Freshman Anjalee Karki remembers vividly the small, bustling streets full of colorful markets, the smell of fresh, homemade food being sold by street vendors, and the constant hum of life surrounding the city of Kathmandu. Although she was born in Irving, Texas, her parents were born in Nepal, and that lifestyle has shaped her life immensely.

“I’ve been to Nepal twice, once when I was around four, and the second time the summer of going to 4th grade,” Anjalee said. “I am really excited though, because I a returning the last week of school. I might be missing school, but it is so worth it.

Anjalee and her parents and siblings go to Nepal to visit their extended family.

“I have a lot of family in Nepal, including cousins, grandparents, and a bunch of aunts and uncles” Anjalee said. “Almost all of my family lives there.”

Flights to Nepal are around 8 hours, and can be long and tiring, but Anjalee likes flying when she knows she’s going to see her family and friends, who she keeps in touch with through skype.

“When I visit my family I stay at their house instead of getting a hotel,” Anjalee said. “My dad’s side lives in the mountains, so we like to go exploring around there.”

Although Anjalee never lived in Nepal, her parents have still incorporated its culture into her daily life.

“My family is Hindu, as is most of Nepal,” Anjalee said. “We follow their customs such as celebrating religious ceremonies and dates.”

Anjalee loves the atmosphere of Nepal and the overall attitude of the people is very different compared to that of the United States.

“The culture in Nepal is very sweet,” Anjalee said. “Everyone is very nice to each other and there is a feeling of closeness and family.”

In addition to the atmosphere, there are several other contrasting differences between America and Nepal.

“Nepal is very different from America, mostly regarding the infrastructure, but the people in Nepal are a lot nicer compared to Americans. Parts of my family owns rice farms, so job lifestyles are very different as well. Plus Nepal has better food.”

Although Nepal is where her heritage is, Anjalee believes she will be staying in America for the time being.

“America has a lot more opportunities than Nepal, so I do like America better education wise. However, all of my family is in nepal, so when I retire moving to Nepal is always a possibility.”