Tsewang Lama

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Tsewang Lama, DIRECTOR of International Student Services

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Tsewang Lama is from northern Nepal. While the region she is from has now opened up more and has “better” infrastructure, there were no schools there in the 90s. Therefore, the only way she could get an education was by being sent to a school for underprivileged kids from the Himalayan region.

Tsewang attended Shree Mangal Dvip Boarding School, which was supported by donors from all over the world. She lived at the school until she graduated from high school. Tsewang was an excellent student and an engaged member of her community. For instance, she was one of the first student volunteers to run her school’s one room library. Taking such initiatives connected her with volunteers and patrons who visited the school, which eventually led her to securing an opportunity to study abroad.

Tsewang was the first student from SMD School to secure a full scholarship to Red Cross Nordic United World College.  Since then, 18 students have followed her path at RCNUWC. While there, she learnt about St. Lawrence University and came here as a student in 2006. She was a Government and Asian Studies major with a minor in Creative Writing. Besides academics, her interest mainly lied in nurturing a multicultural and inclusive community. She was a member of organizations such as Literacy for Nepal, ASIA, Laurentian Magazine and I-House.

At St. Lawrence University, Tsewang was an active member of the community and upon graduation, she applied to work as the Coordinator of International Student Services. She served in that position from 2010-2012 while working on her Master’s in Education. It was a rewarding experience as she was able to give back to a community that had become her home in the US.

While Tsewang is grateful for all the opportunities education has offered her, she is starkly aware of the challenges faced by First Generation college students. Therefore, she is available as a resource, ally and a friend to FG students. You can contact her or find her friendly face in Sullivan Student Center 236.