International Student Profile: Tushen Nayar
By Molly Torres
Tushen Nayar was raised about 8,000 miles from here in India, and spent the first 18 years of his life there before coming to the United States. However, he left his family home in 11th grade to attend an international boarding school, which introduced him to westernized schooling and culture. This, along with stories from his father who had earned a U.S. college degree, inspired his yearning for further education abroad.
He first discovered High Point University from an article on Facebook. He remembers seeing photos of the campus and finding himself in awe, even wondering if it was a scam. After some research, he decided to apply.
Nayar is now a senior at HPU and will be graduating this coming May. When asked about his main reason for wanting to obtain higher education in the U.S. versus in his home country, Nayar replied, “[In India] I would not just be me. Instead, I would be recognized for my parents’ legacy, and their parents’ legacy, and so on. Over here, you are judged by what you do, what you’re working for. You have your own personal identity.”
As part of the HPU Global Student Association, Nayar has been involved in many events designed to create a sense of community between the international students, as well as introduce them to American-born students. He has also recently rushed Alpha Phi Omega, the co-ed service fraternity on campus, which has brought him many community service opportunities and introduced him to over 80 students he calls brothers. Nayar said, “Through service, you see people of all walks of life, and I like being around people who care about such things.”
After graduation, Nayar hopes to get a job in accounting and remain in the U.S. Although he admits to missing much about India and his family there, he feels that being here on his own is what will make him a better person.
When asked what he will miss most about college life, Nayar replied, “I like not to think about things like this, and instead think about the new beginnings. After my first move, I realized that there is no reason for thinking about the past, and instead you must live for the opportunities ahead.”