Take-A-Friend-Home: Molly in Nepal

Molly Dwyer ’16 from Rosati-Kain High School in St. Louis is a Business Communication major at Westminster. She is also the Student Government Association President and Vice President of Standards for Kappa Kappa Gamma.

During winter break, Molly traveled to the country of Nepal with Suravi Shrestha ’16 as a part of the Take-A-Friend-Home program.

What do you think is the most important thing you learned through the experience?

I learned something new every day. I became completely immersed in a culture that I was previously unfamiliar with, and through that, I learned an incredible amount about the everyday life of someone from Nepal. I learned a lot about spiritual and religious practices, private and public transportation, the education system, the history, the geological history, the family dynamic, and several different ways to cure sicknesses through various drinks and herbs. Each day brought a new lesson. I think my perspective on the different ways in which we do things has changed. There is no correct or incorrect way to live, and I think that is a beautiful realization.

Molly (left) with Suravi (middle) and Suravi’s father (right).

What are some things you learned in Nepal that will help you succeed at Westminster and in your future career?

I think my experience made me more aware. I have realized that international students sacrifice a lot to be here. I fell in love with Nepal in a matter of three weeks, and it was difficult to leave. I could not imagine growing up in a place with such a rich culture, and then leaving it behind for a few years to obtain a college degree.

Also, being accepting and appreciative of other people’s cultures is absolutely essential in the workplace. I think it’s very important to take a genuine interest in people whose cultures are different than your own. This trip allowed me to do that.

Molly (left) and Suravi (middle) help bathe an elephant.

What is something you didn’t know you would get to do, but did?

I had no idea that I would get to give an elephant a bath!

Molly (left) and Suravi (right) outside of Kumari Ghar.

Favorite memory from your trip?

It’s difficult to pick one favorite memory of my experience. Every day was incredibly different and beautiful in its own way. One of the most memorable activities, though, was paragliding in Pohkara, among the Himalayas. It was the most spectacular view I have ever seen in my life.

Overall, how do you feel about your trip to Nepal?

This was one of the greatest experiences of my life. Suravi and I learned so much about each other and each other’s cultures. I fell in love with a culture that I knew nothing about before coming to Westminster.