From Nepal to New Haven: Aayushka’s Journey Through Gateway and the Foundation

Community College offered both opportunity and belonging, for Aayushka Gainju. After moving from Nepal to New Jersey then Connecticut, she chose CT State Community College Gateway for its affordability and accessibility.

“Community college is easier to get into, convenient, and affordable for international students,” she explained. “If I could complete my prerequisites without going into debt, I would do it.”

Aayushka first learned about the Gateway Community College Foundation through an email about scholarships. Soon after, eager to learn and contribute, she applied to be a student worker with the Foundation and Gateway’s Institutional Advancement Division. “Even if I didn’t know a certain skill, I was ready to learn,” she says. That mindset has paid off. She’s strengthened her skills in Excel, gained confidence in connecting with people, and found her voice through meaningful experiences like attending the Hall of Fame and interviewing donors, including Dr. Ena Williams.

Working with the Foundation has also expanded her network across campus, allowed her to connect classmates with the right people and resources when they need help.

Receiving a scholarship from the Foundation made a real difference. “I received $1,500 and now I can pay for my studies without asking my parents for help,” she shared. “It made me feel more independent and valuable.”

As an international student, Aayushka hopes donors understand how far their generosity reaches. “Every small thing helps, every penny helps a student,” she says. “International students aren’t eligible for federal aid, so scholarships mean a lot to us.”

Aayushka’s journey shows how access and encouragement can open doors for students everywhere, helping them build confidence, community, and a future they can be proud of.