1. Tell us little bit about yourself. My legal name is Shrijana Joshee, but everyone calls me “Srajeena”. I am currently studying biology at the University of Colorado Denver.  I am planning on attending pharmacy school after I complete my undergraduate education. Currently, I am also involved with AmeriCorps where I serve emotionally overwhelmed high school students, who come from disadvantaged communities, to help them achieve emotional and academic intelligence. 2. How’s life different now from one before hearing about Miss Nepal USA? Life has always been good to me. After hearing about Miss Nepal USA, I would say life has been better as there is something different and exciting for me to look forward to. 3. Are you enjoying the process? Absolutely! I cannot wait to meet the 28 lovely contestants. The idea of meeting 28 different ladies from different parts of the States who originally came from different parts of Nepal is intriguing to me. We all bring so much diversity to the team and we will be learning and growing so much from each other’s perspectives and vision of lives. I truly believe that Miss Nepal USA is not just about who wears the crown, but it’s all about the experience and I am eagerly looking forward to embrace the experience.   4. Do you have suggestions for young Nepalese-Americans growing up here for a great future ahead? Please do not forget your identity. It is possible to find a balance between Nepali and American culture. Stay true to yourself and your values. Follow your heart and follow your passion. Why should you try to fit in when you can stand out?     5. You have accomplished so much at such a young age. What’s your long term plan? My life’s overall goal is to be a happy person. For me happiness is when I bring positive changes to myself, to my family, to my friends and to my community. I want my life to be involved in the momentum of improving the world we live in.  6. What kind of positive developments would you like to see in Nepal in next 2-5 years? First of all, I want to see political stability, as it is the basic necessity for any form of development in Nepal. Also, I wish Nepal to advance in science and technology and produce Nobel Laurels to the scientific community as we have so much potential but lack of needed educational accessibility. 7. Who inspires you the most? My didi is my biggest inspiration. She is a strong and independent woman who has inspired me to be true to my own values and beliefs. Moreover, what makes my sister the beautiful person she is, is her sense of responsibility towards the society. She has awakened me to be the best version of “Srajeena Joshee “and I am truly grateful to this universe for blessing my life with my didi. 8. What made you interested in the fashion industry? People have different sides. Besides academics and community service, fashion is another extension of me. I like challenging myself with something new and different. Also, I see fashion as a great way to express one’s views and sense of style in the language of fabrics and accessories.   9. What makes you come alive? What makes you really happy about what you have done? When I know I have made a difference to someone’s life, it makes me feel alive. I feel happy when I am able to contribute to meaningful work.   10. What do you think about the current situation in Nepal? It is really sad to see what Nepal has become. But I do hope in future days, our leaders can settle their personal and political differences and come to a common conclusion that welcomes better, stronger and peaceful Nepal.   11. What is the best way for somebody with your passion succeed in the industry? First and foremost, believe in yourself and have faith in your abilities. Always, remember if there is a will there will always be a way. So conquer your fears and just keep your eyes on the prize. Trust me, if you work hard towards your goal, sooner or later success will follow you.   12.What is your vision for your carrier? Currently, I see myself as a successful pharmacist in the United States. I also envision myself using my degree to contribute to the health field along with making difference in educational aspect both in the United States and Nepal. 13.What are 5 things you suggest Nepalese Americans do to contribute for the well being of Nepal? 1.     As Mahatma Gandhi shared, “You Must be the Change you want to see in the world”,  I  would suggest all Nepalese to strive to become the best version of themselves and be a representation of a great Nepali they can be. 2.     Find balance between both Nepali and American Culture. 3.     Take Pride in your heritage and tradition 4.      Respect yourself, your friends, your family and your Nation 5.     Contribute to the community in ways you can.   14. How do you think the world can be made a better place for future generations? If people stop talking about each other but start talking to each other, the world can definitely be made a better place for the future generation. Miscommunication is root of all evil and conflicts. Thus, through communication people should take a step forward to understand and respect differences in thoughts and vision of lives. If people can understand and accept life views through completely different lenses than their own, I strongly believe the world can be a better place to live in. 15. What do you think makes an ideal woman? For me an ideal woman is someone who is strong enough to voice her choices and follows her heart and passion, and someone who establishes herself as a meaningful citizen of the world through her actions. She should be someone who is not afraid to stand up for her beliefs, even if she has to stand all by herself.   16.Do you think Nepalese government is doing what it should do for the welfare of the people? I do believe Nepalese government is trying but their efforts are not enough. The fragmentation within the political party is weakening our democracy which breaks my heart. I hope the leaders wake up and realize what they are doing is a threat to the existence of our country and a threat to the existence of our identity. 17.What do you suggest other people who have similar passion to help people but haven’t gotten to doing it? First I will ask what is stopping YOU? And if you really think about this question then the only person that is stopping you is YOU, yourself. So if you have a passion to help people, just do it. There are a lot of organizations in the US and Nepal that would love to have additional helping hands. All you need is to reach out to them which is not difficult. Also, if you have the real passion, you can always create your own organization. Currently, we are working on something similar. We are establishing an organization called “Hamro Prayash” that aims to strengthen the movement of health and educational equity in Nepal and the United States. If you would like to help out, you can certainly join us. We are just starting out our organization and would love to have additional help, ideas and directions. 18. What do you think CONSISTS of a successful man? Every morning, if I man gets off his bed to pursue his passion and is happy with what he does when he comes back home in the evening, then I see himself as a successful man.   19.Tell us few special moments that make you cry or make you smile from within. Currently, this year my involvement with AmeriCorps, I have been fortunate enough to positively change about 80 student lives. At the end of the year, when the students personally came to me to  thank me for enabling them to believe in their abilities and inspiring them to become the person they are today, it made me smile and cry at the same time. Moment like these motivates me and makes me realize the purpose of being alive. 20. How are you planning to handle your demand in Nepalese community after you become Miss Nepal USA? I have always been very involved with the Nepalese community. I take part in cultural events and have also hosted shows that promote our culture. I plan on continuously pursuing such activities. Also, I will be working with “Hamro Prayash” to contribute to Nepal in bigger and better ways.  21. How do you want to be remembered (after you are gone from this world)? I want to be remembered as the Nepali whose existence mattered to the world.   22. Tell us few favorite books you have read or you are reading for some of our avid readers.  I love books written by Dr. Deepak Chopra. I admire Dr. Chopra’s books because of his positive outlook towards life. After I read Dr. Chopra’s book titled “The Ultimate Happiness Prescription”, my life has never been the same. He shares simple life lessons but yet so powerful.   23. Your message to Nepalese Americans. Embrace your heritage, be proud of your culture and love your differences. Being from another  part of the world is what makes you unique, it is  what makes you, “YOU”………….so do not try to fit in, but flaunt your uniqueness and STAND OUT!!!   24. Being from Nepal, how do you find living in America? I like how we get more opportunities here.I honestly feel you can be anything you want if you work really hard here. Also, the lifestyle in America promotes independence from an early age. I remember,I started working at the age of fifteen, which taught me the value of work, time organization and financial management from a young age.   25. What do you do when you are not busy with your regular work? For me, having a healthy mind as well as a healthy body is very essential. Whenever I get any sort of time, I run to the gym. I love trying different work out classes. Currently, I am addicted to “Barre” which combines technique of ballet dance, yoga and pilates.