Chiranjivi Poudel: A Journey of Learning, Hard Work, and New Beginnings

Chiranjivi Poudel: A Journey of Learning, Hard Work, and New Beginnings Introduction Every person has a story shaped by dreams, challenges, and determination. My name is Chiranjivi Poudel, and my journey has taken me from Nepal to New Zealand through education, engineering, hospitality, and continuous learning. My life reflects the belief that success is not defined by where we begin, but by our willingness to grow, adapt, and move forward. The Meaning Behind My Name My name, Chiranjivi, comes from Sanskrit. It is formed from two words: "Chira," meaning long or eternal, and "Jivi," meaning living. Together, Chiranjivi means "one who lives long" or "long-lived person." In Hindu tradition, the word Chiranjivi is associated with individuals blessed with long life and endurance. Growing up, I always felt that my name carried a message of perseverance and resilience, qualities that have guided me throughout my life. The History of the Poudel Family Name The surname Poudel is one of the respected surnames found throughout Nepal. Historically, many Poudel families were associated with education, scholarship, teaching, and religious service. The surname is believed to have evolved from the Sanskrit word "Upadhyaya," meaning teacher or scholar. For generations, Poudel families contributed to Nepalese society through learning, community leadership, and public service. Being a Poudel reminds me of the importance of knowledge, integrity, and dedication. Early Life and Education Born and raised in Nepal, I grew up in a country rich in culture, tradition, and natural beauty. Like many young Nepalese students, I was taught the importance of education, respect for elders, and hard work from an early age. As I progressed through school, I developed an interest in technical subjects and problem-solving. I was fascinated by construction projects, infrastructure development, and how engineering could improve people's lives. This interest eventually led me to pursue a Diploma in Civil Engineering. Between 2011 and 2014, I studied Civil Engineering at Sushma Koirala Memorial Engineering College in Nepal. During my studies, I gained knowledge in surveying, drafting, construction management, and engineering design. These years laid the foundation for my future career. Beginning My Engineering Career After completing my education, I entered the engineering field with enthusiasm and determination. My early professional experiences taught me valuable lessons about responsibility, teamwork, and practical problem-solving. I worked as a Surveyor and Supervisor on road and bridge construction projects. These projects allowed me to contribute directly to infrastructure development while improving my technical skills. Working on construction sites required precision, patience, and attention to detail. During this period, I learned to operate surveying equipment, collect field data, supervise construction activities, and maintain quality standards. Every project brought new challenges and opportunities for growth. Growing as a Professional As my experience increased, I worked with engineering consultancies and construction companies in different roles. I became involved in engineering surveys, drafting, reporting, and project supervision. My work included: Topographic surveys Construction surveys Site supervision CAD drafting Engineering reporting Quality control Team coordination These responsibilities strengthened my understanding of engineering and project management. They also taught me the importance of communication, leadership, and adaptability. Eventually, I worked as a Sub-Engineer at Pathibhara Construction and Engineering Pvt. Ltd., where I was involved in drafting, surveying, valuation work, and project supervision. This role represented an important milestone in my professional development. Expanding My Skills Beyond Engineering One lesson I have learned throughout life is that learning should never stop. While engineering remained my primary profession, I also developed an interest in hospitality and customer service. To expand my skills, I completed Advanced Barista training. Learning coffee preparation and café management introduced me to a completely different professional environment. It taught me customer interaction, service excellence, teamwork, and business operations. Working as a Barista in Kathmandu helped me develop confidence in communicating with diverse customers and managing daily operations efficiently. A New Chapter: Moving to New Zealand One of the most significant decisions of my life was moving to New Zealand. Leaving Nepal meant leaving behind familiar surroundings, family traditions, and professional networks. At the same time, it opened the door to new opportunities, education, and experiences. Moving to another country is never easy. It requires courage, adaptability, and patience. There are language differences, cultural adjustments, and new systems to understand. However, every challenge became a learning experience. Living in New Zealand has allowed me to meet people from many cultures, broaden my perspective, and continue building my future. Working and Studying in New Zealand In New Zealand, I have continued to work hard while pursuing personal and professional development. I joined Silver Fern Farms as a Process Worker, gaining experience in New Zealand's workforce and learning about local workplace culture. Like many immigrants, I understand the value of starting where opportunities exist and building toward future goals through dedication and perseverance. Every job teaches something valuable. Whether working in engineering, hospitality, or manufacturing, I believe that honest work deserves respect. Family and Personal Values Family has always been one of the most important parts of my life. My wife, who works in healthcare, has been a source of support and encouragement throughout our journey. Together, we have faced the challenges of building a life in a new country while continuing to pursue education, career development, and personal growth. The values that guide me include: Hard work Honesty Continuous learning Respect for others Family commitment Community involvement These principles have helped me navigate both success and adversity. Technology, Community, and Hobbies Outside of work and study, I enjoy technology, computers, and gaming communities. I have an interest in computer hardware, software, and troubleshooting. I also enjoy participating in Pokémon GO communities, where people come together through shared interests, teamwork, and local events. These activities help build friendships and create connections beyond professional life. Looking Toward the Future My journey is still continuing. I believe that learning never ends and that every challenge provides an opportunity for growth. My future goals include continuing my education, expanding my professional opportunities, strengthening my skills, and contributing positively to my community. The path from Nepal to New Zealand has taught me resilience, adaptability, and determination. Every step has contributed to who I am today. Conclusion My story is not simply about engineering, hospitality, or migration. It is a story about persistence and the willingness to embrace change. From studying civil engineering in Nepal to working in different industries and building a future in New Zealand, every experience has shaped my character and strengthened my belief in continuous improvement. As I continue my journey, I remain proud of my roots, grateful for the opportunities before me, and committed to creating a meaningful future through hard work, learning, and service to others. "Success is not a destination. It is the result of continuous effort, lifelong learning, and the courage to keep moving forward."