From Nervous Newbie to Proud Leo: A Year of Transformation


Leo, which consists of three letters L, E, and O, has its meaning and abbreviation. Leo stands for Leadership, Experience, and Opportunity. It was first founded by Jim Graver in 1957.
A year ago, After Completing My SEE exam on my birthday, I saw that my Science teacher, Mr Himal Rawal, was elected as President of the Leo club of Kathmandu Manasalu for the L.Y. 2024/25, and by watching tha,t I just felt that I also wanna be like him and I just messaged him and he said “ You can join but since you are 16 yrs you will be staying in alpha group” and I said “Ok sir”. After two days of my interview, I just met Mr Bibas Neupane, si,r who was the president of that club since it was his tenure, so I had met him and he positively invited me and talked to me and I got a post named “Tail Twister”. I was happy enough, and he invited me to the “Manasalu Board schooling,” where all the board members were trained, and our concept would be clear.
My First Event / Manaslu Board Schooling
Finally, the day had come, which I had been waiting for, it was the day of board schooling, where I was about to meet and connect with many people who are already leaders, but still they are willing to learn and collaborate. A small boy, I, who was small and junior among all, entered the room with many dreams and expectations to learn and be a Future leader. At first, I just met with our PVST team, and I, as Tail Twistter, joined them too. Our Manasalu Board Schooling was about to start, but before that, I just met Mr Kubir Kranti Pathak, a former District president of Leo District Council 325 B2 Nepal, And His words were so inspiring. Later on, I met with him so many times.
The Event went quite Good. On that day, our Alpha Board had been declared all our guardians (Omegas) were happy by inducting a new energetic team for the L.Y 2024/25.
Our Board Member For L.Y. 2024/25
From Volunteer to Leader: My Favorite Leo Experience
In this one year of tenure, I have attained more than 10+ programs, including District, Cluster, and Region. In every event, wherever I used to go, all used to be proud of me because among all the leos, I was the only person who was small among all, and all used to love me a lot. Among so many programs, I would like to Highlight Some programs in which I Learnt about leadership skills and brotherhood.
Manasalu Quiz Competition 2081
This memorable event took place at Darshana School, Gothatar, where 15 schools actively participated in a competitive and energetic quiz competition.
The quiz finished with Gothatar in first place and Gandhi Adarsha Mahavidyalaya in second. Things became a little tense when some students didn’t agree with the judge’s decision. I talked to them and helped calm the situation. This taught me a lot about being patient and handling problems with kindness.
Many dedicated volunteers worked hard, and their efforts made the event very successful.
We were honored by the presence of:
Leo Lalan Kr Mahato (District President, 325 R)
Leo Bipin Yadav (Cluster 1 Chief)
Leo Bibas Neupane (Region 2 Chairperson)
Leo Bishwo Bhandari (District Deputy Chief, 325 S)
Leo Aaron Maharjan (IT Coordinator, 325 F)
And all the school representatives and Omega members of LCK Manasalu.
This event was more than just a quiz. It was a powerful and memorable experience where I learned about leadership, worked closely with others, and built strong friendships.
Cluster 1 Fellowship Cricksal
After many successful service events, it was finally time for some refreshment and fun.
Following the Cluster 1 Fellowship Futsal in October, we waited eagerly for the Cricket event, which was held on 19th April 2025. With 12 program coordinators, the competition was big and exciting.
The event had a few conflicts due to some unavoidable situations. But I truly respect and thank Leo Aarush Timalsina Dai (President of LCK Himalayas Patan), Leo Bipin Dai, and all the other club presidents who gave their best to keep the event peaceful. They had to handle a lot, and they did it with calm leadership.
In the end, LCK United Bright won the tournament. My team, LCK Manasalu II, became the runner-up, and that felt like a proud moment.
We were honored by the presence of:
Leo Dipesh Tikhatri (District Executive Secretary)
Leo Sabina Lamsal (District PRO)
Leo Seema Chaudhary (Region 1 Chairperson)
That day, I learned many things — how to build a team, how to cheer others up, and how to adjust in tough situations. It wasn’t just a game; it was a lesson in leadership. To my surprise, our Cluster 1 Chief awarded me for my energy and involvement. I also met many new members, but the love from my whole Cluster 1 is something I will never forget.
Animal Feeding Program
After joining the Alpha group, I attended my first event on 13th July 2024 at Bhandarkhal, Gaushala. It was a new experience, and I was both nervous and excited.I met many new general members of the Alpha team that day. It felt good to finally connect with them.I was usually afraid of monkeys, but that day I was not scared.
We were joined by Leo Dipesh Tikhatri (District Executive Secretary) and Leo Bibas Neupane (Region 2 Chairperson). Their presence made the event feel even more special.The event was simple but memorable. It marked the beginning of my Leo journey.
“From Shy to Strong: My Growth as a Leo”
When I first joined the Leo Club, I was an introvert.
I wasn’t interested in participating in anything. I often delayed doing my work. I was lazy, had no motivation, and didn’t know where I fit in.
But everything changed when I became a Leo.
In the Leo Club, I discovered that every small effort is appreciated. Slowly, I started becoming active. I began volunteering for small tasks. I pushed myself. And within my first month, I was honored with the title “Leo of the Month.” That single moment made me believe in myself.
Joining the club didn’t just bring change — it brought transformation.
I began developing my communication skills.
