HOMETOWN: Kathmandu, Nepal
MAJORS: Marketing and International Business
MINOR: Business
YEAR IN COLLEGE: Senior

Tell me about life pre-NKU. Where did you grow up?
I was born and raised in Kathmandu, Nepal. I went to Budhanilkantha School, the national school of my country, where I lived on campus for almost 10 years. So I basically grew up in the premises of Budhanilkantha. We could visit family once in a month, though, and that’s why I got so much love and care from my family as I was always away.

Why did you choose NKU? What kept you here?
For me, these the top three reasons that I chose NKU:

(1) Safety. Since it is among the top five safest universities of America, it gave me a sense of satisfaction that my parents won’t be that worried about if the place is safe or not.

(2) Scholarships. NKU looks up a student’s skills and abilities with our GPA and is generous to give as much as scholarships we deserve. So, scholarships were also a huge part of me choosing NKU.

(3) Belonging. For most classes, the teacher to student ratio is 23:1. This makes it quite easy for a student to focus on the professor and the professor to identify where the student is struggling and to help them. I just love the environment and everything that NKU has offered, and it keeps me wanting to learn more and has kept me on my grounds.

Can you tell me a little about what you're studying?
I am doing my double major in Marketing and International Business. I have always wanted to learn how businesses work all around the world, and also I love to travel. Given that, my majors fit perfectly to learn and to get an opportunity to travel all around the world.

Describe NKU in one word.
This is a tough one. I would say NKU is “diverse."

What’s your favorite class?
My favorite class has been public speaking that I took with Emma Walker. She is great and she actually helped me gain so much confidence and made me feel better about how I speak in public. I really loved her class and am ever grateful for it!

Where is your favorite spot on campus? What makes that spot so special?
I love the Campus Recreation Center. It’s a place where I can workout and also get most of my homework done!

Where’s the best place to study on campus?
It has always been hard for me to actually go to the library and get some studying done. I love to study at the Health Innovation Center. It is quiet and peaceful and also keeps me focused as there aren’t many people inside.

What is your greatest passion?
I love talking to people, and also I am a great listener. Sometimes all we need is someone who can listen to us and what we are going through. It has helped me build life-long friendships and great memories!

What’s a favorite NKU memory you’ll never forget?
I have had so much fun moments here at NKU that I’ll never forget. From forcing my friends to keep their schedules free from noon-1 p.m. so that we all could eat lunch together, from being a tour guide and international orientation leader, going to NLS Fall retreat and building friendships and from being in Nepal and having flights cancelled due to COVID-19, Oh! I’ll cherish these all.

What is your favorite way to spend your free time?
I usually like to watch movies and go to the gym when I have time. Also, I like taking walks when the weather is great!

Who’s your favorite professor (or staff member)? Why?
I have had so many great people who have influenced me and my life generally. It is very hard to pick out. I would say that I am very thankful for all the professors and great people that I have worked with. NKU Admissions and NKU International Admissions have my heart!

What advice would you give to a first-year student?
Things might look different and difficult right now, but hey, it’s okay and everything will get better. You will figure out your classes, you will make great friends and you’ll be happy! Also, try to get involved in as much activities and have a great time here.

Have you had any memorable internships or co-op experiences?
I started my marketing internship in January 2020 at the International Students and Scholars Services (ISSS), and I love it! First and foremost, my supervisor Mrs. Rebecca Hansen is awesome and she has taught me great things. Getting to be a part of where I come from and being able to share how wonderful NKU is with other international students gives me so much pleasure.

What are you most looking forward to after graduation?
Hopefully finding a great job and making an impact as an international student here! Also, I can’t wait to travel and explore so much.

What kind of job would you like to have after you graduate?
I currently am loving the work and everything I do at ISSS. Getting to interact with students all around the world is something I can see myself doing too! If not, working for an international company like P&G, Kao, etc.

What does getting your degree mean to you?
Coming all the way from Nepal this far to study and get this degree that I have worked so hard for is very meaningful for me, my family and everyone who has seen me through with it. It is just not a degree for me, it is something that I have dreamt of, have been passionate about and have worked so hard for!

What are a few things every NKU student should do here before he or she graduates?
Take walks when the weather is great outside, play sand volleyball even if you don’t know how to, start working out as you pay the fee for the Campus Rec Center, smile as you see people looking at you, do the most of any events on campus, go to career fairs, build connections and make memories that will last a lifetime!

Did you study abroad during your time here? If so, tell me about your experience.
Coming to NKU is a study abroad experience for me, and I will tell that the experience has been great so far.

Tell me anything else about yourself and/or NKU that you want folks to know.
Being an international student, coming about 12,000 miles away from home, I was very scared. I really didn’t know what to expect, but now I am so glad that I did take this step and came here to NKU because it has given and continues to give me so many great opportunities regardless of where I come from!