People’s
Plaza gives a bad-girl touch.
Accessorized just the right way with
a peek of silver, purple shades and
a dimple, she is the epitome of cool
summer teen fashion!
Pratigya Sharma, 20
Where: Kathmandu
College of
Management (KCM)
Abhijeet Basnet, 19
Where: Outside QFX Cinemas, Civil
Mall, Sundhara
Pratigya masters the
semi-formal get up
by wearing loud red
here and there. While
this grabs attention,
the scarf, Pratigya’s
favorite accessory
gives the whole look a
fashionable edge.
Abhijeet sports a cool casual look
with his bright turquoise tee and the
striped and patterned shorts. The
Galaxy tab that he was using was
definitely an eye magnet. Abhijeet
seems all prepared for summer and
looks cool without much effort.
 TEENZ | MAY 
Street Style
TEXT: MIKKI SHAKYA, PHOTOS: EUNICE CHAN
Sonal Kumar, 13
Where: Alliance Française, Tripureshwor
The very basic tee and the light jacket pops
with the black mini and the sexy fish-net
stockings. Trendsetter? Definitely.
Diwiz Piya, 17
Where: Durbarmarg
Plaid button down shirts never
look out of fashion on a smiling
man! Diwiz nicely pulls of this
tartan trend by fitting a tight
black tee into the scene.
Tsering Maya Gurung
Tenzin Tsega
Tsering Maya Gurung, 15
Where: Durbarmarg
The romantic oxfords paired with a simple top
and high-waist shorts maintains a cute style!
Tenzin Tsega, 14
[email protected]
Where: Durbarmarg
The skinny cargo pants and casual top is
elevated with the classy handbag to spell.
MAY  | TEENZ 
Trends
GO GLAM!
Casually chic
Style does not always have to be
“dressing up”; UFO teaches us how
even casuals can be worn to look funky
and elegant, all oh-so-casually!
TEXT: LIZA PAUDEL
 TEENZ | MAY 
Striped top – Rs 718
Shorts – Rs 978
Printed slipper – Rs 278
Grey Printed Tee – Rs 978
Chocolate brown
cowboy design hat – Rs 448
Check Quarter
Summery Pants – Rs 698
Nike Outdoor Shoe – Rs 2,198
Models: Tshering Ghale, Kreety Tamang Lama
Colorful tees with
shorts are just the
perfect combination
to welcome summer
for anyone. And
with flip-flops and
fedoras worn
carelessly, the
uninterested look
sure garners
interest!
Models: Steela Shrestha(Left), Sangita Shrestha (Right)
Strap tops spell style by
themselves, but the cotton in it adds
all the cool to it. Pair it with three
quarter pants and it serves all, be
it to brighten uptight office spaces
or just some mundane grocery
shopping.
Purple/Pink tops – Rs 298
One piece casual hand bag – Rs 698
Sky color bag – Rs 848
Side pocket cotton pants – Rs 1,348
Quarter Jeans A/X – Rs 1.178
Pink Black Sandal – Rs 698
Nike Outdoor Shoe – Rs 2,198
 TEENZ | MAY 
Model: Noal Gurung, Kreety Tamang Lama, Sangita Shrestha, Tshering Ghale, Steela Shrestha
Brown Semi formal shoes- Rs 2,898
Green Converse – Rs 1,298
Grey Orange Puma – Rs 778
Lee Denim Jeans – Rs 1,396
Nike Casual/Outdoor Shoes – Rs 2,198
Lee Brown belts – Rs 158
Ash grey high top shoe – Rs 1,498
Adidas shoe – Rs 2,398
Green Converse – Rs 798
Summery laidback styles that let
you be you. Casual dress-up is
fabulous for teens in its ubiquity and
playfulness; and with the correct
styling, in its chicness!
Models: (Left to Right) Sangita Shrestha, Kreety Tamang Lama, Noal Gurung, Tshering Ghale, (Front)Steela Shrestha,
Plaids have become synonymous with everyday
wear these days. Available in varieties, one can play
around with colors and style making them perfect for
just about everyone. Team it with faithful jeans or
use high-waisted shorts instead; and if you are the
funky type, add some chunky jewellery, or show off
some striped vest underneath!
Green checks – Rs 648
Levi’s Jeans – Rs 1498
Checks Half Shirts – Rs 1,248
Full Sleeves Checks Shirt– Rs 998
Stripe Vest – Rs 298
Lee Jeans – Rs 1,398
Lee regular fitting jeans – Rs 1,148
Suspender Jeans – Rs 1,198
Models: Steela Shrestha, Noal Gurung
Floral prints in bright colors speak
of summer for girls. Summer for
guys? Huge sunglasses and hats of
course! Teamed with cargo pants, this
mysterious look, so popular among
celebrities like Jason Mraz and Bruno
Mars, is loved in Nepal too!
Brown cowboy hat – Rs 398
Sunglasses – Rs 995/998
Red Belt – Rs 198
Black Printed Tee – Rs 698
Side pockets casual pants – Rs 1,698
Maroon color converse – Rs 1,568
Pink Black Sandal – Rs 698
Photography: PIX- THE LIGHT SKETCH,
Fashion Consultant: RUTH CLARKE,
Fashion Co-Ordinator: NITESH SHERCHAN
Make-up & Hair: LOKESH THAPA.
The photoshoot was done in association with
U.F.O., the clothing store.
 TEENZ | MAY 
9851047233
TERM
NO.OF ISSUES
COVER PRICE
YOU PAY
YOU SAVE
BENEFIT
One Year
12
Rs. 50 x 12 = 600
Rs. 550
Rs. 50
(Price of one issue)
The Bakery Café
Food Coupon worth Rs. 400
Rs. 200
(Price of four issues)
The Bakery Café
Food Coupon worth Rs. 800
Two Years 24
Rs. 50 x 24 = 1200 Rs. 1000
h
s
i
l
g
n
E
The
n
o
i
s
a
v
In
We are quite stuck-up about speaking Neglish But is
this true of the Chinese, German, Arabic and Indian
speakers? In normal conversations, do teenagers
around the world use as much English words and
phrases like we do here in Nepal? Let’s find out.
Text: Sampada KC
Kai Schewe
- Germany
Viet – Vietnam
It will be right to say that the English
language is treated as a status
symbol here in Vietnam. It is a trend
here for the richer kids to go to the
US, UK for their education. eir
families want them to master the
English language before going off
to an English speaking country. Our
society has developed a conception
that if you speak good English then
you belong to a rich family (the same
rationale works for knowing how to
play the piano, violin, classical music,
producing artworks).
Vietnamese adults do use English
but they never speak a whole sentence,
just one or two words like: “google,
facebook, chat, email, check, cool, bye,
blog, sorry” (we have Vietnamese
terms for these words, but some people
find it more convenient to use the
English words). e reason for this is
because although English is taught at
primary schools, some students can still
only say basic things like: “hello, how
are you, thanks, sorry” by the time they
are in high school.
Some people overuse English
words and phrases only because
they have been living in the US, UK
for quite a while. In the media they
don’t use a hell lot of English but
some singers nowadays do add some
English to their songs to sound cool I
guess, like “i’m sorry baby”, “honey”.
A lot of people think it’s
ridiculous, a show-off. (I myself
belong to this category). But as of yet,
it is not a cause for concern- the use
of English while speaking Vietnamese
What we worry about is not
the over-use of English but the
inappropriate use of Vietnamese
(some teenagers just change all the
tone marks and write Vietnamese in a
very odd way).
 TEENZ | MAY 
We do learn English at school.
It is taught from year 5 till year
13. e subject maers at school
are taught in German unless
you go to a specialised school
where they teach everything in
English but there aren’t many
of them. e English language
is treated as important but
teenagers don’t speak in English
during normal conversations nor
do they use English words to
replace German ones. e media
personalities also use German
except for some technical words
for which they do not have a
German translation. German is
the first and major language. We
are aware of the importance of
the English language but in our
day to day lives we don’t use
too much English. Despite this
German students are prey good
at English. I am at a school in the
UK now and with the English
that I learnt when in Germany I
am coping quite well.
Charlotte Tao - China
English is taught in schools in
China from a very young age. I
remember first being taught the
alphabet when I was in year 3,
that was usually the case of my
generation. However, when I
look at young people nowadays,
they get exposed to the English
language right from kindergarten
or even younger. Despite the
fact that English is a compulsory
subject throughout all years in
school, the language is seldom used
when teenagers speak between
each other, though sometimes and
very rarely simple English words
do pop up.
English is taught as a subject
in schools but rarely do we study
subjects in English. ere are a
few international schools in the
cities, where subjects are taught
in English or Germany, but the
majority stick with the native
language. e most important reason
for this, I believe, is due to the one
exam board the ‘whole’ of china uses,
which is in Chinese. We treat the
language as a tool to communicate
Mona Belaid - Jordan
e dominant language in Jordan has
always been Arabic. English has been
spreading over the past few years but
is still far from being the most spoken
language. Most Jordanians consider
English as an additional language not
a necessity.
In Jordan, there are different
schooling systems including the
Arabic and English systems. ose
MAY  | TEENZ 
internationally, but not as a language
of status. Since increasingly people at
least know a word or two in English,
it is not viewed as prestigious to be
able to speak it.
who go to Arabic schools are taught
everything in Arabic and will only
learn English as a foreign language
while those who go to English
schools will learn to speak English
fluently and use it in all subjects.
But it is only in university that the
importance of English for teenagers
becomes evident because once there
all the lectures are given in English.
Despite this fact, Arabic still remains
widely spoken among students
outside classes even though some of
them are perfectly capable of using
English.
e media uses the Arabic
language to interact with its people,
whether on TV or on the radio. is
is to satisfy the majority speaking
Arabic and for the growing number
of Jordanians speaking English to
insist they do not forget their native
language.
ool, New Baneshwor
Location: Kaavya Sch
Aer the Iron Gate
As we pass the much awaited ‘Iron Gate’, we enter
a world which is full of opportunity and choices.
Presently in Nepal, we have three different types of
curriculum that students can choose from with all
three having their pros and cons.
+2, IB or A levels - what is your choice after SLC?
BY BONITA S BASNYAT
Ten + Two
T
his is a curriculum
developed by Higher
Secondary Education Board
(HSEB) and is associated
with the Government of Nepal. e
fields available in “+2” are Science,
Commerce and Humanities. e
Humanities field offers Sociology,
Rural Economics, English and Nepali.
In Science, you don’t only have to
study Chemistry, Physics and Biology
but you also have Botany and
Zoology. Along with this, you need
to study Math during the first year of
the course and it becomes optional
for the second year of the +2 Science
course. In Commerce, you need to
study Accounts, Economics, Math
and Business Studies with Nepali and
English.
e curriculum is more on the
theory side, which makes it more
examination oriented. e total
course is of 24, weeks where each
subject gets about 8 to 9 hours per
week. e admission starts right aer
the SLC results and you will be made
to take an entrance examination
as well with your results. e
forms are distributed just aer
SLC while the classes usually
start in July. Most of the students
that are willing to take this type
of curriculum are usually future
doctors, engineers and CAs. e
rigid curriculum is supposed to
make the student more focused
on their careers right from the
beginning.
