My name is Shabin Subba, and my journey began in a refugee camp in Nepal, where I spent the first 13 years of my life. Our home was a small house made of bamboo and thatched roofing, but it was filled with love and laughter. When I was just one year old, I started nursery school. It was an exciting time for me—I had my best friends by my side, and we would often visit each other's homes to play. My mom would sing to me and tell funny stories before bedtime, filling my childhood with warmth and joy. From a young age, I dreamed of becoming a dancer and singer. At just four years old, I started performing at school events, and my family was always proud and supportive of me.
My childhood was filled with simple pleasures—dancing, singing, reading, listening to music, and watching TV. Each day started early. I would wake up at 5:00 a.m. to fetch water from the community tank and prepare for school. Everyone in my family had their own responsibilities. My school day began at 8:00 a.m. and ended at 3:40 p.m. It was not always easy—if you did not finish your homework on time, there were punishments—but I always tried my best. Despite the challenges, I loved learning and participating in school activities. My hard work paid off when I received many awards, including the ""Excellent Student"" award in 5th grade, which made my mom especially proud. Life in the camp was tough—we rarely got new clothes or shoes—but I still feel grateful for the happy memories I shared with my friends.
On September 9th, 2015, my life changed forever when I immigrated to the United States with my mom and two sisters. At first, everything felt new and unfamiliar. We stayed at our cousin's house for a week before moving into our apartment. Although adjusting to this new world was challenging, I found comfort in knowing that there were others from the same refugee camp who had also come to the U.S. I joined middle school halfway through the year, and learning English was one of the biggest hurdles I faced. Thankfully, my ELL teachers and friends were incredibly supportive, and over time, my language skills improved. Today, I am proud to say that I can speak three languages: Nepali, Hindi, and English.
One thing that helped me adjust to my new life was soccer. During my freshman year of high school, I joined the soccer team, which helped me connect with both American students and people from other countries. Playing soccer not only gave me a sense of belonging but also taught me valuable lessons about teamwork and perseverance. Cultural differences were sometimes difficult to navigate—for example, maintaining eye contact is seen as respectful in the U.S., but in my culture, it was considered rude. Despite these challenges, I adapted and began to feel a stronger connection to this country.
I played soccer for Concord High School for three years. During my freshman and JV years, I led the team in assists and received two coaching awards. One of my proudest moments came in 2017 when I was part of the team that won the Division 1 state championship. Soccer opened doors for me to meet people from diverse backgrounds and build lifelong friendships. Alongside my passion for soccer, I continued to dance and sing, and I still receive invitations to perform at community events, which keeps me connected to my cultural roots.
After graduating from Concord High School, I pursued higher education at NHTI (New Hampshire Technical Institute), where I earned an associate degree in liberal arts. My time there was transformative. I served as the president of the Cultural Exchange Club for two years, where I worked to promote diversity and inclusion. I also played soccer for two years and was honored with the LYNKS award for my performance on the field and the ESOL award for my academic dedication. Beyond academics and athletics, I was deeply committed to volunteer work. For three years, I worked with the Sycamore Garden program, helping community members by translating and assisting with essential services.
My educational journey continued when I transferred to Penn State Harrisburg, where I am currently pursuing a degree in Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS). At Penn State, I remain active in campus life. I am a member of the Nepali Association Club and the Lion Ambassador program, where I proudly represent my heritage and the university. For over six years, I have been involved in cultural events, showcasing my talents in dance and singing while fostering a sense of community. My passion for helping others led me to intern with the Asian Refugees United (ARU), where I worked closely with children and older adults. I also spent four months coaching children aged 7-12 in New Hampshire focusing on supporting ESOL students. These experiences have deepened my commitment to serving others and addressing the unique needs of diverse communities.
My journey from a refugee camp in Nepal to pursuing higher education in the United States has shaped me into a sensitive, genuine, and optimistic person. I am passionate about supporting families and meeting their needs. In the future, I aspire to work in human resources, where I can use my communication skills, cultural awareness, and empathy to make a positive impact. Throughout my life, I have faced challenges, but I have never given up on my dreams. My story is one of resilience, growth, and an unwavering commitment to excellence, and I am excited to continue this journey while making a difference in the world around me.
