Krisha Silwal

High school: Budhanilkantha School

Hometown: Kathmandu, Nepal

Majors: Economics; data analytics (data science); women, gender, and sexuality studies 

Activities: Reading/Writing Center, Baking Club, Student Government, Honor Council, Phi Beta Kappa

Internships: Tax internship; Texas Medical Center – MD Anderson Cancer Center

Post-grad plans: Attend graduate school to earn a Ph.D. in economics

Why Augustana?

Augustana checked many of my boxes when applying to undergrad. As an international student, knowing Augustana had a strong international presence and established resources gave me the confidence that I would be supported from day one. 

I also knew I wasn't ready for the overwhelming pace of a big city so Augie felt like the perfect middle ground. The Quad Cities gave me just enough access to the outside world while still letting me focus on my studies and be part of a tight-knit community.

Are you where you thought you'd be when you first came to campus?

Yes and no. I came to Augie with a plan, a major and what I can only describe as an embarrassing level of certainty about who I was and where I would end up. I was not exactly right. My majors stayed the same but so much else did not. 

I was lucky enough to encounter some of the most driven, vocal and incredibly thoughtful people who have helped shape who I am. I am definitely leaving Augie as a more fulfilled, happier and confident version of myself than I ever anticipated becoming.

Who helped you get to where you are now?

There are too many people and too many stories that I am forever grateful to have encountered. First, thank you to my mom for providing me with the opportunity to make something of myself and for giving me the freedom to make my own mistakes and decisions.

The phenomenal faculty: Dr. Rajan Bishwakarma, Dr. Chris Marmé, Dr. Jane Simonsen, Dr. Kiki Kosnick and so many more. Thank you for believing in my ideas, opening doors for me and investing in my growth. 

A special thank you to Professor Mamata Marmé for always having a chair open in her office, for listening to every spontaneous plan I came up with, and for guiding me through four years with so much warmth and care.

To Lucas at the RWC, thank you for seeing something in me that I did not yet recognize in myself, and for making the Reading/Writing Center the safest place I had on campus.

To every friend I made at Augie, I am so glad our paths crossed here. And to my partner, whom Augie brought into my life, I am so eternally grateful for you

Peak experience?

My peak experience was the Bahls Institute for Leadership and Service trip to Washington D.C. Meeting so many genuinely cool, accomplished Augustana alumni and seeing firsthand what the Augie network is really all about gave me a completely fresh outlook on what my own path could look like. For the first time, the future felt a little less uncertain, and it reminded me that the community you find at Augie does not leave you when you leave Augie.

What surprised you?

What surprised me the most was how much I was capable of. I came to Augie for its small community and tight-knit feel, not expecting to be pushed as far as I was. I ended up triple majoring, founding a club and being nominated for leadership programs I did not know existed when I arrived. A small campus turned out to be anything but a small experience.

How did you use your Augie Choice?

I used my Augie Choice for my summer internship at MD Anderson Cancer Center.

What will you miss the most?

I will miss the sense of belonging that this campus so quietly and generously offered.

Advice for the Class of 2030?

You belong here, even on the days it does not feel that way. Imposter syndrome is incredibly common, especially when you are navigating a new country, a new culture and a new version of yourself all at once. Cling to the spaces on campus that challenge and support you in equal measure.:)