Since the +2 curriculum is
purely Nepali, it has to depend
on the Government of Nepal. e
invigilators of the examination and
the copy correctors all come from
the government. e exams usually
happen during May and the best
part about the examination based
result is that even if you do not
do well during the first year you
will automatically be promoted to
grade 12 and you can still give the
papers of 11. is curriculum is
entirely Nepal-based; the courses
are designed such that it helps a
student learn more about their own
country.
Information provided by Golden Gate International College, Baisputali.
THE RIGID
CURRICULUM
IS SUPPOSED
TO MAKE THE
STUDENT
MORE
FOCUSED ON
THEIR CAREERS
RIGHT
FROM THE
BEGINNING.
Karma Pakhrin, 18
11, Himalayan White House
International College
Why +2?
+2 is a system that has been
running successfully in Nepal
from a long time. There are other
courses like A Levels as well but
they are new and are yet to be
trusted. So, I went for +2 to pursue
my after-SLC education.
A-Levels
A-LEVEL
STUDENTS
HAVE THE
OPPORTUNITY
TO CHOOSE
SUBJECTS
EVEN
THOUGH THE
FIELDS MIGHT
CLASH.
A
-levels course is
affiliated to Cambridge
University, UK. It has
gained popularity
amongst Nepali students because
in A-levels, the student does not
really have to go through courses
that they do not feel like studying.
Even though the courses available
in the UK have much more variety,
quite a selection is on offer from
the British Council and numerous
colleges here. A-level students have
the opportunity to choose subjects
even though the fields might clash.
ey are able to take Economics,
Biology and Chemistry at the same
time or take one subject from each
field like Chemistry, Sociology and
Business Studies. New subjects such
as Environmental Management,
Psychology, Geography and Tourism
have recently been introduced.
e A levels course is of 2 years
where examination are held twice
a year-during May and October.
Students studying A-levels have the
opportunity to sit for exams for the
entire two years’ course at once, at
the end of A-levels or they can give
their board examinations at the end
of the year. If the student gives his/
Akash Shrestha, 19
AS, Lumbini International College
Why A Levels?
A Levels is a course designed and
conducted by Cambridge University
and is recognized in more than 160
countries. After completing my A Levels,
I can go to anywhere in the world and
study under any faculty. A Levels is a
more advanced course in comparison
with +2 and the learning is very practical.
MAY  | TEENZ 
her examination during May and
cannot score as much as they wanted,
they can give the exam again in
October. is way, without wasting
time, they are given a second chance
to get beer grades. Another good
thing about A-levels is that you can
choose for how long you want to
take a course. Even if you have all the
science subjects, it is not necessary
that you need to take them for the
whole two years. If one subject of the
science field doesn’t feel right you
can always take it for the first year
and continue with the other two.
is course is popular in the UK
and it tests your real ability to grasp
the concepts that you study. e
grading system starts from As, Bs, Cs,
Ds, Es to Us (where U stands for an
UNGRADED paper). From 2010 they
have also started giving A*s which is
beer than A.
Information provided by Trinity International
College, Dillibazaar
IB
I
nternational Baccalaureate is a
curriculum which is not focused
on one type of board. It is
known as a global curriculum.
e IB courses are designed in 6
groups and students are expected
to take at least one subject from
each group. Each group consists of
different fields like Language and
Science to Business Management to
Anthropology and Arts.
Aside from the subject choices, the
students have core requirements to
fulfill. ese core requirements are
eory of Knowledge (TOK) where
students are expected to research
independently on one subject maer
and have an in depth study on that
particular subject. e next core
requirement is the extended essay,
which is designed for students to
critically reflect on the subjects that
they have studied and write an essay
of about 4000 words. is extended
essay is usually wrien in the break
of year one and year two. e third
requirement is Creativity, Action and
Service where students go beyond
the classroom to gain knowledge
and handle different types of real
life tasks.
e students are required to
take the IB examinations at the
end of two years. It is a wrien
examination and the students at
least need to gain 24 out of 42 (6
subject having a maximum score
of 7). 30% of its score is aained
internally by the teachers and the
rest 70% is tested during the wrien
examination.
International Baccalaureate
is a course which has now been
recognized internationally. It
is a mixed course (not focused
within one country) and is only
provided in Nepal at Ullens. Most
of the students that opt for this
Diploma Programme at Ullens,
go to universities outside for
Undergraduate Studies. Many
colleges abroad prefer IB students
because the IB course is a great model
of what you do at college as well.
Information provided by Ullens Sool, Satdobato
 TEENZ | MAY 
THE IB
COURSES ARE
DESIGNED IN 6
GROUPS AND
STUDENTS
ARE EXPECTED
TO TAKE AT
LEAST ONE
SUBJECT
FROM EACH
GROUP.
Why IB?
Anjan Sharma tells us that he
feels IB is a curriculum that is more
student friendly. After his SLC when
he was trying to figure out what to
do, IB was more appealing because
he felt that the subjects and the way
it is taught is more practical. It isn’t
focused on one particular field and
in addition to this it is widely known
outside of Nepal.
What did you do
aer SLC?
ASHUTOSH TIWARI
Not many people travelled
out of the valley at that
time. I took a highway trip to
Pokhara with relatives and
some friends.
KARISHMA KARKI
I joined bridge course lessons and practiced
swimming regularly. I also visited certain
places in the Kathmandu Valley like the Zoo.
NIRAJ BAJRACHARYA
I used to hang out with friends
all the time enjoying the
freedom of not having to study.
I went for bike rides out of the
valley and did stupid things.
SADDICHHA SHRESTHA
Well, I joined bridge course lessons and I regret it
now. I should have taken personality development
courses or learnt some languages as it is the time to
take a break from studies and analyze who you are.
NABIN K BHATTARAI
My time was very much different from
what it is today. I took a computer
course in programs like MS DOS.
 TEENZ | MAY 
Kaavya School students.
What will you do aer your SLC in the three month break?
MAY  | TEENZ 
e
rit
y favo
se m
u
.
a
c
N
Be
EE
is GR
color
The airy curtains.
The favorite part of
my room...
My veranda.
 TEENZ | MAY 
Winner of Sano Babu
and Little Mr. Nepal.
MY ROOM
Sharif Shrestha, shows ‘Teenz’ his new
room which unlike most teenagers’
rooms is simple, spacious and clean.
The environment conscious teen, who
sometimes likes to ‘GO GREEN’, has
his walls painted in warm earthy colors
that soothe your eyes.
TEXT: POOJA BYANJANKAR
MAY  | TEENZ 
I wanted something
different and creative.
Home Away
From Home
Do you know how it feels to land all alone in an unknown
town? Those scary new faces, those dusty new roads,
and everything seems to play against you. See how this
boy managed to cope with this shock and learnt to live
away from home.
BY GAURAV THAPA
H
ome is where the heart
is. I keep repeating that
to myself whenever
the flashbacks of my
childhood play in my head. Every
time I lie on my bed and stare at the
ceiling, I recall myself jumping in the
backyard, sneaking into the kitchen
to steal cookies, riding on my dad’s
back, hiding under the bed from my
mom, climbing an old mango tree in
the front yard, playing with my dog
Shaggy, and watching Tom and Jerry
with my parents. I am far, very far
away from all of that now but my
heart just cannot get over it. Home is
truly where the heart is and my heart
is somewhere else.
Every time I lie on my bed and
stare at my dorm room ceiling, I get
lost in a whirlpool of thoughts. Had I
not decided to pursue my education
here in Kathmandu, I would have
been relaxing on my couch watching
movies on HBO. My mom would
have been making me pudding.
Shaggy would have been chasing
buerflies in the garden. Perhaps he
would have been lying by my feet,
taking a nap. I still watch TV in the
big room of our hostel, Pratiman dai
still cooks dinner for all of us, Chhotu
still barks at strangers, and Saila dai
always makes us laugh with his weird
accent but these places and these
faces are geing old. I want to go
back home.
People told me to be careful what I
wish for. I ignored them. I got all that
I had ever wished for in Kathmandu.
However, along with it I also got
what I did not want. I had come
here to get education from a good
college, grab all the opportunities this
place had to offer, and explore this
happening city and so I did. I scored
great grades in my exams and now
I have a job. But all those sleepless
nights, all I could think of was my
home. e entire dream of living in
Kathmandu turned into a nightmare.
Maybe I should have stayed where I
belonged. My destiny had completely
different plans for me though. It
wanted me to suffer and so it played
PEOPLE TOLD ME TO BE CAREFUL WHAT
I WISH FOR. I IGNORED THEM. I GOT
ALL THAT I HAD EVER WISHED FOR IN
KATHMANDU. HOWEVER, ALONG WITH IT I
ALSO GOT WHAT I DID NOT WANT.
 TEENZ | MAY 
a horrible prank on me. It gave
me everything that I ever wanted
but took the most precious thing
away from me – my home.
I ended up living in a hostel
in Kathmandu. My hostel is
not really a bad place to live
but it’s not that great either.
Whenever my warden shouts at
me, I imagine my mom scolding
me for the lile mischief I did.
I take my roomies as my family
members. e guy in the next
room is as irritating as our
neighbor. Other people in the
hostel are like my friends. But
these people can never ever
outwit my sweet memories of
home. My memories of home are
the only things I have le with
me and nothing in this world
can compare with them. One day,
when I was looking at one picture
of me with my parents, I felt a lile
uneasy with my eyes. Suddenly, I
saw something drop on the picture
and immediately cleansed it off. I
looked around for that which had
dared to ruin the only picture I had
of home only to realize that it had
rolled out of my le eye. I haven’t
had a glance at the picture since
then because I don’t want me to
hate myself for leaving my home.
If I want I can go back home as
of now. No one, not even god can
stop me but I am bound. My parents
have spent a fortune on paying for
my expenses here. I can’t just leave
everything and go back just because
I am miserable. My parents want
to make me a successful man and
MAY  | TEENZ 
I can’t let them down. I have
learnt to fake my sorrows and
my tears with a smile. On the
phone with my mom, I act as
if I am happy and doing great
but I can’t lie to the woman
who gave birth to me. She
always finds out that I am
sobbing while talking to her.
She pacifies me and I pretend to
be comforted. But the next time
on the phone with her, it’s the
same story. e only solution
I have is to take my hostel as
a home away from home but
it’s a very tough task. I can’t
fool my heart to believe that
the place I am living right now
is my home. Aer all, home is
where the heart is and my heart
is somewhere else.
Living through
Perfect Moments
Travelling through my eight years at St. Mary’s, each
year brought about a new experience, a fresh start
and a better me. Working out my way through ups
and downs, rewards and punishments, my school
life is something I never imagined it to be - perfect.
