Student Spotlight - Bhumika Harpal
Tell us a little bit about yourself
My name is Bhumika Harpal and I am from India. I am a full-time international student at Everett Community College. I came to the United States of America for family reasons and because I always wanted to pursue a quality education. I am a first generation attending college in United States of America.
Why did you choose EvCC?
Education and human life values run really deep in my family. When I moved to Seattle after my marriage, I was looking for a university that offers life-balance and the pursuit of a great education. After doing a comparative analysis among a few local colleges, I decided to join EvCC based on transfer class credits, professor profiles, the beautiful campus and the tuition and fees structure.
What are you studying at EvCC?
I am studying Nursing at EvCC.
What have been the biggest challenges you’ve faced as an International student?
Since I have not attended school in the U.S. education system, the biggest challenge was for me to connect the dots between my back-home schooling and current education levels. Also, language and communication was another challenge for me.
How have you overcome these challenges? Who has helped you?
I came here to the United States of America in 2008. I didn’t know how to communicate and I was nervous talking to people. But, by talking to different people and learning a new vocabulary, I overcame these challenges. Also, working in Student Life and meeting new people, I am learning so much every day.
A person can be very inspirational and even more if it is someone close to you or a relative. In my case, it is my brother Kamlesh Patel, who has prominently impacted my life. He has been there to support me in my many decisions, whether they were smart or foolish ones. It is due to my brother that I am the ambitious, responsible and respectful person that I am today.
Also, my husband Naimish Harpal has been great support for me after marriage. He came into my life and affected me in so many ways for which I really do not have the words to describe.
Why do you want to become a nurse?
From childhood, I always had a dream to become a nurse. I think my main source of inspiration to become a nurse comes from an innate desire to help people and care for them in times of need. During school, understanding the human body in biology and chemistry classes has fascinated me to purse my career in medical field.
What do you plan to do next?
In the near future I would like to apply my skills learned here into a hospital environment and want to become full-time nurse.
Who has helped you succeed at EvCC?
Everybody. I am very thankful to my professors and classmates who always helped me answer my questions. Group discussions during and after class have helped me to think professionally. The administration and staff in the international office are also helpful and provide guidance to international students.
Describe the best experience you had at EvCC?
One of my best experiences at EvCC was getting a job in Student LIFE. My experience working in Student LIFE has given me a chance to sharpen my communication skills, which I am truly thankful for. I've not only met more people, I've also developed and honed my soft skills; listening, engaging in dialogue, giving feedback, cooperating as a team member, solving problems, contributing in meetings and resolving conflict. That has been invaluable in everyday life as much as it is needed for work.
What advice do you have for new students, particularly those coming from other countries?
The most important advice that I can offer to other students is to concentrate. Nowadays, with the digital world, it is easy to connect with data and information, however it is more important to become intellectually strong. For international students, my advice would be to make as many diverse friends as you can, learn about each other's cultures and see how fascinating the experience of life will be (is).