Hometown: Kathmandu, Nepal

Major: recent Computer Science graduate

Graduating: May 2021

Why did you choose to attend GSW?
There were many reasons I wanted to attend GSW but one of the deciding factors was definitely the out-of-state tuition waiver for international students. International students usually pay three times the amount in-state students pay, but GSW’s waiver program has helped me and my family tremendously when it came to paying for college. I encourage all incoming international students to look into this program provided by GSW.

Please list all University involvement, achievements, awards, and leadership roles using the format below. 

• Computer Club, 2 years, Vice President (2020-2021)
• International Student Association, 2.5 years, Member (2018-2021)
• President’s List, 1 semester
• Dean’s List, 5 semesters
• GSW Drop intern (Jan 2021- May 2021)
• Student Engagement Desk Assistant, 2 semesters
• GSW Panorama Discussion Series Presenter, 1 semester, Topic: What is Citizenship? (2019)

What would people be surprised to know about you?
I think people would be surprised to know that I used to play soccer as a midfielder. My school team was given the opportunity to represent Nepal in the Continental Cup International Youth Sports Festival in Cleveland, Ohio in 2014, where 228 teams from 10 different countries competed in different sports.

What’s your favorite spot-on campus and why?
My favorite spot on campus was the swing in front of the Education Center. Me and my friends would go sit there enjoying the cool breeze and stargazing during hot summer nights. I was very upset when it was taken down.

What has been your greatest challenge?
I think my greatest challenge was moving to a new country and trying to “fit in.” Just that initial phase of learning and adapting to a new culture was quite overwhelming. However, I had my best friends - Meg, John and Elia - who basically adopted me and never hesitated to educate me no matter how silly my questions were.

What advice do you have for incoming students?
I advise all the incoming students to plan your classes out thoroughly. I sat down and planned all my classes for the upcoming 2 years in my freshman year. This will help you graduate earlier - or at least on time. I would also advise the freshmen to avoid leaving internships to their last semester and look into doing it over the summer. This way you will have more than one opportunity to learn and gain experience.

What is your favorite class and why?
I would say all of Dr. Mukkavilli’s classes were my favorite. They were rigorous but fun. While I won’t miss the weekly quizzes and homework, I will definitely miss the participation in class. He always gave us plenty of opportunities to participate and although half of the time the answers I yelled out were absolutely incorrect, I feel like I got to learn so much from his classes. Further, he incorporated extra practice problems and interview problems at the end of each semester just to help us achieve our desired career goals.

What is your favorite series to binge watch? Why?
How to Get Away with Murder. This is a story about a law professor and her inner circle of students, colleagues, lovers and friends who each season find themselves involved in a murder and use their legal knowledge to cover up their crimes. Sounds distasteful? It very much is. It's messy, ugly, upsetting - and totally brilliant! Each season is gripping, it is so cleverly done and will have you on the edge of your seat waiting for the next installment. Also, Viola Davis! *heart eyes*

Posted June 16, 2021