Computer Information Systems graduate Pragya Luitel’s journey to graduation started on the other side of the globe. Her parents moved to Grand Junction, Colorado, from Kathmandu, Nepal, searching for a better life for their family. Luitel is the first in her family to go to college. As a first-generation college student, she had to navigate most of her journey on her own.
“As a first-generation student, even though your parents are there to support you, they can’t give you all the answers you need,” said Luitel. “I was doing paperwork and figuring out financial aid independently. I’m glad I overcame any obstacle by reminding myself why I’m here.”
Watching her parents work hard at the local restaurant they own inspired her to pursue her education with the same determination her parents have. She knew they had left behind their home, their community, and the life they knew to give her a better future.
“They struggled with language, culture and finances and never gave up,” said Luitel. “Graduating is my way of showing them that everything they sacrificed for me was worth it.”
Throughout her time at CMU, Luitel found her footing. She discovered she was passionate about working with data and chose to major in computer information systems with a minor in business analytics. This decision led to several accomplishments, including her recent achievement of presenting a research project at CMU’s 16th annual Student Showcase. Her team’s project, Key Influences on Academic Success, won first place in its track.
“It was a proud moment for all of us. There are so many great projects that students worked on, and it was a rewarding feeling to be recognized for all the hard work we put into it,” she said. “It also helped me realize that working with data is really what I want to do.”
Lutiel’s commitment throughout college landed her on the Dean’s List and President’s List multiple times and led her to graduate with honors. She was also awarded several scholarships, including the Reisher Scholarship, COSI Scholarship and the Springboard Fellowship. Beyond that, Luitel also participated in the Asian Student Association and the National Society of Leadership and Success.
Her participation on campus helped her embrace her cultural identity and feel connected to fellow students.
“Growing up in a place where there’s not a lot of diversity, it was hard to embrace my culture when I was younger,” she said. “During college, I connected with it a lot more. I participated in the fashion show here, and I was able to showcase my traditional clothing and feel connected to my culture. Being able to share that meant a lot to me.”
Luitel is already set up to start working in her field of study after graduation, interning at a company where she can apply her skills in computer information systems and business analytics. She views this as the next step toward her dream of working in data analytics or data science.
As she gets ready to walk across the stage, she’ll think of the hard work she's put in these past four years and celebrate her family’s contribution to her success.
“I just feel grateful and happy to show them their sacrifices were worth it,” she said. “Walking across the stage will be a proud moment for all of us.”