When I joined Students For Liberty (SFL) last month, I’ll admit I felt lost. Everyone used big words like “free markets,” “individual rights,” and “limited government.” I nodded along, but secretly wondered: “What does ‘liberty’ really mean for someone like me, a regular student from Nepal?”
Then, something clicked.
It wasn’t in a textbook or a fancy lecture. It happened at a tea stall near my college. My friend Abhishek was arguing with the owner. The price of tea had doubled overnight. “It’s not fair!” Abhishek shouted. The owner just shrugged. “Blame the fuel strike. Everything costs more now.”
That’s when I realized: Liberty isn’t just philosophy. It’s about who controls your choices and who takes the blame when things go wrong.
Lesson 1: Freedom = Responsibility (Even for Beginners)
In Nepal, we’re used to pointing fingers. If roads are bad, we blame the government. If prices rise, we blame businesses. But SFL taught me a radical idea: What if we all took a little ownership?
The tea stall owner didn’t want to raise prices. He was trapped:
- Fuel shortages (government-controlled)
- Price caps (more government rules)
- No competition (big companies get permits; small stalls don’t)
His “choice” wasn’t free. And my friend’s anger? Misplaced.
My beginner takeaway: Liberty means letting people solve problems without asking permission. If the tea stall could buy fuel freely, compete fairly, and set honest prices, we’d all sip better chai!
Lesson 2: Small Freedoms Matter Most
I used to think liberty was about huge things: elections, constitutions, protests. But SFL showed me it starts tiny:
- Choosing what you learn: At my college, we must attend “mandatory ideology workshops.” Why can’t I pick what interests me?
- Starting a side hustle: My cousin makes amazing momos but can’t sell them without 5 permits. Paperwork > passion.
- Disagreeing politely: When I questioned a professor last week, he said, “Stop making trouble.” Since when is asking a question “trouble”?
Liberty hides in these small moments. It’s not about overthrowing systems overnight. It’s about asking: “Can I breathe a little freer here?”
Lesson 3: My Awkward (But Exciting!) SFL Journey
As a new Local Coordinator, I’m still figuring things out. My first event? Only 8 people showed up. I forgot to print flyers. The speaker’s mic died.
But it was MAGIC.
Why? Because for 2 hours, we talked openly about:
- Why some Nepali youth flee abroad (hint: not just money)
- How to start a business without bribes
- Why “mind your own business” is actually good advice
No one judged my basic questions. No officials listened in. Just honest curiosity.
That’s liberty in action: Spaces where you can fumble, learn, and grow without fear.
A Challenge to My Fellow Newbies
If you’re new to liberty like me, try this:
1. Spot 1 “unfree” moment this week (e.g., “Why can’t I sell my art online?”).
2. Ask “Why?” Dig deeper than surface complaints.
3. Share your story. Speak Freely—yes, even if it feels messy!
We don’t need perfect answers. We need honest questions.
The Freedom to Grow
Three months ago, “liberty” was a textbook word to me. Today? It’s the thrill of hosting my first debate. It’s Abhishek and the tea seller finding common ground. It’s realizing my voice, however shaky, matters.
To every beginner out there: Your confusion is power. Your questions are the first steps to change. Let’s learn liberty together, one imperfect step at a time.
“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction. We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same.”
This piece solely expresses the opinion of the author and not necessarily the magazine as a whole. SpeakFreely is committed to facilitating a broad dialogue for liberty, representing a variety of opinions. Support freedom and independent journalism by donating today.
