Real People. Real Lives. Women Immigrants of New York: Kripa, 29, from Nepal

Photo by Sasha Nialla

Kripa’s photograph and story were curated as part of the photo and storytelling exhibit, “Real People. Real Lives. Women Immigrants of New York.”

“I came to the US a few years ago after I won the Green Card Lottery. Language was not really a problem but sometimes understanding the accent was. It was definitely a little difficult to adjust to a completely new environment, although still somewhat easier because I came with my boyfriend (now my husband) and with my sister.

“My biggest struggle was to continue my education. I had completed a Bachelor’s Degree in Nepal, and I applied to several graduate programs at CUNY colleges. But I received only negative answers, without any explanation. I got stuck for almost two years without doing anything. I stayed at home; I Skyped with family and friends back in Nepal everyday; I worked part-time. I also used to kill my days going to different places with my camera and taking pictures.

“Finally, someone recommended me to apply to a program at the Borough of Manhattan Community College. I passed almost every step, but got stuck again when they offered only 24 credits for my Bachelor’s. I am now enrolled in a private college that offered me 83 credits for my degree, and I have to complete only 40 credits. It is definitely expensive, but I feel I made the right decision. I am a couple months away from completing this degree and am planning to enroll in a Master’s program in Information System after that.”

“Real People. Real Lives. Women Immigrants of New York” was a one-time event hosted by New Women New Yorkers at the Centre for Social Innovation on March 24, in honor of Women’s History Month. Read a recap of the event here.