Aashutosh Pokharel, a freshman majoring in chemical-materials engineering at Florida State University, stands out as the sole undergraduate student from Nepal at the university. His journey from Nepal to FSU is not just a story of academic pursuit but also one of resilience and cultural exploration.

Coming from Nepal, Aashutosh's path to FSU was paved with gracious opportunities. "Thanks to the generosity of the admissions committee, I was awarded the out-of-state tuition waiver at FSU," he explains. Additionally, the Southern Scholarship Foundation (SSF) provided him with rent-free housing, making his college experience affordable and accessible.

Aashutosh's discovery of FSU was serendipitous. While studying fundamental particles in Physics with a friend, he stumbled upon the biography of Paul Dirac, a renowned physicist who once taught at FSU. Intrigued by FSU's scientific legacy and reputation, Aashutosh was inspired to pursue his undergraduate studies here.

Being the only undergraduate student from Nepal, Aashutosh is in a unique situation. However, his experience at the Southern Scholarship Foundation (SSF) has been enriching, and he has found comfort in the company of his housemates. "The first week of Fall 2023 with the hurricane closing was especially a time when I felt lonely," he recalls. "However, my experience at the SSF has been great, and I have enjoyed the company of my housemates there." Studying in a different country has been a transformative experience for Aashutosh. "Studying in a different country has been eye-opening for me," he shares.

Despite being far from home, Aashutosh holds onto his Nepali identity through the Nepalese Student Association at FSU, which celebrates Nepali festivals like Dashain, Tihar, and the Nepali New Year. He also cherishes his memories of community festivals back in Nepal and the mountainous scenery of Nepal, these are some of the things he misses while living in the United States.

Aashutosh has embraced life at FSU, participating in EngageTLH trips, volunteering in community service, and making use of available resources on campus. His involvement extends to cultural activities, where he has enjoyed events organized by various RSOs. He has also been a participant in the CGE’s Global Ambassadors Program (GAP) giving presentations at Pineview Elementary School and Maclay School's World Language and Culture Festival.

Looking ahead, Aashutosh believes his experience at FSU will greatly impact his career choices. "As a freshman, I believe I will find out the answer to this question as I spend more time here at FSU," he remarks. After completing his studies at FSU, he plans to pursue a Ph.D. in chemical engineering.

During his time at FSU, Aashutosh has come to find out many people don’t know much about Nepal and Nepali culture. He seeks to educate others about his country, often using Mount Everest as a reference point to describe Nepal's beauty and location between India and China.

To other international students considering studying in the United States, Aashutosh advises careful consideration of the location and environment of the university. He believes that choosing the right place can greatly enhance the overall experience.

As Aashutosh navigates his academic and cultural journey at FSU, he remains a great example of inspiration for international students, showcasing the enriching experiences that come with studying in a new country and embracing new cultures.