My only and unique brother, Gom Dorji.

Gom Droji and Jigme Zangpo

We Are Brothers by Fate

We are brothers by fate, and I am happy to be his brother. Growing up in the same family, I have many memories that have comforted my lonely mind whenever I think of them. Unlike other brothers who are not always together, we have always stayed close—until I left for Spain for the exchange program scholarship.

We studied in the same pre-primary school in our village. In 2003, I separated from my brother and went to Lauri Primary School to complete my Class Six. In 2004, while he was still in Class Six in the village, I was in Minjiwoong Lower Secondary School, studying in Class Seven. We were together again in 2005 at Minjiwoong School, where we even shared the same bed. Unfortunately, I fell ill in 2005 and could not attend the final exams. But instead of feeling unhappy in 2006 for missing a year, I was happy to study together with my brother. From that point onward, we were always in the same grade.

At Nanglam Middle Secondary School, we were in the same class (IX A) and shared the same bed. We completed Class X peacefully in 2008, in the same class and same bed.

The results of the Bhutan Certificate of Secondary Education (BCSE, Class X) were declared in February 2009. We both qualified for Class 11 and were placed in Nangkor Higher Secondary School. He was in 11 Science B, and I was in 11 Science A, but we shared the same room. We completed our +2 studies at Nangkor in 2010.

The Bhutan Higher Secondary Education Certificate was declared at the end of January 2011. We both joined College of Science and Technology to become Engineer. 

Looking back at where we are today and where we came from, we are proud of our hard work and determination. Three years of college have gone by, and the days and nights we spent together in the same room for six semesters were truly wonderful. You obeyed me as I was your brother, but brother, I am sorry that I could not obey you as much as you did. That is my only lingering regret when we are no longer together. I now realize the value of respect and obedience. Once again, I am sorry, my dear brother Gom Dorji. Please forgive me for being impolite sometimes. I am happy because you always understood my nature.

Brother, I shall always strive to keep our bond of brotherhood strong, now and forever. I have great expectations from you that you will unite our family as a family should be.

Now that you are in your final year, my hope and deepest prayer are that you always remain true to yourself, stay away from negative friends, and continue to care for our precious parents.

Your brother will be in Spain for 10 months, missing you all.

With affection,
Jigme Zangpo

My visa for Spain has been approved.

Finally, I received my Spain visa after almost a month since submitting my documents. Thank you to everyone who helped me obtain the visa. Now everything is ready, and I am prepared to leave for Spain.

On 1st September 2014, I will be traveling to Spain via Brussels, the capital of Belgium.

Emotion of Departure

From 7th to 12th August 2014 was a truly memorable time—a moment of happiness. The reason I consider it a moment of happiness is that I was able to meet my parents and relatives. However, that happiness was only temporary.

The moment of happiness turned into a moment of sorrow as soon as I said my final goodbye to my parents and relatives. It became even more painful when I saw tears of love and care falling from my mother’s eyes. I consoled her by saying that I would return soon. I am going for a good purpose—I am not going to die, nor am I going to stay there permanently.

I will always remember your sweet words of advice to become a good son. My affection and care for my parents and relatives will never leave my mind as long as I live. I will make all of you realize my true love and care.

My only prayer is to meet all of you again in good health, just as before, when I return.