Rinchen D.

Rinchen Dolma's roots trace back to the remote Changthang region of Ladakh, nestled within the Tibetan Plateau's rugged expanse. Her journey has been marked by adversity from the outset, as her father departed from the family mere months after her birth. Since childhood, Rinchen Dolma has borne witness to the turmoil of domestic violence, with successive male figures entering her mother's life, bringing turmoil and instability.

Despite the challenges, Rinchen Dolma's mother perseveres, shouldering the burden of providing for the family. From toiling as a laborer on mountain road construction to tending to her flocks of pashmina goats and cattle during the summer months, her mother embodies resilience in the face of hardship.

In the autumn of 2022, Rinchen Dolma found refuge and opportunity at Amrita-Seattle. Now, she stands on the cusp of a new chapter as she prepares to transition to a prestigious private school in Leh. As a first-generation learner, Rinchen Dolma embodies the spirit of determination and possibility, driven by her insatiable thirst for knowledge and her vibrant sense of humor. Her journey is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity, and her future holds the promise of boundless potential.