Kridish Uprety
St. Cloud State University
Kridish Uprety, a Mechanical Engineering major in his final year of undergraduate studies, has been a passionate advocate for students - especially around mitigating the increasing cost of higher education and meeting students' most basic needs - like food and housing. Over the past two years, he has served as the St. Cloud State University Student Government Cultural Diversity Chair, the Student Government President, and on the Board of Students United. He has been active in higher education policy and legislative matters at the campus, local and state levels. Kridish believes in the power of students to make a difference in their own lives and the lives of their communities. He strives to ensure that all voices and view points are present and respectfully heard when issues are being discussed. Kridish is a shining example of the servant-leader qualities that Frank Newman exemplified. He lives by the motto "people for others" and hopes one day to return to his home country, Nepal, to put his education and leadership skills into practice to enhance and uplift the country and those that for so long have supported his dream of studying and living in the U.S.
Personal Statement
Studying in the United States was always my dream. Pursing it with my whole heart landed me at St. Cloud State University. As an immigrant from Nepal, the impact of the diminishing social identity has instigated fear upon those fleeing their home countries for better opportunities. Nepal has experienced political uprising and civil war. I wanted to change the world around me and my country. My goal, one day, is to take Nepal to heights of prosperity through the education I have received and the skills I have developed while in the U.S. I have worked hard, honed my leadership skills and learned what social justice, community and civic engagement really mean. Familial ties to social activists, including my late Grandfather, who contributed to education and equality in Nepal, have lead to my passion for serving people. My personal life motto is “People for Others.” I have taken on roles, helping represent others along my leadership journey. This has now brought me to be St. Cloud State University’s very first international student-Student Government President. I hope this is just the beginning of many roles which allow me to learn, grow and serve others.
