An Interview: 1. Tell us little bit about yourself. Ans) I am Swechha Baral from Kathmandu, Nepal. Born and raised in a family where everyone respected each other and believed in “simple living and high thinking”. I am friendly and fun person. I am very optimist and I see ‘the glass half full rather than half empty’. That’s the reason when everyone says,”cancer has no answer”, I still believe “I will discover that answer for cancer”. So, I am currently majoring in “Microbiology” and am volunteering for Philadelphia Cancer Centre. 2. How’s life different now from one before hearing about Miss Nepal USA? Ans) It has totally changed. I have started getting opportunities already. I feel more empowered and participation in this pageant has enhanced my confidence, personality and my attitude.   3. Are you enjoying the process? Ans) Yes, I am enjoying the process and the journey. There are few things more wonderful than knowing where you want to go and being on the path to getting there. 4.Do you have suggestions for young Nepalese-Americans growing up here for a great future ahead? Ans) I personally believe that “America is land of opportunities”. So, young Nepalese-American growing up here already have a brighter future. For American Nepalese, its really important for them to realize what they have that we don’t. For their better future ahead I suggest the young Nepalese American to contribute equally to both of these great nations in whatever career, to promote our heritage and to take part in Nepalese functions and to stand on behalf of Nepal on any American event. 5. What kind of positive developments would you like to see in Nepal in next 2-5 years? Ans) In next five years I wish our nation to have  “Value based Constitution” that would orient people to the path of peace and unity. 6. Who inspires you the most? Ans) My mother. Being a single parent, she has been my mother and and father at a same time. I have seen my mother cutting on her medicine to provide me and my brother top education and that inspires me always to be “the giving tree”.  She taught me to believe in myself, be strong to fight the odds, have stamina to last there for ever until I succeed. For me she is my creator and my inspiration. 7. What makes you come alive? What makes you really happy about what you have done? Ans) Recently, I donated my hair to a cancer patient. When she got it, she hugged me tight and blessed me. Her smile and happiness enlivens me and made me happier for what I did.   8. What do you think about the current situation in Nepal? Ans) As I already mentioned I am an optimist and I see a glass half full than half empty. So, In my opinion, Nepal was exposed in a tough political scenario and the failure of government has taught us a good lesson. We are now overcoming and learning as well. Every Nepalese are now contributing for the development of our nation. Even I have seen so many Students are returning back to our motherland to be that “Change” after their graduation.  We are now in a process… “a process towards development”. 9.What are 5 things you suggest Nepalese Americans do to contribute for the well being of Nepal? -Educate their children about our Cultural values and be respectful to others cultural values as well. -Fight, in whatever capacity they can, to preserve what our ancestors earned for us by the blood they shed. -Get involved in the political process -Volunteer time to help others -keep God in their life and live like he would want us to be. 10. How do you think the world can be made a better place for future generations? Ans) By taking responsibility for our own actions and  by leaving the place in better shape than when we found it. 11. What do you think makes an ideal woman? Ans) An ideal woman will vary for every person as their ideals will be different. Personally, I think an ideal woman is comfortable and confident about herself, loving, funny and has a positive view on life and has capacity to be the change by making the difference. 12. What do you think CONSISTS of a successful man? Ans) Successful man is the one who can enjoy what he has achieved in life without gloating about it, a man who can be a man enough to truly love and express his love without boasting about it, and a man who can forgive whatever others may think of him or do to him for believing in himself. 13.Tell us few special moments that make you cry or make you smile from within. Ans) I feel like crying when I fail, but I don’t, because I see my mother always being so strong and having that courage and stamina to stay still and calm against the odds till the end. So when I fail, I smile, get up, get hurt, get humiliation and finally succeed.. Please smile in trouble, gather strength from distress, and grow brave by reflection. 14. How are you planning to handle your demand in Nepalese community after you become Miss Nepal USA? Ans) )The search for something different, something new, or something that can be a challinging journey, therefore, I plan to start my journey from a local level. I know I will focus in simply a matter of defining where I want to go next, reading a map and then setting off on my journey. 15. What is your ultimate goal? Ans) Be the change that could cultivate a relief in the world that has no answer for Cancer and HIV AIDS. 16. How do you want to be remembered (after you are gone from this world)? Ans) I really do not want to be remembered for my own personal traits or accomplishments, I think that would be so selfish. I don’t care about physical or academic accomplishments, money or beauty. As long as I have helped as many people as possible, I think then my existence would not be in vain. I want to be remembered as the personality that my nation and my people would treasure forever.   17. Tell us few favorite books you have read or you are reading for some of our avid readers. Ans) Muna Madan and Palpasa Café. 18. Being from Nepal, how do you find living in America? Ans) I always dreamt to come here. So, I found America as ‘land of opportunity and excitement”. I got chance to expose in a new culture so living in America has helped in  evolving a ‘NEW ME”. 19. What do you find particularly interesting about American life? Ans) Everything in America is interesting. Weather, people, life style, their thoughts, foods, culture etc. But the most impressive thing about this land is “the firm Government” that built America as the most powerful nation in the world.   20. What’s the major barrier for you in interacting with Americans? Ans) People are essentially the same everywhere you go in the world. They want to be loved, heard and respected. And I come from a culture that teaches me to be warm, welcoming, tolerant and respectful. So, I didn’t find any major barrier in interacting with Americans. Infact, I am connected to them in a very deep level and its all because of the cultural values I got from my Nation. 21. What do you do when you are not busy with your regular work? Ans) I normally spend quality time with my mother and my brother when I am not busy with my regular work.