Shashank Pokhrel-Joshi

My name is Shashank Pokhrel-Joshi, and I am a junior majoring in Biochemistry with a certificate in Global Health. I am from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, but I was born and raised in the far-western region of Nepal until I was twelve years old, in a Hindu household with my parents and two older sisters. Although my immediate family practiced religion mainly during major festivals, my extended family observed Hindu rituals in their everyday lives. Religion wasn’t a significant part of my life until I moved to the U.S. in 2017. In Milwaukee, the temple became a place for my family and me to connect with others from similar backgrounds, making our faith more important to me. Growing up in Nepal, I was taught that religion is a way to worship God differently but with the common purpose of improving the community we live in, without discrimination, and uplifting each other. This belief has inspired me to use faith as a means to connect with people from various religions, enhancing my understanding through these interactions. Outside of school, I enjoy cooking, hiking, traveling, talking, and dancing. I am looking forward to meeting, sharing, and learning from my interfaith peers.