BY ANUKRITI SHRESTHA
L
ooking back on my eight
years at St. Mary’s, each
year brought about a new
experience, a fresh start
and a beer me. Working my way
through ups and downs, rewards
and punishments, my school life is
something I never imagined it to
be - perfect.
e significance of school years
in a person’s life is colossal. Yet, one
realizes its importance only aer he
or she is done with school. A school
is a place where one chooses the
path towards what they want to do
or want to be.
I have been going to the same
school, St. Mary’s High School in
Lalitpur for the last eight years. I
still have two more years there until
I graduate from the missionary
institution run by the nuns of the
Congregation of Jesus. I have been
here since 2003 from grade one.
As I look back on all these years, I
realize that this school has brought
about many changes in me over the
years. From an introverted, terrified
and apprehensive five and a halfyear old, I seem to have changed
into a determined and gregarious
thirteen year-old.
My first days weren’t actually
that fun. I remember taking
really long to adjust to the new
environment. My previous school
had 16 students, whereas there were
at least 50 students in each class
and there were three sections. e
crowd seriously freaked me out.
It took me two months to know
everyone’s name and it took others
more than that to remember my
name. ey later confessed that
they had never heard such a name
before! I seriously hated my school
then. I hated it as much as my six
year-old heart could. I used to
 TEENZ | MAY 
beseech to my mother to send me
back to my previous school.
During my junior years, the first
thought that popped up as the topic
of school was brought up was,” Do
I seriously have to go? Haven’t I
studied enough?” One reason was
that I felt like a no-body in my
class. No teacher ever remembered
my name. I was oen frustrated
that despite my best efforts, I was
never able to get any aention;
always remaining in a dark corner.
is would made me feel like my
efforts were worthless.
During my fourth year, a teacher
decided to put me in a play. e
play I realize was the turning point
in my school life. For the first time,
I performed in front of a huge
audience without a single mistake.
It made me feel very special. is
came as a shock to me. A place I
hated so much had made me feel
exceptional. is very fact built up
my self-confidence and changed my
aitude towards school.
Aer the play, I slowly started to
build up my reputation in school. I
would greet school mornings with
more enthusiasm. From a no-body,
I had changed into a some-body.
Known as one of the quietest girls
in the class, I started to take part in
more class activities with positive
results. I started to discover my
true potential. Teachers started to
get familiar with me. My name was
proposed for more extra-curricular
activities. I became so happy that
I stopped whining about going to
school altogether.
Soon however, life at school got
harder as we grew older. Studies,
homework, tests and exams…yet I
never got disheartened. I overcame
each hurdle with smiles and jokes.
I’d spend entire days laughing and
joking in class. Each time we tried
to get serious, someone would crack
a joke and I would helplessly try
to control my laughter. A smile
would develop into a full laugh
and a word from the teacher would
lead into a heated discussion with
no conclusion. Nothing worried
me, no questions were difficult,
no math problem was impossible,
no scolding maered, no exams
scared us and each punishment
was an excuse to pass time. We
stood together with a unity that
no teacher understood, a logic that
no logician could explain and a
don’t-care aitude that drove our
teachers mad. It was a time when
my friends and I would spend hours
hovering over the same topic, when
friends were what maered the
most and when popularity was as
precious as a jewel. Discipline was
the last thing on our minds and
those who followed it were foes.
We walked about not caring
about tomorrow. e word
“impossible” was not in our
vocabulary. Each task was a
challenge to us that we didn’t let
go without accomplishing it. ey
were truly the best days at school.
e most difficult thing I had to
do was to say goodbye to such a
cheerful class. I don’t have a single,
sad memory from the class.
It brings a smile to my face
when I remember geing a
particular punishment. A few girls
were supposed to stand near the
premises of the school. We still
remember it the “Aal iz well”
punishment.
By our eighth year, we were
supposed to act more mature.
Yet, we still enjoyed writing
lines and talking in the library.
However, we did experience a
lot of changes in life. Seriousness
hung like a heavy cloud in the
air. is was the time when we
became solemn and sober. Our
respect towards our teachers
increased considerably and the
pride in becoming a Marian
started growing in our minds.
SLC was a topic of interest and
the pressure of DLE loomed in
I SERIOUSLY HATED MY SCHOOL
THEN. I HATED IT AS MUCH AS MY SIX
YEAR-OLD HEART COULD. I USED TO
BESEECH TO MY MOTHER TO SEND ME
BACK TO MY PREVIOUS SCHOOL.
principal’s office holding their
ears during lunch break for talking
in class. Having a unique sense
of unity amongst ourselves, the
whole class decided to go. One can
imagine 44 girls standing in the
blazing sun holding their ears and
actually laughing. It was the time
when the movie 3 Idiots had just
been released and when anyone
asked us what we were doing, our
reply would be - “We’re doing aal
iz well. Care to join us?” A few
actually joined us before realizing
that it was a punishment. Our
teacher was speechless. What she
expected was a few girls sulking
and may be even crying. On
the contrary, she saw her entire
class laughing and singing in the
MAY  | TEENZ 
our heads. Teachers expected
a lot from us and in return, we
expected a lot from them. We had
questions that confused them and
arguments that lasted for days.
e realization of the difficulty
of the courses started to set in.
Even personally, I went through
many changes. Our future became
a maer of importance to us. e
idea of becoming a school captain
captivated our minds.
Today I realize the crucial role
my school, teachers and most
importantly my friends have played
in shaping my outlook towards life
and myself. It has made me what
I am today. School life is beyond
doubt the golden phase of my life
that I will always cherish.
Relationship
GET CANDID
ANSWERS TO
EVERYTHING
Vinita Adhikari is
the Founder/ Director of
Antardrishti Nepal, an
organization working for
sexually abused children.
She is a psychologist and
has been working in this
field for the past 11 years.
I am 18 years old and a
college student. I have
trouble concentrating
but I’m not a very bad
student. I am usually
active and attentive
during class however
it is hard for me to
concentrate while I am
studying alone. The most
I can concentrate is for
an hour but it will be
very difficult for me if my
attention span decreases
like this every day. My
mind starts wandering
and I start thinking about
what happened all day. I
also start thinking about
what I will do if I don’t
study but that doesn’t
motivate me at all. Do you
have any solution to this
problem? What do you
think I should do?
Life is full of distractions
but to learn we need to
concentrate. If we don’t, we
miss important information
- information that may
be difficult to access and
understand later. In fact lack
of concentration is not a
cause but an effect in itself.
with Vinita Adhikari
In such situations, what
you can do is to reward
yourself for focusing for
at least an hour. Try to
increase this time by five
minutes every day. If you
can do this in a comfortable
manner, you can gradually
increase it. Don’t panic or
get stressed. Simply relax
and take baby steps.
back and analyze - think
about the kind of person
you are and the kind
of friends you would
be happy with. It is
important to appreciate
what you have and not
only yearn for what is
not there. e grass is
not always greener on
the other side.
I usually have a hard time
getting along with my
friends. They have been
there for me for the past 5
years but now I’m feeling
that I have the wrong
friends because they are
completely different than
I am. Our thoughts, ideas
and mentality - everything
is very different. When
they say a joke, I don’t
even laugh or feel like
laughing. I wonder
if they’re seeing the
changes in me but this is
something that has been
bothering me for about 6
months. I can’t even tell
them how I feel. What do
you think I should do?
I have been living with
my grandparents for all
my life because both
of my parents work in
the UK. Due to some
migration problems,
I have been staying
here with my paternal
grandparents. There
are moments where
they tend to treat me
differently from my
cousins. Sometimes I
even need to prepare
food and cook for my
cousins while they are
relaxing and watching
TV. I’m exactly their age
and I feel humiliated.
My grandparents
don’t understand me
when I try to tell them
indirectly; it’s very hard
to convince people
of that generation. I
tell them stories but
If you don’t feel
comfortable with the
group, there is not hard
and fast rule that you have
to stick to that group. Step
 TEENZ | MAY 
it makes no difference.
Can you suggest me
anything?
Try speaking to your
grandparents directly about
how you feel and see if you
can work together to make
things beer. You might
find your grandparents
have different ideas about
house rules and it is
important to talk to them
about what they are. See
if you can tell them what
you are used to and if you
can come to an agreement
about how you’re going to
live together. Remember,
they may be much older
than you, but they do
love you and have a lot of
fun and wisdom to offer.
Don’t let minor things
like household chores
disturb your life. Simply
do your work and avoid
minor issues. I am sure if
you talk to them they will
understand you. You’re
probably missing living
with your parents and
feeling sad and this is
completely normal.
If you have any problems
and you need expert advice,
mail us your queries at
[email protected]
QUIZ
Relationship
Are you a good
listener?
Communication involves both talking and
listening. Good communication translates
into a good relationship. Both partners
need to express their views with respect,
love and care. Listening is also an integral
part of good communication. See if you are
a good listener by taking the quiz below.
Do you stay on one topic while
having a talk?
Yes, we need to
sort this thing first
a
b
c
When he/she gets difficult, I
tend to switch to another topic
Always -a long conversation
is a call for death
BY PRASUN RAI
Do you make assumptions about your
partner’s feelings and thoughts?
a
Yes, I know my partner really
well
How often do you respond to your
partner’s suggestions?
Do you interrupt your partner in
the middle of a conversation?
a
I usually try it out
a
When I have a point
b
No. I don’t need to
b
Sometimes I just let it pass
I don’t feel like it
c
I shift to the next topic
c
b
Well, I can work my
way out myself
c
He/she is always talking crap
How often do you crack a joke
when he/she is talking?
How often are you right?
a
Just to lighten the atmosphere
a
I hear what my
partner has to say
b
To break the monotony
b
My partner is
seldom right
c
To escape from the lecture
c
I am always right
MOSTLY AS
You are a really good listener. You respond
to your partner’s needs and try to hear him
or her out. It will be such a relief after having
a talk with you. You speak your mind when
there is a need and you really want the
relationship to work.
MOSTLY BS
Listening comes to you when convenient.
You are confident about your partner’s
needs and sometimes think you don’t need
to hear his/her part of the story. You are
trying to listen to your partner but you tend to
fail at some point.
MAY  | TEENZ 
Do you bring up past issues?
a
b
c
It’s no use bringing
up the past
Sometimes I have to
I can never forget
the past
MOSTLY CS
You have rigid views. You are not ready to
appreciate your partner’s feelings. Overconfidence and stubbornness come in
between you and your partner. Having one’s
own ideas is a good thing but you need to
give way to your partner’s opinions too.
Relationship
HIS QUESTIONS…HER ANSWERS
ALL
ABOUT
GIRLS
Want to know why
girls think or behave the
way they do? All along,
you have been talking to
your friends about this
but, now a girl shares
her thoughts on all your
girl-related
questions.
ILLUSTRATION: ANJAN ALE
It has been a couple
of months since I
added this goodlooking girl on
Facebook. I did not
know her then but
now I find her very
likeable. I think I am
falling for this girl.
I think it would be
weird to tell her my
feelings as I have
never met her in
person. What should
I do?
