CREATING

ANUSHA MALLA ’19 INFORMATION SYSTEMS HOMETOWN: Parbat, Nepal

Braving Big Changes

Anusha Malla’s journey to UMBC was, quite literally, a long one. Originally from Nepal, she came to the United States for college. After earning an associate in computer science from the Community College of Baltimore County, she decided to pursue her bachelor’s degree at UMBC. Like many transfer students, it was a big step. “I’m a first-generation college student, so this was all very new to me,” Anusha explains. In her first semester, Anusha—a commuter student—often came to campus for class and went straight back home to study. But she wanted more.

A Chance to Connect

Things changed when Anusha came across a flyer for UMBCworks, a job database that helps students find jobs and internships on and off campus. She got a job as a Transfer Student Leader for UMBC’s Off Campus Student Services office where she was able to help students just like her find their way on campus.

“I figured out that the more I stayed on campus, the more opportunities I had to get involved and be connected,” Anusha explains.

Bringing Others Together

Surrounded by her own supportive community, Anusha decided to do something big. As a board member of the Nepali Student Association, she spearheaded the creation of an event to showcase Nepalese Culture through food, music, and dance. More than 120 students from UMBC and area community colleges came out to celebrate.

“A lot of Nepali students in Maryland think UMBC is a big campus, so they are scared to come here,” says Anusha. “I want to encourage them to come.”