From a Student in a School without Walls to the Department Head in an American College: An Inspiring Story of Professor Chuda Baral

From a Student in a School without Walls to the Department Head in an American College: An Inspiring Story of Professor Chuda Baral

Professor Chuda Baral was born in Galephu Bhutan. Galephu is situated in Sarpang district in the southern part of Bhutan, surrounded by lush greenery and scenic views. Galephu is known for its agricultural activities, with terraced fields and rice paddies covering the landscape. The district is also home to several small villages, each with its own unique charm and cultural heritage.

Mr. Baral left Bhutan at his tender age due to political issues in Bhutan and grew up in a refugee camp in Nepal. The children in the refugee camps often faced lot of challenges. The living condition was overcrowded, lacking privacy and adequate sanitation facilities. Limited access to food, healthcare, quality education and other basics needs was a concern. Despite the difficult circumstances, Mr. Baral remembers the strong bonds within the communities and the demonstration of hope for a better future by the children in the refugee camps.

The education system in the refugee camp had limited resources. Mr. Baral remembers the schools without walls in early days in the refugee camps. With the effort from humanitarian organizations including CARITAS Nepal, schools were built and education system was established with insufficient resources and facilities. Despite the challenging circumstances, Mr. Baral was determined and resilient child who remained dedicated to his education. Despite not having the luxury of a quiet study space or a desk of his own, he possessed an unwavering commitment to his studies. He consistently achieved best grades in his class and gained recognition from his teachers and school as the top student. His passion for learning and his strong work ethic inspired his classmates, and he became a role model for others facing similar challenges. Professor Baral still remembers the hard work of the teachers in the refugee camp and says I would not be where I am now, without the support of the teachers in the refugee camp.

Chuda completed his 10th grade in the refugee camp and completed his high school (12th) grade from College for Higher Education (COHED) in Birtamod, Nepal. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Physics from Tribhuvan University, Nepal. He also earned his Master’s Degree in Applied Mathematics from the University of Colorado at Denver. In addition to these, he earned his degree in Teaching Licensure Program from the Metropolitan State University of Denver.

Professor Baral faced financial challenges when he was going to colleges both in Nepal as well as here in the USA. Working full time and going to college was not an easy work for him. After coming to US, as the first-generation immigrant student, the differences in educational systems and academic standards posed a significant challenge for him. He faced a learning curve in adapting to new teaching methods, study habits, and expectations. Balancing family obligations and responsibilities, and work schedules, with the demands of college was overwhelming, but he never gave up and kept working hard. He is thankful to his family for supporting him in his journey.

Professor Baral is an educator with multiple years of experiences working in elementary, middle and high schools, and community colleges. He worked as an elementary, a middle and a high school mathematics and science teacher in Nepal. He worked at Denver Public Schools, Aurora Public Schools, Community College of Denver and Community College of Aurora in various capacities. Currently, he is the Department Chair and Professor of Mathematics at the Community College of Aurora. As the department head, professor Baral provides a quality leadership for the department, including program review and planning, curriculum development and management, scheduling, enrollment management, assessment of student learning, evaluation and supervision of academic departmental staff, recruitment, hiring, and mentoring of qualified instructional staff. He supervises eight full-time professors and over 50 instructors in the department. He also advises students pursuing degrees in STEM related fields. Recently, he has been recognized with NISOD Excellence Award in Teaching and Leadership at the 2023 NISOD International Conference at Austin, Texas.

Professor Baral’s story is a testament to the power of perseverance and resilience in the face of adversity. Despite the hurdles he encountered, his dedication to his education shone through, illustrating the transformative impact education can have on the lives of determined individuals.

My Message to the students:

To my students, I want to convey a message of excitement, empowerment, and the boundless potential that lies within each of you. As a math professor, I have witnessed the transformative power of mathematics in unlocking doors to knowledge, critical thinking, and problem-solving. Mathematics is not merely a subject confined to textbooks or classrooms; it permeates our everyday lives, from technology and finance to art and nature. Embrace the beauty of mathematics and recognize it as a tool that can shape your future and contribute to society. Don't be intimidated by its complexity; instead, view it as an opportunity for growth and exploration. Embrace the challenges, seek understanding, and never shy away from asking questions. Remember, mathematics is not about having all the answers; it is about curiosity, perseverance, and the joy of discovery. Together, let us embark on a journey of learning, where mathematics becomes a gateway to realizing your dreams and making a positive impact in our ever-evolving world.