If you really like the
girl that much then be
a man and talk to her,
at least on Facebook! You
are falling for a girl just by
looking at her pictures and
wall posts? Basically, you
are stalking her. Stop doing
that, chat with her. Tell
her how you feel or else it
might be too late.
I recently broke up
with this girl at my
college. Now we don’t
talk, have no contacts
and pretend to be
strangers. But these
days this girl has
started dressing up in
revealing threads. Is
There’s th
is girl in m
y school w
She talks
ho, I think
to me eve
, likes me
ry time, n
and even
.
ever leave
stalks me
s me alon
. I don’t lik
e
e her a bit
. What is th
girl’s prob
is
ere is no
lem?
thing
wrong with
you must b
the girl. Sh
e happy tha
e likes you,
t someone
is always a
cares for yo
round and
u. She
ta
lking to you
nice to her.
all the time
You cannot
so be
totally igno
strangers a
re her and a
s you go to
ct
th
like
can do here
e same scho
is talk to he
ol. e best
r and tell h
y
ou
the same w
er that you
ay about he
don’t feel
r as she mig
ht not know
this.
she trying to make me
jealous?
Your relationship is
already over and she does
not want to be with you
anymore. What makes
you think that she is still
dressing up for you and
puing on an effort to
make you jealous? She
would not have treated
you as a stranger if she
still feels for you. Her
dresses are shorter and
more revealing because it
is summer and do we have
to wear layers and highnecks in summer as well?
She might be trying to
iimpress some other guy.
SShe is young and this is
tthe age when you explore;
sshe will not stay stuck on
you forever. It’s time for
y
you to move on.
y
Whenever I take
W
my girlfriend out
m
ffor dinner, she
embarrasses me.
e
She doesn’t let me
S
sit too close to her
s
and doesn’t even let
a
m
me hold her hands. I
s
seriously don’t know
w
what her problem is.
 TEENZ | MAY 
We have been together
for almost a month
now, does she not like
me? Why does she
freak out in front of a
crowd?
Give your girlfriend some
time to open up. Not
all people are the same;
some are expressive while
some are timid and take
time to open up. It seems
like your girlfriend is
introverted/shy. As this is
just the beginning of your
relationship, she may be
feeling awkward in front
of a crowd with you. Talk
to her as she may not be
aware of how you feel.
She certainly is not doing
this to embarrass you or
something. Tell her how it
troubles you when she acts
like she is not interested
in you. With time, she will
feel more comfortable and
start behaving like her
true self. Also, it is not a
compulsion to hold hands
and sit together whenever
you go for a dinner or a
date.
If you have any guy related
query, send it to
[email protected]
T H E CO M P L E T E FAM I LY M A G A Z I N E
SWEET CHILD
OF MINE
KIDS PHOTO COMPETITION
Thanks for your submissions! Now get as many people as
you can to vote for your child, online. The child securing the
maximum number of votes WINS! 400 lucky voters stand to win
a 4-month subscription of Healthy Life for FREE!
Go to www.healthylife.com.np to cast your vote.
VOTE NOW !
B S C R I P TI
O
N
FR
OF
EE
SU
PARTNERS
R
H
F
O
S
HEALTHY LIFE
4 MONT
Train of Thought
OUR LITTLE HEROES
The second installment to the on-going
series brings you face to face to your daily
inspirations that have gone un-noticed.
BY PRAJESH SJB RANA
L
ife passes you by so fast that
you don’t even know when
the bed you’d been sleeping
in for the past eighteen years,
fails to support your height anymore.
You struggle to find your feet some
space but end up sleeping diagonally,
waking up the next morning with
a sore neck and just like your sore
neck, your mornings are sore when
you wake up in the stillness of your
room. I remember my mother nudging
me awake every morning, reminding
me of the time. She would have my
school uniform ironed and ready;
my breakfast would be on the table
and she would hurry me out of the
door before I missed my bus, always
making sure I did everything right. I
wake up by myself now, sometimes
a lile too late and sometimes a
lile too early, always watching the
sunlight dance across my ceiling. I ask
my mother to help me wake up, but
she refuses every time, “You’re a big
boy now” she says, “You need to learn
to be responsible.” She’s right, I’m
older now, I should learn to wake up
on my own.
Life gets a lot harder when you
don’t have anyone looking out for
you. I get into trouble every time I
reach work late; an entire day’s work
gets halted and I’m responsible. People
rely on me now, things need to be
completed, work done and magazines
taken out and if I fail, I have to be
there to face the consequences. A few
days earlier, my boss took a day off,
leaving me to handle the work laid
out for the day. By the end of the day,
so many things went wrong, from
people shouting at me for my poor
managing skills to people canceling
out deals at the last minute, that
I realized I always need someone
looking out for me. I feel like a child
even though I try to act like an adult,
even though I try to act strong, act
reliable and professional, I’m not and
I need someone to guide me through.
e day off that my boss took made
me realize a lot of things, I realized
how strong she was for going through
I REALIZED HOW I WAS
STILL A CHILD NO
MATTER HOW ADULT
I WANTED TO BE AND
I REALIZED HOW WE
TAKE THOSE LITTLE
HEROES OF OUR LIVES
FOR GRANTED.
 TEENZ | MAY 
each gruesome work day, I realized
how my mother was right about being
responsible, I realized how I was still
a child no maer how adult I wanted
to be and I realized how we take those
lile heroes of our lives for granted.
I always wanted to be older when I
was young, I always wanted to be one
of the bigger students at school, but
what I failed to realize is that the older
I wanted to be, the shorter I wanted
my childhood to get. Being older
meant not being able to rush to my
mother, teary eyed, every time I did
something wrong, it meant not being
able to talk to girls without any sexual
tension, it meant being responsible
and facing the consequences. But most
of all, what being older meant, was
losing those lile threads of string
holding you together and when your
final hero leaves, you realize how
alone you really are.
THE ONLY LIFESTYLE NEWSPAPER
Pre-release
edition on
MAY  | TEENZ 
stand
now
100
This time, we present to
you a hundred attendees
from the ‘US College
Fair’ an event hosted
by USEF, held at Yak &
Yeti. Read out hundred
people’s verdicts on one
common question:
American Dreams
What do you want to do as soon as you reach America? Why?
1
2
7
8
3
4
2. Pawan Kharel, 19,
Concentrate on my further
studies.
10
3. Sama Piya, 17
Get on a flight to Las
Vegas because what
happens in Vegas, stays
in Vegas.
4. Dinesh Subedi, 29,
Stu.dy!
5. Iru Paudel, 26,
I want to be acclimatized
with the social and student
life over there.
6. Sushantika Bhandari,
18,
Study and develop myself.
11
12
6
13
1. Churamani Khanal, 23,
Firstly, I would meet my
professor and then join a
college for my study.
9
5
7. Nisha Puri, 19,
Look around the place,
prepare for adjustments
because I believe that this
is very important to do
before I go ahead with my
studies.
8. Niranjana Thapa,
I just want to get good
education because after
I come back to my home
town, I want to utilize that
knowledge.
9. Surendra Osti, 23,
As soon as I reach
America, I will want to find
my calling so that I can
get a suitable education
degree.
10. Saroj Pyakurel,
Once a judge asked a
bank robber, “Why did you
rob the bank”? The culprit’s
response was “Honestly,
your honor that’s where the
money is.” So, if you ask
me why study in America,
I’d give you a similar
answer.
14
11. Depen Paudel, 19,
I would go see my friends.
12. Julius Karmacharya,
19,
As soon as I reach
America, I will run to
gather my baggage or
else it might get lost.
Misplaced baggage is a
serious problem.
13. Sandesh Bhetwal,
18,
Freak out!
14. Bikram Manadhar,
23,
I would definitely start my
course of M. Arch.
15. Deepak Nepal, 18,
Make America Nepal!
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
31
32
16. Himal Gautam, 17,
I wish to make the best out of
the exposure and resources
available.
17. Santosh Khanal, 19,
I’ll try to recognize my
competitors; then plan the way
to defeat those competitors and
help myself to get a qualitative
education.
33
34
18. Ujjwal Roy, 18
Get my luggage and take a
sound sleep.
19. Sapana Gurung, 17
I want to study to be a CA and
I want to utilize American study
in Nepal.
35
36
38
39
Don’ts right.
30. Deepshikha Adhikari, 19,
I would sleep because I’ll
probably have jet lag.
31. Pragyan Kr. Shrestha, 21,
Study
32. Madhu Pun, 25,
To have knowledge about
American Management
System.
34. Swechha Dhakal, 22
Study
35. Deepanker Baniya, 17,
I would find a place to stay
near my university so that
traveling will be easier.
21. Bishruti Siku, 19,
Look for my class and obviously
attend it.
36. Suman Poudel, 22,
Join an American University for
further studies.
22. Christina Maharjan, 18
I will try to find out why it is so
popular.
37. Prem Krishna Shrestha,
28,
My aim would be to study,
study and study only.
39. Suman Bhandari, 19,
I would work on my dream
project.
25. Bikram Baniya, 19,
I will remember Nepal.
40. Bikash Bdr. Bhandari,
20,
I will find the cheapest hotel in
U.S.A. for accommodation.
27. Pratik Thapa, 18,
First thing? Perhaps I’ll enjoy
its beauty.
28. Barsha Shrestha, 19
I will meet my sister because
she is family.
29. Yuvraj Panth, 18
I will first get my Do’s and
41
42
38. Rajan Maharjan,
Study for my future.
24. Monica Thapaliya, 19,
I want to study and grasp the
education patterns to apply in
Nepal.
26. Pourush Shrestha, 19,
I want to feel America.
40
33. Isha Pradhan, 23
Study
20. Saroj Thapa, 24,
Look for my friends.
23. Prateek Man Shrestha, 24,
Start class because I don’t want
to waste any time.
37
30
29
41. Kritika Bazgain, 19
Join a university to graduate.
42. Shreeti Pandey, 18
Be more familiar about the
place.
43. Riju Shrestha, 18
Roam around the country
and get a grip on my new
environment.
43
44
46
45
47
49
48
50
51
52
53
54
55
56
57
58
59
60
61
44. Shankhar Ram pur
I always wanted to study.
62
63
45. Aayusha Prasain, 20,
I want to pursue my further studies.
46. Yurika Upadhyay
I want to get out of the airport and
say “Yes I have made it”.
60. Niraj Acharya, 23,
I want to go to a concert as I
have always been fascinated by
American musicians.
47. Roshan Kumar Acharya, 25,
I would like to meet the Nepali
society there.
61. Yam B. Pun, 28,
Plan for my upcoming academics
and financial support.
48. Pradeep Neupane, 21,
I’ll get education.
62. Kailash Babu Gelal, 24,
I would want to meet the members
of my college and find a residence.
49. Sumit Rawat, 20,
Get better acquainted with my new
environment.
50. Susma Pant, 27
Complete my Master’s Degree and
then come back to my country.
51. Raju Gurung, 21,
Study Biology.
