International Perspectives: Rajwol Joshi ’18 International Perspectives, Computer Science Major, Kathmandu, Nepal
“I came here primarily for a liberal arts education (something not available back home), uncertain of what I wanted to do. A year and a half later, I feel like I know the direction I’m headed in, and the journey has been worth it.”
Tell us about your home. What do you miss most?
I come from Nepal, a small country sandwiched between China and India. It is surrounded by a rich cultural heritage and lined with the Himalayas, so I miss waking up to the sight of rustic temples and snowcapped mountains. Since I was born and raised in Kathmandu, a city with a population of a million, it took a little getting used to the smaller Lexington, and I do wish I had access to the options that I had back home. The food is something I really miss, and although I do like the food here, there are days when I wish I was with friends eating some good Nepali dumplings at our favorite restaurant.
W&L has been great so far for me. I came here primarily for a liberal arts education (something not available back home), uncertain of what I wanted to do. A year and a half later, I feel like I know the direction I’m headed in, and the journey has been worth it. I’ve made some good friends who make Lexington feel like home for me, and being away from family has been easier than I thought it would be.
What are you involved in here on campus?
I am on the executive board of the MSA and was part of SAIL’s board for a while. I was also on the leadership of the Iowa delegation for this year’s Mock Convention and am also part of the Sigma Nu fraternity.
What has been most surprising about W&L and Lexington so far?
It is a really small place. I initially thought it would be bigger, but you can get to places here without a car. Also, you end up recognizing everyone you see on the streets since there aren’t a lot of people here, so over time seeing a new face becomes quite rare.
Favorite Class?
It probably is the Drawing I class I took my first term here. Although it was a lot of work, I really enjoyed drawing. Along with learning new techniques, it was also pretty stress-free. I also got a bunch of artwork to hang up in my room after I was done with it.
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