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A Remarkable Story

Priyasha Karki

Meet Priyasha

“When I look back at my journey from Nepal to where I am today, I realize that Salem has given me experiences and a sense of community that have made me believe that my dreams are bigger than where I am right now and where I want to eventually go. For that, Salem will always be a place that has changed my life.”

Priyasha Karki took a giant leap of faith when she decided to leave her home country, Nepal, to attend Salem College. “I’m from a small city in Nepal, where the rest of the world seemed so far away. Being a dreamer, I always wanted to do more, learn more, and build something meaningful with my life, and that dream brought me here to Salem,” she said. “Moving to America was one of the biggest steps I had ever taken in my life, and it meant leaving my family, the culture I grew up in, and everything that I’d ever known behind.” 

Now entering her senior year, Priyasha is double-majoring in mathematics and business, with a minor in data science. 

She has absolutely loved her time at Salem so far and says she has grown tremendously, both as a student and as a person. The mentorship she has received from her professors has been instrumental in that growth, and she said, “I remember coming here with a lot of excitement, but a lot of uncertainty. Salem helped me find my voice. When you go to a larger university, it’s easier to become just a number, but here, the professors actually know your name. They care about your dreams and goals, and they support you. Finding that sense of community gave me the confidence to step forward and immerse myself in the education here. My professors have been the pillars of my support.” 

That confidence has driven Priyasha to pursue two competitive professional internships. She first interned with Verger Capital Management, where she received in-depth, on-the-job training in asset management and investing. She then spent the spring 2026 semester with Volvo Group as a business control intern. “There have been times when I’ve been the only international student in the room, and there have been times when I’ve had to present myself to a professional who has multiple years of experience. At Salem, I’ve learned that leadership is not just about leading people and being the loudest in the room; it’s about having the courage to ask questions, listen to others, and challenge yourself,” she said of what she’s learned from both her professors and her internships.

“There is a sense of history and women’s empowerment that lives within Salem. Being part of an institution that has supported generations of students has made me realize that each of us is continuing a story that started long before we arrived.”

While Priyasha is still charting her path beyond graduation, she is considering attending graduate school after earning her degree from Salem College in 2027. Regardless of where life takes her next year, she is deeply grateful for her time at Salem for the experiences and perspectives she has gained, and she has a message for students considering Salem:

“I have been able to see things from different perspectives and collaborate with people from different backgrounds, and I’ve definitely learned to ask the right questions. Salem is a place where your story matters. You’ll meet people who will support you, guide you, and challenge you. You’ll discover the strength you never knew you had.”

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