52. Umesh Gyawali, 25
I want to appear for exams of the
Physiotherapy Board of America.
64
66
65
67
59. Shankar Khatri, 25
Complete my education with
excellent grades without engaging
in any kind of work.
68
69
63. Shiva Tiwari, 20,
I would join a college immediately
and visit new places after getting
a job.
64. Vijay Raj Joshi,
My primary focus will be on my
studies.
65. Narayan Prasad Tiwari, 25,
Make new friends and explore the
unexplored.
53. Eleena Dulal, 18,
I would like to taste the American
water!
66. Manish Koirala, 21,
Get complete information about
Nepali students studying there to
develop a feel of home.
54. Swati Joshi, 20,
I want to visit beautiful places of
America and want to do lots of
shopping.
67. Jyoti Shrestha, 20,
Join BHM in America as due to our
country’s political condition, we are
not getting good education here.
55. Sarita Dhugana, 21,
I would go for shopping because I
have heard that one can get great
deals there.
68. Ishwor Rijal, 22,
I want to pursue my Bachelor Degree
in a reputed university in America.
56. Sangita Karki, 20,
I would like to meet my friends who
are staying there and visit places
with them.
69. Ashish Adhikari, 25,
71
I want to get a degree from an
American college because it opens
the gates to new opportunities
around the world.
57. Bishal Subedi, 21
Study the history of the state & visit
the White House because I am a
fan of President Obama.
70. Minaspi Bantawa, 23,
I want to pursue a university
degree.
58. Devshree Tripathee, 19
Study American lifestyle.
71. Anjan Karmacharya, 21,
Take a round around the university
area and get familiar with the
place.
70
72
74
73
78
83
89
80
79
84
85
72. Shirshak Adhikari
I want to go to Disneyland to
have fun!
73. Surya Datta Sapkota, 26,
Try my best to settle, contact my
university and initiate my studies.
74. Rahul Agrawal, 23,
I’d try and mix-up with Americans
and then try and find the reason
behind their success.
90
75. Prakrit Nepal, 17,
I want to visit NASA and also
take a picture in Times Square.
76. Aayush Baral, 16,
I want to visit Florida Space
Center because I would love to
work there someday.
77. Devendra, 46
I want to settle there and spend a
happy and prosperous family life.
91
81
86
90. Abhisek Manandhar, 19, 95
Study. That is my aim.
96
87. Bipin Kardel, 26,
Find good friends because I
want to be familiar with the
new surroundings faster.
88. Santosh Neupane, 24,
Study M.E.
89. Alisha Pradhan, 18,
That is my aim.
91. Jenish Koirala, 18,
I would start studies towards
my intended major.
92. Sushil Lamichhane, 29,
I want to join a reputed college
for my Undergraduate in
Biomedical Engineering.
94. Sameer Timalsina, 20,
Nist
Boy, I want to thank god, so
that I get the chance to have it.
83. Sabin K.C., 20,
I’d like to get a quick overview
of American culture and various
modern technologies.
84. Asmita Acharya, 16,
I would try to mix with other
students there and concentrate
on my studies.
85. Atrisha Poudyal, 16,
Study hard because I want to
become a successful person.
88
94
79. Prativa Pandy, 23,
My main aim would be to pursue
my higher education in America.
82. Rojan Kunwar, 20,
Study.
82
93
86. Ramesh Adhikari, 24,
Study.
93. Debendra Adhikari,34
Further carrier development
through a PhD in public health
97
or nutrition.
81. Madan Godar, 21,
Study.
77
87
78. Kumar Gaurav Shah, 20,
I will visit colleges because that
would help me to adjust to my
new environment.
80. Sakar lammichane, 17,
I want to go to the wax Museum.
92
76
75
98
95. Devshree Tropathee,19,
I want to study there lifestyle
because it makes me easier to
stay there .
96. Raj,24
I will give my best effort on
researching in power energy
sectors .
97. Bridhika Senchury,16,
I want to meet Obama.
98. Grusha Amatya, 17,
I want to goto Disney land.
99. Rahinsha Shrestha, 16,
I want to goto Hollywood.
100. Anushka Shrestha,15
I want to shop
99
100
Pathsala CANTEEN TALK
Nepali movies
THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY
THE PARTICIPANTS
Sushmit Koju, 19
Raisha Thapa Magar, 18
Alina Shrestha, 18
Basanta K.C., 17
Bijendra Tamang, 19
Rohan Shrestha, 19
Few teenagers nowadays seem to watch Nepali movies.
Some do not like it at all while others are reluctant because of
popularity concerns. How justified is this? We catch up with the
students from Siddhartha Vanasthali Institute to know what they
think about our very own Kollywood.
BY LIZA PAUDEL
Do you watch Nepali movies? Any
movie you watched recently?
SUSHMIT: No.
watching Korean and Bollywood
movies. I find Nepali Movies funny! The
dressing style is a big No-no too.
look real, for example the ‘Dhisum!’
comes before the actual hit in the
screen!
RAISHA: I watched one when I was
really small.
ALINA:
ROHAN: Nepali movies are mostly all
copies. They are changing with time
but still they do not have originality.
ALINA:
I recently watched ‘Ek Din Ek
Raat’, but I don’t watch Nepali movies
regularly.
BASANTA:
Yes. I recently watched
‘Kasle Choryo mero yo man’ and
before that ‘Hungama’. I watch them
regularly.
BIJENDRA: Yes. I watch them mostly
with my grandparents at my village.
ROHAN:
Scarcely.
Why do (don’t) you watch it?
SUSHMIT: Firstly, there is no time to
watch movies for me. Even the few
ones that I watch, I watch them on
DVDs and Nepali DVDs cost a lot.
RAISHA: I don’t find Nepali movies
interesting. For us, we are used to
Well, I watched Nepali movies,
and they would start off really well, but
I would not like the ending. They all
have the same plot.
BASANTA:
I found the recent movie
really nice but the ending was still
dissatisfactory.
BIJENDRA: I only watch movies in my
village because my grandfather loves
them. It is fun to watch with them.
ROHAN: I feel Nepali movies are
progressing compared to before but
they still cannot express the storyline
clearly and the presentation is still not
good, so I hardly watch them.
What do you think of the new
Nepali movies compared to the old
ones?
SUSHMIT: I think acting and dialogue
delivery is better, but it still doesn’t
 TEENZ | MAY 
ALINA:
Like Rohan said, there is
too much copying, and all the bad
scenes too! The stories are all
inspired by Korean movies. But it
has improved, although in terms of
story, the films have gone downhill
and the same story is repeated over
and over, new technology and new
equipments are making the film
business better.
BIJENDRA: I’d say the quality is
improving. Musically, the movies of
today are very good. But the posters
and fight scenes are still the same.
But in terms of presentation and
acting, it has improved a lot, since
new actors are there.
RAISHA:
The concepts are all copied
from Indian movies! At one time,
I saw a poster with Rajesh Hamal
with the body of Salman Khan. Now,
when we recognize this, it is really
embarrassing.
BASANTA:
Nepali movies have a very
small market. But, compared to the
past the investments have increased.
However, they have not been able
to get good gains on the returns,
they have not been able to pull in the
audience.
Why have Nepali movies not been
able to appeal to Nepali teenagers?
Sushmit: Because there is no genre!
All movies are comedy, action and
thrillers, all jampacked into one! There
should be a difference and there
should be variety. They also do not
have any focused markets targeting
specific audience only, teenagers for
example.
RAISHA: There is no consistency. At
one time, the actors are in the city,
then suddenly they are running in a
village!
ALINA:
Because they repeat the same
fight-song-dance sequences and the
scenes of Chobhar and Godavari in all
the movies!
BASANTA:
There is hardly any
advertisement. It’s only in the cities
that the Kollywood movies don’t do
well. Go to villages,and the Nepali
movies are housefull; even when there
is another Bollywood/Hollywood movie
releasing!
BIJENDRA: I think the songs and dance
should be improved. They would do
better with better choreographing.
ROHAN: I think it is because the Nepali
movies do not really speak of our
contemporary culture and the current
circumstances. They are either plain
outdated or copied off from other
movies, irrelevant to Nepal.
Don’t you think teenagers
themselves are at fault at some
level, considering they comment
and complain without even
watching the movie?
SUSHMIT: Like I already said, I have
not seen one Nepali movie and I am
still complaining. But in my defense,
none of my friends till date have told
me anything like, ‘Hey that movie is
great! You should watch it.’ So, this
is where the teenagers fail to see
what they are doing wrong.
RAISHA: I think they are. I mean,
most of them are really concerned
about their popularity, about what
would people think if I went to see
a Nepali movie. They feel they
would be teased by others for that,
so they do not watch it.
ALINA:
Well, the teenagers they
should first see a movie and then
comment on it. People should not
generalize that all Nepali movies
are bad just because one did not
live up to their expectations.
BASANTA:
I still think the main
problem is our small market. Our
audience is small and even this
small audience is reluctant to
watch it for their personal reasons.
The teenagers are to blame for it
too, because they too should be
ready to accept and embrace the
film industry that is ours.
BIJENDRA:
I think it is also the fault
from other places but they’ll need
some time.
ALINA:
There are many less skilled
people here. Producers make their
own film and launch it themselves. I
am reluctant about possibilities but
let’s hope that there is.
BASANTA:
I think they do. New and
better technology is here and its the
same with the actors, there are new
directors and more investments.
BIJENDRA: I think there is, if they better
the storylines that is!
ROHAN: Yes, there are many
possibilities. If instead of political
influence and other unneccesary things,
if we focus on the primary elements of
filmmaking and better them and learn
from our past, and use our capital well, I
don’t see why not!
Coming to a conclusion, what can
be done to better Nepali movies?
SUSHMIT: Firstly, the directors
should know what they are making.
They should not try to incorporate
everything into one, but instead
TEENAGERS SHOULD FIRST SEE A MOVIE AND
THEN COMMENT ON IT. PEOPLE SHOULD NOT
GENERALIZE THAT ALL NEPALI MOVIES ARE
BAD JUST BECAUSE ONE DID NOT LIVE UP TO
THEIR EXPECTATIONS.
of the teenager’s parents. Our
parents feel it is better for us to
watch English movies than Nepali.
My grandparents make me watch
Nepali movies but not all parents/
grandparents do.
ROHAN: Most of the Nepali girls are
usually attracted to melodrama
and watch Korean dramas. They
then find faults with the movies by
comparing them to those produced
from Nepal. They should know
the difference and judge them
differently.
Do you see posiibilities for
Nepali movies in the future?
SUSHMIT: I do hope so.
RAISHA:
Yes! The standards are
improving. We cannot generalize,
after all, Caravan- one movie has
already made it to the Oscars.
They can compete with movies
MAY  | TEENZ 
choose one path and focus.
RAISHA: In my opinion, they should
hire a professional Fashion Designer
or a Stylist. There should be stylish
and elegant dresses so that the
movies look good and also attract
teenagers!
