Being born and raised in Nepal, my cultural identity is deeply embedded in everything I do. My beliefs, compassion, motivation, and drive all stem from my heritage. The way I think, problem-solve, and approach challenges is shaped by my upbringing in Nepal. However, after immigrating to the U.S. at 13, I was faced with the daunting task of adapting to a new language, education system, and culture. It was an overwhelming transition, but it also taught me resilience, independence, and the value of perseverance. Those experiences instilled in me the determination to push myself further, knowing that I am capable of achieving more than I once thought possible. Higher education holds profound significance for me—not just as a personal milestone but as a symbol of my family's journey and sacrifices. My father never completed fifth grade, and my mother barely finished high school. If I attend college, I will be the first in my family to do so. My father immigrated to the U.S. during a time of political turmoil in Nepal, driven by the hope that his children would not have to endure the struggles he faced. His ambition was clear: to provide me with the opportunity to focus on my education and build a future that he never had the chance to pursue. Growing up with this understanding, I have always prioritized education, recognizing it as both a privilege and a powerful tool for change. Education does more than transform an individual’s life—it uplifts entire communities. I have seen this firsthand through my work in high school. As the founder and president of my school’s Red Cross Club, I led initiatives such as organizing blood drives, raising funds for vaccines in underserved regions, and installing smoke alarms in low-income neighborhoods. My role required coordinating teams, managing logistics, and ensuring each project ran smoothly. However, what I am most proud of is the sense of community we built within the club. Seeing my peers come together, motivated by the same desire to help others, and witnessing the direct impact of our efforts has been incredibly fulfilling. Beyond my local community, I have also worked to make a difference internationally. As an Executive Coordinator for VolNepal, I teach English to schoolgirls in remote Nepalese villages, helping bridge educational gaps for students who have limited access to quality learning. Education transformed my own life, allowing me to navigate new opportunities and challenges, and I want to provide that same chance to others. Seeing my students improve their English skills and gain confidence reinforces my belief that education is one of the most powerful tools for empowerment. My academic interests have also driven me toward a career where I can make a difference. My fascination with computer science and cybersecurity began when I conducted a research project on IoT device vulnerabilities. I realized how critical cybersecurity is in today’s digital world—where threats like hacking, cyberbullying, and data breaches can have serious consequences. That project solidified my passion for the field and aligned perfectly with my long-term goal of serving as a cyber-warfare officer in the Navy. For me, pursuing higher education is not just about earning a degree or securing a career—it is about making an impact. It is about honoring my parents' sacrifices and proving that their hardships were not in vain. More importantly, it is about using my education to uplift others, to create opportunities, and to ensure that my success contributes to the betterment of my community—both here in the U.S. and in Nepal.

Giving back to my community is a part of who I am. Having experienced economic hardship, cultural disparity, and adjustment challenges in new environments, I understand how crucial support systems and opportunities are. My personal experience—from growing up in Nepal and coming to the U.S. to dealing with language barriers and cultural adjustment—has given me a strong passion to serve. I want to enable others with the same challenges so that they possess the tools and support they need to thrive. One of the ways I achieve this is by being the founder and president of the Red Cross Club at my school. Through this role, I have led activities that have directly impacted my fellow students as well as the community in general. I have organized blood drives to help meet regional and national blood demand during shortages, organized fundraising drives for humanitarian missions, and participated in the "Sound the Alarm" program, installing smoke alarms in low-income neighborhoods to aid fire safety. In these endeavors, I learned the power of collective action—how a group of dedicated individuals could come together to make an extraordinary impact. Volunteering outside of school, I volunteered at Frederick Nursing Home regularly, assisting older residents with weekly activities such as bingo, crafts, and van trips. The majority of the residents do not have visitors daily, and I have found that the simple gesture of a conversation or activity can make them so happy. Building relationships between generations has continued my passion for service and human connection. My commitment to education extends globally as well. As an Executive Coordinator of VolNepal, I teach English to schoolgirls in rural villages, closing educational gaps for students with limited access to quality education. Education transformed my own life, allowing me to navigate unfamiliar opportunities and challenges, and I want to provide the same opportunity to others. Seeing my students grow in their English skills and gain confidence is so gratifying, reminding me that education is such a powerful tool for empowerment. It is imperative for me to give back since I know what it's like to be struggling, not be heard, and not have the same access to opportunities. My support throughout has shaped my success, and I feel I owe it to pay it forward. Whether through community projects or international education initiatives, I am committed to making a lasting impact. Helping others grow, thrive, and have hope in their circumstances is what drives me, and I will continue to serve my community in any way that I can.

Since childhood, I have witnessed various violent and traumatic events, leaving me feeling sorry for the innocent kid who once believed in a world of blooming flowers and the scent of fresh honey. Growing up as a lower-middle-class child with a single mom in a third-world South Asian country, I was exposed to the harsh realities of life and society. Domestic violence, alcohol abuse, poverty, and a devastating 7.5 magnitude earthquake that claimed thousands of lives instilled emotional and mental resilience in me. Despite these challenges, I am grateful for having a roof over my head, a proper education, and never having to worry about my next meal. My life took a fortunate turn when my dad changed his fate by leaving our village and making his way to America. At the age of 13, I embarked on a 30-hour flight alone to join him, and the experience both scared and prepared me, showing that where there's a will, there's a way. The cultural shock of arriving in America surprised me as I encountered social barriers and injustice, contrasting with the portrayal of the country as near-perfect from afar. The internet exposed me to countless ways people suffer around the world, reshaping my perspective profoundly. I became driven to make a positive impact, alleviate suffering, and eliminate negativity. It took time to realize that effecting change is a step-by-step process, and every small act can be meaningful and impactful. I started by taking care of myself, recognizing that to contribute positively to the world, I needed to cultivate positivity within me. Then, I extended my efforts to my family, helping with translations and creating a positive environment for us. I participated in climate-friendly processes, like cleaning parks and appreciating nature, as a first step toward contributing to environmental preservation. As I entered high school, volunteering with the Red Cross made me aware of various social issues. In my community, opioid addiction has resulted in numerous young deaths, leaving families and friends devastated. To address this critical problem, I recently started a club in partnership with HOPE AMERICA and Frederick Goes Purple to raise awareness about illicit substances in my high school, where 1800 students remain unaware of this extreme epidemic. Additionally, I have decided to become a Navy officer to serve our country and its people. With a commitment to service, integrity, and professionalism, I believe I can contribute to a safer and better world through my service in the Navy. Never forgetting where I came from is one of my life mottoes. I plan to return to my birthplace to advocate for those suffering due to weak governance or lack of access to basic human needs. My goal is to communicate with different people and offer help to millions who suffer through no fault of their own. In conclusion, my journey has shaped my passion for making a positive impact on the world. Through a step-by-step approach, community engagement, and service in the Navy, I hope to alleviate suffering, promote positivity, and contribute to a better and safer world for all.