Student from Nepal Aspiring to Make a Difference
Benajil Rai came to New Hampshire with the aspiration to make an impact in Keene, and to make a difference back home in Nepal.
Rai is majoring in multimedia journalism, and she has a goal of pursuing a minor in women’s and gender studies. When asked why she chose it, she said, “I’m very interested in media and aspire to be a journalist back in Nepal. I think it’s a great profession for travel, personal growth, and professionally, it’s very exciting.”
Rai is a first-year student who already has plenty of experience with extracurricular activities, even after just one semester of college. She lives in the Global Explorer’s hallway of the Living Learning Commons, a themed living residence hall. She is involved with The Equinox, has a work study job at the library, and frequently attends yoga classes. Not only does Rai keep busy on campus, she also enjoys what the city offers. “I like to walk around. Keene is a beautiful place. I love the pond side area, by the river. I also really like the downtown area. I love the pictures on the brick walls, and the coffee shops. It’s so lively here.”
When asked, “what do you love most about going to school at Keene State?” she had a lot to share. “I love the way the professors teach. Here, they teach differently. They teach by showing videos, or movies, or field work, it’s so practical and we can connect more with the current issues. Every day I feel like I leave class with a new way of thinking.”
Rai is also making the most of every opportunity in Keene in order to make a difference back home in Nepal, and she could not do any of this without the help of the Little Sister’s Fund. The Little Sister’s Fund helps financially disadvantaged Nepalese girls get the education they deserve.
“The Little Sisters Fund supported me not only academically but also personally. They focus on empowering women. Education is a major tool and that thinking has been developed by the Little Sisters Fund, so I am a strong advocate for women’s empowerment.” In fact, Rai was one of the women selected for Keene State’s President’s Outstanding Women of New Hampshire award for her persistence in fighting discrimination.
Rai knows that she can make a difference in her country. “I have a lot of equality and freedom here which is not available in Nepal. I think independence is one thing I can bring back to Nepal, to motivate other girls to come forward and to work for themselves and to be independent and seek their freedom.”
Liana D’Attilio is a senior from Rocky Hill, CT studying communication at Keene State College. She is serving as an intern in the Marketing and Communications Department at Keene State.