ALINA:
Direction. That surely has to be
improved.
BASANTA:
Movies and stories change
with time. The new upcoming movies
should heed past mistakes and learn
from them.
BIJENDRA: The acting should be
believable. The actors have to
become the characters.
ROHAN: I’d say the story has to be
improved. They have to be able
to demonstrate relevant subjects
and nationalist ideas have to be
integrated.
Pathsala COLLEGES TO EXPLORE
Women who go places,
start at Hollins.
Attending college is one of the greatest
experiences life has to offer. Read on to find
out how a young girl from Nepal learns to
have fun in an all-girls college.
BY BIVISHIKA BHANDARI
I
t all started as I began with a list of colleges that were in line with
my academic competence and extracurricular involvement. However,
deciding on the school I wanted to go to and which school I could go
to was a challenge for me. To make things easier, I started to make my
priority list. Hollins University was one of those schools that seemed to
promise me a perfect start as an undergrad student.
I am a person who loves to have
choices and so a Liberal Arts college
gave me that freedom to choose from
a wide array of subjects. I wanted to
study psychology, something with
feminism, dance and even something
to do with designing. Hollins had
courses offered that could make it
all possible. Once my freshman year
began, I took a Psychology class,
a Gender and Women’s Studies
class, a dance class and tennis for
P.E. Currently I am taking two
psychology classes- Child Psychology
and Motivation and Emotion, one
GWS class - Food, Culture and Social
Justice, one Sociology/Business
class-Organizational Behavior and
my personal favorite at the moment
- a theater class which is a costume
designing class. I am exploring new
subjects, polishing my area of interest
and also keeping up with sports.
Amongst the many clubs that Hollins
students run, I am a part of the GIA
- Global Interest Association club
which aempts to bring diversity in
the campus with its various events
like potluck and cultural shows.
Not everyone chooses to stray away
from the glamour of a big city, but
I wanted to go to a small, close-knit
university and it has been working
great for me. Hollins being a small
private college provides all the needed
faculty aention to their students. A
smaller class size allows aention on
every student and learning is more
effective. It is very important for me to
know my professors and not hesitate
to knock on their doors at any time to
clear my queries. Also, Hollins students
get to know each other, either through
their various student organized events
or at classes or at dinner tables. ere
is never a point where one is le out.
From the very first day, I realized
how warm people are here and I was
NOT EVERYONE CHOOSES TO STRAY
AWAY FROM THE GLAMOUR OF A
BIG CITY, BUT I WANTED TO GO TO A
SMALL, CLOSE-KNIT UNIVERSITY...
totally into the sense of community.
Hollins also runs on the Honor Codethe student body law that everyone
pledges to, and so justice resides in
the community. Everyone treats their
fellow friends with so much respect
and love. Friends are always a call
away if you need help from anyone at
any time.
Aending an all women’s or a co-ed
school was the least of my worries, but
now that I am here, I think I took the
right decision. Everything from the
quality of education, extracurricular
activities to sporting events seem
similar to that of other schools.
However, I feel the environment
is much more empowering. ere
is freedom to explore and exploit
opportunities and resources. Being
surrounded by competent, confident
and charismatic women, you feel like
one of them; more so, you feel like
taking that extra step to be one of them
and bring out the best in yourself. e
more you get involved, the more you
learn more about yourself and feel
more comfortable and confident in
your skin.
Hollins pulls every string to
help international students feel like
home through its various programs.
One such program is called ISOP
which is International Students
Orientation Program. is program
is designed only for those students
who travel miles to be at Hollins.
erefore, there are students who
share the same experience of being
away from home that brings them
extra together. ISOP organizes various
activities before starting school and
continues to give aention to their
international students throughout
the year. Some of the events ISOP
organizes are snow-tubing, movie
nights, bowling and game nights.
International students also participate
in events organized by the cultural and
community engagement program. It
sponsors events such as Intercultural
Reception and we recently celebrated
International Women’s Day. Events
like these give me the perfect platform
to present my dance skills and
introduce to the Hollins community a
part of Nepal.
In addition to this, I knew I needed
it to feel a lile like home if I were to
leave my hometown for a long time. I
needed to feel sound both in and out of
my head. erefore I decided to start
not at an urban but a sub-urban area
and surrounded by hills on all sides,
the valley of Roanoke makes me feel
much closer to our Kathmandu. e
city isn’t very busy with buzzing cars
and loud nightlife; neither does it have
forests of escalating buildings or fancy
malls. e city is perfect for a focused
environment with fewer distractions,
which is a priority for me. I can also
easily navigate the area and now I
feel much more confident exploring
stranger and bigger cities.
And so, as the schools moo goes, I
do believe that women who are going
places, start at Hollins.
Standardized Tests
for U.S. College
Admissions
Standardized tests are an important component of applying to
U.S. colleges and universities. They measure students’ abilities
across a standard platform. It is important to note, however, that
good standardized test scores are just one of the many factors
U.S. institutions consider when awarding scholarship – USEF will
address these other factors in next month’s issue of Teenz.
BY PRIYANI SHAH, INFORMATION ASSOCIATE, USEF-NEPAL
T
he standardized tests that
are usually required for
undergraduate applicants
are TOEFL or IELTS, SAT
Reasoning Test or ACT, and SAT
Subject Tests. Students who want
to give these tests have to register
in advance because seats are
limited. USEF’s advice is to start
looking into these tests while you
are in Class 11 or AS Level rather
than giving the tests aer the
completion of high school. With
a score in hand, you can apply to
colleges and universities in Class
12 itself rather than wasting a
year or two waiting to take these
tests aer completing high school.
Furthermore, if a retake of the
exams is required to improve
scores, you will still have time.
classes in the U.S. are taught in
English, colleges and universities
want to assess if a student possesses
the language skills to succeed in
an American classroom. Students
should be aware of the minimum
score requirement, which varies
according to institution.
TOEFL is available in Nepal as
an Internet Based Test (iBT) format,
offered approximately twice a month.
e iBT TOEFL consists of Listening,
Reading, Writing and Speaking. e
cost for iBT TOEFL is $165.
REGISTRATION
To find test dates, test centers and
to register for the TOEFL, you need
to create a “Profile”, meaning a user
name and password, on www.ets.
org/toefl. Once you create a profile
and log in, you will be able to view
TOEFL
the test centers and register for the
TOEFL is the Test of English as a
test. ere are many test centers in
Foreign Language. is exam helps Kathmandu. USEF-Nepal (also known
to measure English proficiency for as e Fulbright Commission) is an
non-native speakers. Almost all
iBT TOEFL test center. ere are
colleges and universities require
two ways by which you can register
the TOEFL test score to evaluate
for the test. You can mail a dollara student’s English skills. Since
denominated bank dra or register
 TEENZ | MAY 
online with an international credit
card. e easier way to register is via
online registration. If you do not have
an international credit card, some
local banks offer online registration
services to help you make the
payment using their credit card.
SENDING SCORE REPORTS
When you register for the TOEFL, you
can choose to report your scores to
four colleges or universities free of cost.
Additional score reports cost $17 each.
IELTS
IELTS, the International English
Language Testing System, is an
English proficiency test that you
could possibly take in place of
TOEFL. As IELTS is accepted by
about 1,400 out of the approximately
4,000 U.S. colleges and universities,
USEF recommends that you check
the IELTS website www.ielts.org
for the recognition list and more
information.
ACT/SAT AND SAT SUBJECT
TESTS
In addition to the TOEFL or IELTS,
USEF recommends undergraduate
USEF
Pathsala
applicants to take either the SAT
or ACT, as well as the SAT Subject
Tests. ese tests may be required by
some colleges in the United States,
especially the more competitive
ones. By scoring well on these tests,
you make yourself more competitive
for entrance and scholarship at U.S.
colleges. ese tests are offered five
or six times a year and you should
register well in advance to appear for
the tests due to limited seats.
ACT
ACT stands for the American
College Test. It is a fairly new test
for Nepali students as it recently
started in Nepal. e test is paperbased and consists of Reading,
Science, Mathematics, and an
optional Writing section. It is more
of a curriculum based test. e cost
of ACT is $59 without the writing
section; including the writing section,
it costs $74. If you wish to take the
writing exam, you must choose a test
in October, December or April. e
test centers for the ACT are Lincoln
School and Rato Bangala School.
REGISTRATION
Log on to www.actstudent.org and
create a username and password.
Aer creating a username and
password, you can register online
with an international credit card.
If you do not have an international
credit card, you can use the services
provided by some local banks, which
can help you register for the test via
their international credit card.
SENDING SCORE REPORTS
You can send your ACT scores to
up to four colleges and universities
for free. In order to send the scores,
upload the names of colleges or
universities in your ACT online
profile. Additional test score reports
cost $9 per report.
SAT
e SAT is also called the Reasoning
Test. Previously, the SAT was
known as the Scholastic Aptitude
Test, or SAT I. e SAT Reasoning
Test consists of Critical Reading,
Mathematics and Writing. It is a
paper- based exam. e cost for SAT
is $75. ere are three test centers in
Nepal: Lincoln School, Rato Bangala
School and St. Xavier’s School. Please
note that on a single test date, you
can either take the SAT Reasoning
Test or the SAT Subject Tests.
SAT SUBJECT TESTS
Scores from the SAT Subject Tests
(previously known as SAT II) help
U.S. colleges evaluate a student’s
skills in different subjects. ere are
fieen tests a student can choose
from, and all are paper-based.
Students from Nepal usually choose
Subject Tests in Biology, Chemistry,
Physics and Mathematics Levels 1
and 2, but many other subjects are
also available. Students can take up
to three subject tests per test date.
Please note that on a single test
date, you can either take the SAT
Reasoning Test or the SAT Subject
Tests.
REGISTRATION FOR SAT REASONING/ SAT
SUBJECT TESTS
Log on to www.collegeboard.
com and create a username and
password, aer which you can
register online with an international
credit card. If you do not have an
MAY  | TEENZ 
international credit card, you
can use the services provided by
some local banks, which can help
you register for the test via their
international credit card. Paper
registration is also possible (you
would send a bank dra and the
paper registration form to the SAT
Program). Please visit USEF-Nepal
to collect a paper registration form
and guide.
SENDING SCORE REPORTS
You can send your SAT scores
to up to four colleges and
universities for free. In order to
send the scores, upload the names
of colleges or universities on your
Collegeboard.com profile. If you
fail to provide the names within
the time limit given, or if you wish
to order additional score reports,
the charge is $10 per report.
Start planning now if you’d
like to take these standardized
tests in the coming months. For
detailed information about the
standardized exams recommended
for admissions at U.S. colleges and
universities, aend USEF’s free
‘Orientation on the Standardized
Tests’ held monthly. Find out
about USEF’s upcoming events
on our Facebook page, www.
facebook.com/usef.nepal.
Reader’s Stop FICTION
JUKA
BY PARIDHI RANA
J
uka is a joker standing on his
nose. His expressions are tinted
with a sad hue. He performs
tricks to create a mirage. Can he
hallucinate with his thoughts, or can
he pretend? I don’t know but I met
him in a dark alley across the toy
store.