I learned how to meet new people, talk in front of others, and not be afraid of any group. The quiet boy who used to run away from duties now liked to start things.
Over time, people started recognizing me.
By the end of my first year, many called me “Memer” — my small identity in the club — and affectionately referred to me as “Alpha ko Bhai.” That name, those words, gave me warmth and motivation.
I received appreciation from people across districts, some even placing their district pins on me, and that felt like receiving medals of love.
A special thanks goes to the Leo Club of Kathmandu Manasalu (Omega and Alpha) — my original team, my foundation. They believed in me before I believed in myself.
Being assigned as a Tail Twister was a real challenge.
It wasn't just a fun post — I had to manage time, monitor rules, and collect fines from those who broke them. That role taught me discipline, accountability, and leadership.
Before Leo, I only had one family — my home.
But after Leo, I found a second family, a community where love, respect, and growth never stop. With each person who helped me, I became stronger and more sure of myself.
Now, I don’t hold back from taking responsibility.
I feel happy, brave, and eager to work.
I’m no longer the person who waits — I’m the one who acts.
And all this was possible because Leo didn’t just give me a badge…
It gave me belief.
Leo: More Than Just a Club, It's Family
When I joined the Leo Club, everyone was new to me. I didn’t know them, and they didn’t know me. But after some time, respect, liking, and friendship started to grow.
People’s kindness, nature, and behavior slowly created an atmosphere that felt like home. And soon, I wasn’t just part of a club — I was part of a family.
I’ve been supported by so many wonderful souls throughout this journey. From my club, the Leo Club of Kathmandu Manasalu — both Alpha and Omega teams, to friends outside my club like Leo Sushmantha Bishwokarma Didi, Leo Shivam Sah Dai, and Leo Dipankar Niraula Dai from LCK Dreams — their presence has always lifted me in good times.
There are a few people who deserve a special mention. Those who’ve constantly guided, supported, and believed in me:
Leo Bipin Yadav Dai, Leo Himal Rawal, Leo Dipesh Tikhatri, Leo Bibas Neupane, Leo Prema Didi, Leo Sujata Rasaili, Leo Rajendra Badhuwal Dai, Salina Didi, and many more.
I am also grateful to Leo Aarush Timalsina Dai, Leo Seema Chaudhary Didi, Leo Ashish Dai, and Leo Avinav Dai — all of whom have treated me like their own younger brother. They never made me feel small or left out. My entire cluster feels like a second home, where no one is judged, hated, or forgotten.
If I ever get the opportunity to become a District President, my first appreciation will go to all of them. Because I’m still learning — and to me, they are my heroes.
At home, my father always encouraged me to learn new things and become a wise person. And today, he’s proud — because all these Leo members helped guide me down a good path.
Even in school, my teachers recognize and appreciate the work I do through the Leo Club. Their support makes me stronger to do even more.
Most of all, I want to thank my loving family for trusting me and letting me take part in the Leo journey.
And to my fellow Leo members — thank you for your unconditional love, support, and belief in me. I won’t forget it.
Looking Back and Moving Forward
Looking back, this one year in the Leo Club wasn’t just about titles, events, or certificates — it was about finding my true self. From an unsure boy who feared responsibility to someone who now takes initiative, speaks confidently, and leads without hesitation — the transformation has been life-changing.
The Leo Club gave me a new family, many memories, and important life lessons. Every event, every problem, every laugh, and every time I learned helped make me who I am today. The care, help, and advice from my seniors, friends, and teachers are something I will always keep close to my heart.
I thank everyone who stayed with me, trusted me, and helped me grow, especially my Leo Club of Kathmandu Manasalu (Omega and Alpha) and Cluster 1. Without them, this journey would not have been so special.
This is not the end — it is just the start. I carry this experience inside me and look forward to giving more, learning more, and growing more in the future.
Once a Leo, always a Leo. 🦁❤️
Thank-You
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Leo Club of Kathmandu Himalayas Patan
Leo Club of Kathmandu Himalayas Patan
Leo Club of Kathmandu Himalayas Patan (LCKHP), established in 1974, is Nepal's oldest Leo Club with a proud 50-year legacy of youth-led community service. As part of Lions Clubs International's global network, we empower young leaders aged 16-30 to create positive change through volunteering. Our diverse projects include blood donation camps, environmental clean-ups, health awareness campaigns, orphanage support, old age home visits, disaster relief, educational initiatives, and skill development workshops. Throughout our history, we've directly impacted thousands of lives across Kathmandu Valley and beyond. What sets LCKHP apart is our commitment to developing leadership skills among youth while addressing pressing community needs. Each project offers members hands-on experience in project management, teamwork, communication, and social responsibility. Our members gain valuable skills while making tangible differences in their communities. Beyond local efforts, we actively participate in regional and international Leo initiatives, collaborating with other clubs to amplify our impact. Our members represent Nepal's bright future—compassionate, skilled young professionals committed to service and leadership. This blog documents our journey, showcases our members' experiences, and shares the stories of communities we serve. Through these narratives, we hope to inspire more young people to embrace volunteering, demonstrate the power of youth-led initiatives, and highlight the positive transformation happening in Nepal through service. Join us in our mission to create meaningful change through leadership, experience, and opportunity—the core values that define the Leo spirit. #YouthLeadership #CommunityService #NepalVolunteers #LeoClub #SocialImpact