Aayush Koirala

• Hometown: Koshi, Nepal
• Languages Spoken: Nepali, English
• Major(s): Economics, Educational Policy, Statistics
• Certificate(s): TBD

Q and A with Aayush:

What is a fun fact about your hometown?

The Koshi River near my hometown is formed by seven rivers merging into one; it’s basically the Avengers of rivers in Nepal.

Why is being a King-Morgridge Scholar important to you?

Being a King-Morgridge Scholar means the freedom to dream a little crazier and fail a little louder, all while knowing that my access to higher education is without any financial constraint, and carrying the confidence that I’m part of a delightful community full of bold visionaries who are working to make meaningful differences in society.

What is your favorite thing about Madison?

Madison would not be Madison without its people. The amiable community here goes beyond making you feel at home. There’s so much going on, and finding your niche ways to get involved on campus is seamless and bountiful.

Why do you believe that the King-Morgridge Scholars Program at UW-Madison is important to the institution, state, and world?

For the institution, the program invites voices too often left out of academic spaces, enriching UW-Madison’s global insight and contributing to diversity on campus. For the Badger State, it serves as a launchpad where curious minds across the globe get to engage with Wisconsin’s possibilities firsthand. And for the world, it’s a humble reminder that potential is everywhere, and it is opportunity that should be intentional and accessible.

Are there specific issues in poverty alleviation or development that you would like to work on or are currently addressing?

In the wake of burgeoning technology, the ever-changing facade of education access in already existing paradigms, is a topic of interest in which I’m engrossed. And as digital tools start redefining classrooms across the globe, it is axiomatic that the gap between those with access and without is widening. I eventually want to contribute and work on models that sways technology to expand, and not restrict, in the field of educational equity.

What do you like to do in your free time?

My free time usually starts with music, ends with music, and in between is me butchering karaoke. I push for the next arena in Clash Royale. I go on hikes and bike around to stay on speaking terms with nature. I read voraciously, too, though often with the intention of writing, especially a cryptic personal journal I plan on keeping throughout my time in Madison. Written in a hybrid code stitched across multiple languages, it’s as much a personal exercise in reflection as it is an experiment in memory.