It wasn’t one of the happiest days
in the world I suppose. My eyes
could feel the grey around me and it
was cold. e downpour was almost
worsening that minute era. With
an umbrella in my le hand, I was
walking down the street. I took a rest
across the toy store and someone said
“Hi”.
Startled, I looked around me in
search of what sounded more or less
like a hum, but an awkward silence
took over. I thought of that strange
sound and tried my best to connect
to it but all I could hear was nothing.
“Hi”, he said again, louder this
time. is time my instincts drove
a parallel to the sound and I found
myself facing the alley. It looked
bier.
I hesitated at first. I am not
comfortable with the unknown, but
my inquisitive side ran wild.
I walked forward ignoring my
common sense. I saw a man upside
down, dressed in bizarre aire. His
legs were wrapped in skinny black
jeans and he wore a white striped
shirt. His suspenders looked lose;
it seemed like the man was defying
the theory of elasticity. His hair was
untidy and it was oozing out from
the sides of his almost-bald head.
His face was painted white and a red
smile was drawn across his sad face. I
sneered at him. is man was wrong,
his existence felt strange. Why is he
standing on his nose? I thought.
I did not run away nor did I
scream atop my lungs but I continued
to stare. My gaze caught his
aention, finally. He tried to frown
so that I could see him smile a lile
beer. I was his only audience and I
watched. He sang a song, a gloomy
one but I was his only listener, so I
listened.
Time passed by and I grew old.
I looked at my hands, they looked
miserable with all the wrinkles. I
touched my face and the smoothness
was gone from there as well. For such
reasons I frowned. I examined the
creepy joker in front of me and he
LITTLE DROPLETS POURED DOWN MY FACE
AND THE UMBRELLA WAS GONE TOO. I WAS
FRIGHTENED. I COULDN’T STAND THERE
FOREVER I THOUGHT, SO I SAID FAREWELL
TO MY NEW FRIEND. HE WOULDN’T REPLY
BACK BUT I COULDN’T WAIT ANY LONGER.
TIME WASN’T WAITING.
 TEENZ | MAY 
By: Sudeshana Karki
still looked the same. His smile was
still there. It would not fade away.
Lile droplets poured down my
face and the umbrella was gone too. I
was frightened. I couldn’t stand there
forever I thought, so I said farewell
to my new friend. He wouldn’t reply
back but I couldn’t wait any longer.
Time wasn’t waiting.
I turned around but to my
surprise, the toy store was gone. It
was now a grey abandoned building.
As I started myself towards the city,
I noticed the streets were empty and
deserted. I couldn’t spot a single
person. Scared, I ran as fast as I
could. I kept running until I fell. I fell
deep down into a hole and with a
thud, I woke up.
Very few amongst us like bizarre
things and the peculiar ideas that
interest these few could easily look
crazy to the others. Nonetheless there
is just a fine line separating insane
and a genius, it depends which side
you are comfortable with.
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I’m not a
child
anymore!
BY ANUSHKA JOSHI
CONFESSIONS
I
s it really that
exhilarating being a
teen? Many of us are
so used to these boring,
monotonous routines of
our life. I mean, nothing
ever happens, right? Wait
a minute - don’t jump to
those conclusion just yet.
Let’s take a step ba and
look at our lives in slow
motion. ere could be just
a lile more to it than we
all actually let on…
All those preteen years
of dying for the thirteenth
birthday, the time when we
thought being a teenager
was “all that”, what did it
all lead to? When I woke up
on my thirteenth birthday
I was disappointed that
there was no *poof*, I was
still myself; I didn’t let my
childhood go instantly, and
I definitely hadn’t grown
perfect curves overnight.
So what’s with the thrill?
I guess as we gradually
bid our childish desires
farewell, we were looking
forward to a life “full of
life”. Speaking personally, I
no longer felt that passion
for toy cars, Pokémon cards
or Barbie dolls. e things
that used to aract us, now
embarrass us. at Lego
set with a gazillion lost
pieces was replaced with an
iPod, all those Spiderman
or Cinderella clothes were
replaced with Levis jeans
and skimpy tank tops and
the forgoen collection of
so toys was replaced with
a smart new phone. Even
the precious family bonding
times were replaced with
talking to or chaer about
friends and members of the
opposite sex.
Maybe we do think
we’re “all that”. We are
more than used to our
own anger and frustration
towards our parents
when they try to define
wrong from right and are
impervious to their long
lectures. What is it with
them and moral preaing?
What’s wrong with going
on dates, bunking a few
classes? We’re not harming
anyone. What’s all the fuss
about? I’m responsible!
Leave me alone! Ofcourse
I won’t neglect my studies.
ey should really start
trusting me! It’s my life!
Wait! Now try looking
at the same from their
point of view. We can only
guess what’s going on in
their minds. I guess we’re
going through a phase
where emotional surplus
used to say; just be yourself,
because life is too short to
be anyone else. And when I
was lile I thought, how can
I be anyone else, I’m me and
I’m not going to change. I
guess now I know what she
meant. Nevertheless, all that
we want is to be wanted.
First crush, first date,
first kiss, first boyfriend,
first “I love you”, first
break up… we remember
all these over-rated things.
However, do you remember
your first day at school,
your first teacher, your first
Math class? At this point,
all we care about is who’s
burning up our dreams and
who’s on the hate list. at
elating rush of adrenaline
as he walks towards you is
Reader’s Stop
world; you create your
own fairytale ending and
keep your hopes up high
until they come crashing
down when he meets some
other girl.
You take a deep breath
and you walk down
your school hallway,
everything’s moving so
fast. Take some time to
memorize your childhood
room, the times you
danced around in your
PJs geing ready for
primary school, the rush
of excitement when your
dad got home from work.
ere’s a part of me that
will stay there and never
grow up.
ey say teenage
is the most formative,
THAT LEGO SET WITH A GAZILLION LOST
PIECES WAS REPLACED WITH AN IPOD, ALL
THOSE SPIDERMAN OR CINDERELLA CLOTHES
WERE REPLACED WITH LEVIS JEANS AND
SKIMPY TANK TOPS...
dominates our personality.
Sometimes I feel a sense of
pride as I defeat someone
in an argument. Are we all
really this snobbish and
arrogant at times?
We all have the tendency
to want to make extravagant
friends. We’re all just as
obsessed with who’s the
best dressed, who gets the
hoies, who’s kind of cute
and who’s just a mess. But,
the only thing that maers
is climbing up that social
ladder. I’m sure we’ve all
experienced backstabbing
and fighting for popularity,
trying to be fake; someone
who you’re not and could
never be. My mom always
almost impossible to miss.
You can sense his shyness as
he tries to ask you out; the
way he complements your
every aspect makes you feel
like flying. You can’t wait
to tell your friends about
his dreamy eyes and his
perfect, husky voice - they’ll
be green with jealousy. Oh
and how could you forget
those roses sent to you on
Valentine’s Day by a secret
admirer, you’re just dying
to know who. All these
infatuations will surely
be highlights we’d love to
share with our friends. e
way he treats you like a
princess, making you feel
like the only girl in the
delicate and difficult
stage of one’s life. What’s
that supposed to mean
anyways? Teen age only
comes around once; make
sure you spend it the
right way; live it with
arms wide open. So, my
friends, here’s to the
guys we stalk, the nasty
girls we block, the gossip
we spill, the looks that
could kill, to having each
others’ backs, spilling the
tears and staying together
through the years. What
more could we ask for,
aer all, we’re only
teenagers!
Interested ones can send in
their articles at editorial@
teenz.com.np
Get Inspired INSPIRATIONS
5
Cambridge Outstanding
Achievers from 2010
Ingroj Shrestha
World Topper, Mathematics, A Level,
June 2010, Kathmandu Academy
Had you expected such a result?
During my exam of Mathematics in November 2009 in the AS
Level, I was sick. I tried my best and was hoping for a good
result but not a world topper. During my A level examinations, I
knew that I had given my level best through the guidance of my
teachers and had been hoping for a good result.
Why did you choose to pursue your studies in A-Level?
Since a kid I wanted to pursue my studies in A-Level. A-Level
provides students an international platform. I had a desire to
prove myself in an international level. A-Level is not only about
knowledge but also about understanding. The freedom of
subject choice and challenging syllabuses also appealed to me.
Why A-Levels Mathematics?
I had chosen to study A-Level Science and Mathematics is a
branch of it.
What type of book did you read as a kid? What are your
favorites?
I did read quite a few novels as a kid but among all my favorite
has always remained Siddhartha, a novel by Hermann Hesse.
What are your plans for future?
I have applied to a few colleges in the US. Mathematics and
computer programming are my interest so I will be taking my
guidance from my teachers and parents in finding the best
place for my further studies.
What do you suggest for those taking A-Levels?
Never take exams as a headache and think that they are
difficult. If you try your best and work hard then you will get the
fruitful result of your hard work.
Who are your inspirations?
My parents and friends have always been a great source
of inspiration for me. My math teachers Krishna Kushwaha,
Pramesh Subedi and Rajendra Sharma have also always
encouraged me.
What are you doing right now?
Currently I am teaching mathematics at my college to S.L.C.
students. I am also involved in the works of various social
organizations.
Liza Paudel
Nepal Topper,General Paper,
AS Level, June 2010 and Nepal
Topper, Computing, A Level, June
2010, Trinity International College
Had you expected such a result?
No, in fact I had thought my exams hadn’t
gone too well. In Computing I was careless
enough to leave a full 10 marks question
just because I did not turn the page!
Why did you choose to pursue your
studies in A- Level?
After SLC, I did not want to go
through the same “Nepali” way of
studying of “rot-rot-and more rot”; A
Levels seemed a nice change. It also
provided an international platform and
offered me flexibility of subjects.
Why A-Levels GP and Computing?
GP because it was compulsory! And
Computing because coding fascinates me.
What type of books did you read as
a kid? What are your favorites?
As a kid I grew up reading detective
and mystery stories like Sherlock
Holmes, Nancy Drew and Hardy Boys.
Sherlock Holmes still remains my
Byanjana Thapa
World Topper, Language and Literature in English,
AS Level, June 2010, Rato Bangala School
Had you expected such a result?
Honestly speaking, no. There are two papers in the exam.
The language part had gone well but I thought I had
spoiled literature and had thought that I was going to get a
B. The result came as a shock to me.
Why did you choose to pursue your studies in A- Level?
Actually, I have no particular reason. I guess it was
because I wasn’t receptive to the concept in +2 like rote
learning. A-Levels is more about understanding the
concept and learning rather than memorizing.
Why A-Levels Literature?
I’ve been interested in Literature since my childhood. I’ve
always been influenced by my family. My father majored
in English and many of my family members have been
involved in this field. I have also always been interested in
poetry and as it is a section of literature, hence, A-Levels
Literature!
favorite fictional character. My favorite
book as of now is “The Secret Life of
Bees.”
What are your plans for future?
I am going to the U.S. this fall to start
my undergraduate studies there.
What do you suggest for those
taking A-Levels?
Learning from experience I’d say, try
NOT to leave out any questions if you
can. Staying calm without panicking
during exams also helps.
Who are your inspirations?
Very hard to say. I’m inspired and
awed by so many people. I am
amazed by people, their strengths and
achievements every day.
What are you doing right now?
Giving this interview. (Laughs)
Currently, I am working at ECS Media
for the Teenz magazine.
What type of books did you read as a kid? What are your
favorites?
I read many books by Jacqueline Wilson. I also really liked the
Harry Potter series. I liked reading crime fiction like Sherlock
Holmes. Now I read more books related to history, politics and
poetry. I am also reading The Motorcycle Diaries.
What are your plans for future?
I have applied to various colleges in the U.S. I’d like to go for
the Liberal Arts or may be Environment Science and also major
in European History.
What do you suggest for those taking A-Levels?
One suggestion that I’d give them would be to work consistently
and to dedicate their time in completing the assignments. The
more you work, the better results you’ll obtain. Also, always
choose the subjects that you’re interested in.
Who are your inspirations?
My English teacher, Ms. Perry Thapa has been a great source
of inspiration for me. My editor at Kathmandu Post, Mr. Amish
Raj Mulmi has also always encouraged me. My sister, who is
12 years older than me, is my role model.
Get Inspired INSPIRATIONS
Gaurav Thapa
Nepal Topper, Economics, A Level, November 2010,
Nepal Topper, Accounting, A Level, November 2010
and First Place in Nepal, Best Across Three A Levels,
November 2010, Independent Candidate
Had you expected such a result?
No, the result was not at all expected. I
thought that my exams had not gone well but
was trying to convince myself that I would do
well. But I hadn’t expected it to be that good
so the result was a complete shock to me.
What
Whatt are your plans
l
ffor
or ffuture?
utture?
?
I haven’t made any exact plans for the
future but I do want to pursue my studies
in Economics. I hope to do my PhD in
Economics and aspire to win the Nobel Prize
in that field some day.
Why did you choose to pursue your
studies in A- Level?
Well, the decision was actually spontaneous.
There was only one college for A Levels
in Biratnagar. I gave the entrance exam
and was able to get admission there. So, I
decided to go along and study the A Levels.
What do you suggest for those taking
A-Levels?
Don’t choose A Levels just because someone
says it’s good for you. The standard of A
Levels suits some people while there are
many who may find it difficult. Make sure to
choose the subjects to your convenience. Go
through the courses, syllabus and only then
judge whether it’ll suit you or not.
Why A-Levels Economics and
Accounting?
Economics and accounting because I was
more into commerce and management than
science. More than science I prefered to
handle money and manage businesses. This
was one of the reasons I wanted to pursue
my studies in economics.
What type of books did you read as a
kid? What are your favorites?
Reading was mandatory at our school. I
read a lot of books by Charles Dickens like
Great Expectations and Oliver Twist. My
favorites include Sidney Sheldon and books
by Dan Brown.
Who are your inspirations?
I can say that my cousin brothers inspired
me a lot. They excelled in their studies
so my family expected a lot from me too,
which inspired me to work hard and move
ahead. Another inspiration would be reading
the biographies of personalities like John
Travolta and John Forbes Nash, Jr.
What are you doing right now?
Currently, I have a job at ECS Media. I
really like my job. I am planning to go to
college soon and have been looking over
my options.
Had you expected such a result?
Well, I can say that the result was not
entirely unexpected.
Why did you choose to pursue your
studies in A-Level?
In my opinion, A-Level is certainly
a superior course with much better
international recognition than the
ubiquitous 10+2 course - the only other
significant option in Nepal.
What type of books did you read as a
child? What are your favorites?
I read both fiction and non-fiction as a kid.
One of the earliest books I read was The
Adventures of Robinson Crusoe by Daniel
Defoe. I studied in St. Xavier’s School and
the library there offers a large variety of
books. My favorite writers are Jules Verne
- a French science fiction writer and H.G.
Wells - an English writer.
Shitoshna Nepal
World Topper, General Paper, AS Level,
November 2010, Rasto Bangala School
What are your plans for the future?
I have applied to a few colleges in the
US and Germany, waiting for their
response. I want to do my Majors in
Electrical Engineering.
What do you suggest for those taking
A-Levels?
Brute memorization is not applicable in
A-Level as compared to SLC and +2
courses. In A-Level, you should be clear
about the concept. There is less emphasis
on remembering formulas and equations.
Rather one has to understand the course
enough to derive equations and formulas.
Who is your inspiration?
One great source of inspiration to me is
the great scientist Isaac Newton. He is
like a role model to me. Though he was
born 350 years ago, his inventions and
discoveries continue to affect the world
even today.
What are you doing right now?
Currently I am teaching mathematics at
my college to S.L.C. students. I am also
involved with various social organizations.
JOOP !
The Clothing Store.
Ranjana Galli, WTC (Tripureshwor)
Phone: 4249106, 984930636
Lights out
HOROSCOPE
Fashion
Aries
ope
horosc
TEXT: BONITA S. BASNYAT
Cancer
March 21 to April 20
June 22 to July 22
Arians are usually the ones to do
obsessive, compulsive shopping.
You usually have many things
happening professionally and
at home and you like to wear
the right outfit. You have a
theme for your daily outfit, from
professional to sporty. Arians
are also good at paying attention
to the details. Red, brown, black
and gold are their colors.
Since Cancerians are alluring,
emotional and sentimental,
they like to dress up in their
own simple style. Whatever
they see is whatever they
wear! For special occasions,
Cancerians are the ones that
take time to dress up. They
also love to accessorize and
have a little fun with their
clothes. Chiffon dresses are
definitely for them. The colors
best for you are black and
white, grey and beige.
Taurus
April 21 to May 21
You always have a fresh and
youthful look that goes well with
your originality. You usually like
trying new looks, something that will
create a sense of adventure. You
tend to choose outfits that make
you look irresistible. Pink, green
and blue are your best colors.
Gemini
Nava neeta
Model
Birthday: May
16, Hits FM RJ
ion”. She
statement “Don’t do fashion, be fash
She totally abides by Coco Chanel’s
. She
style
own
r
thei
te
crea
to
d
d, people nee
believes that to stand out in a crow
ral fibers.
natu
into
is
she
s
day
se
The
ets.
the stre
shops everywhere from malls to
ryone.
and black because it goes with eve
pink
,
blue
are
rs
colo
rite
favo
Her
Leo
Virgo
May 22 to June 21
July 23 to August 22
August 23 to September 22
Gemini usually has the best
wardrobe while comparing with
all other signs. People generally
always admire and adore your
sense of fashion. You should
also try to play with different and
vibrant colors. Geminis can be
elegantly fashionable anytime
they want. Your colors are cool
blue, turquoise and silver.
Leo is the most luxurious dresser
and shopper amongst the signs.
They always want the best,
and want to look the best for
all occasions. Even if it is just a
hangout, you like to be dressed well.
Additionally, the Leo is usually the
one that hates any type of fashion
pressure. The best colors for you
are yellow, orange and red.
Virgo prefers to keep it simple and
decent. You will never usually spot a
Virgo wearing tacky and flashy clothes
with loud colors. Virgos will prefer to
wear jackets with a simple trouser and
will still carry it off very well. Since you
are very observant, you will always
buy something that only looks good
on you. Black, white and dark blue are
the perfect colors for you.
 TEENZ | MAY 
Libra
SEPTEMBER 23 TO OCTOBER 22
The Libran will usually wear his/
her moods and attitudes. You
prefer wearing bright colors
when you are happy and dark
grey colors when not in a very
good mood. You can be spotted
wearing sweatpants to elegant
dresses. But, the occasion doesn’t
really matter for you, it’s the mood
that gets them going. The best
colors for you are pink, bright red
and orange.
Scorpio
OCTOBER 23 TO NOVEMBER 21
Scorpios are usually the brand
conscious type. You do not like
having 100 different dresses
but instead they prefer one
very good one. Scorpio also
likes to have different types of
jewelry with their outfit, be it from
earrings to bracelets Scorpio
wants them all and has them all.
The colors that suit you and your
personality are purple, indigo
and red.
Sagittarius
Bidhata KC
Birthday: May
29, Artist
During summer, I wear a
lot of white. I used to love
wearing brown and grey
colors but now I like bright
colors like yellow and pink. I
love to wear cotton clothes
and more than bracelets
and jewelry I like wearing
earrings of which I have
many. I like matching them
with my clothes.
Capricorn
Aquarius
JANUARY 20 TO FEBRUARY 18
Aquarians are people who feel great in
sporty outfits. You feel fashionable and
comfortable in such attire. When it comes
to dressing up, you like to follow current
trends. You have your very own sense of
style when it comes to fashion. Your best
colors are lilac, purple and blue.
Pisces
NOVEMBER 22 TO DECEMBER 21
DECEMBER 22 TO JANUARY 19
FEBRUARY 19 TO MARCH 20
You love to wear new things and
try out all the new collection and
trend in town. From accessories
to clothes to bags and even socks
you have your own style to wear
them.You never really need a stylist
to dress up; you’re a born stylist
yourself! You look best in dark
clothes like brown, green and black.
You usually love clothes that can
express your personality. The
combination of red and black will
make you look irresistible. When
it comes to fashion, you like
taking risks and going beyond
the conventional. The best
colors for you are gold, green
and yellow.
Pisces tends to like clothes that are
clingy and long, which compliment
their curves well. You like to wear
mostly sea colors with a touch of
personal style. You tend to have a
new outfit for every occassion and
like looking the best in a crowd. The
colors best for you are- silver, golden
and black.
MAY  | TEENZ 
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Reflexology is a method of applying
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are used both for recreaƟonal and
therapeuƟc purposes, with most people
uƟlizing them as a relaxaƟon tool that
provides addiƟonal health benefits.
Head and shoulder massage
includes massage of head and
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Manicure is a spa beauty treatment
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Spa (Steam, Sauna, Jacuzzi Area
Usage) (60 min)
Vertebral Message with Doctor
ConsultaƟon (60 min)
These are forms of hydrotherapy.
These help in relaxing body and
mind. They encourage relaxaƟon,
improve blood circulaƟon,
relieve pain, relax muscles. These
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Applying deep pressure of the
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Shiatsu is a tradiƟonal Japanese
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diseases resulƟng from blocked or
unbalanced energy.
May 2011
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16
Casual Styles
from UFO
Confess on their
American Dream
Get Closer to the Musical,
Kristina Allen
A NEW HOME,
Hostel Life
Childhood Lost,
Childhood Regained
6
Siddhartha Vanasthali
Students Talk
About Nepali
Movies
5
Young
Achievers
Teenz Spills the Beans
on Standardized Tests
WHAT AFTER
SLC ?
The Big Decision Unraveled