In just three years, Ayusha Bhandari transformed from a newly arrived international student from Pokhara, Nepal, into a summa cum laude graduate earning both bachelor’s and master’s degrees from SUNY Oswego. 

Earning an undergraduate degree in psychology, in honors, with a minor in cognitive science, as well as a master’s in human-computer interaction (HCI) speaks to her drive and the environment that nurtured it. 

Bhandari chose Oswego for its welcoming community, the research opportunities and its support for international students. The campus became her academic home, offering both challenge and belonging. Critical scholarships ensured she could pursue her dreams debt-free, making Oswego the clear choice. 

After a friend introduced her to Oswego’s five-year HCI program, Bhandari recognized the opportunity to take a leap. This program helped her find a topic that doesn’t feel like “just” work, but work she genuinely loves, Bhandari said. Looking back, she is profoundly grateful for taking that chance in a place where she could truly flourish.

“Adjusting to a new country and academic system was daunting,” Bhandari said, but she credits International Students and Scholars Services (ISSS) and her roles as resident assistant and tutor for helping her build connections and confidence. 

Navigating her unique academic path required meticulous planning and the invaluable guidance of advisors like computer science faculty members Theo Rhodes, Damian Schofield and Vanessa Maike. Bhandari also noted the Registrar’s Office played a key role in a support network that made her accelerated journey possible. She is profoundly grateful to her mentors, including Hanna Lee at ISSS and her professors, for their unwavering support.

Inspired by the rapid pace of artificial intelligence (AI) innovation, Bhandari arrived eager to be part of it. This drive, coupled with wisdom from a Confucius quote –- “The person who asks a question is a fool for a moment, but the one who never asks remains a fool for a lifetime” –- shaped her approach. 

Bhandari embraced the idea that not having all the answers is okay, and that true growth comes from asking questions and learning with humility and curiosity, empowering her to focus on taking chances rather than limiting herself by preconceived notions of capability. 

She learned that meaningful growth springs from the willingness to try and learn, even through imperfection. This philosophy fueled her diverse experiences: impactful work as a user experience (UX) researcher, deep thesis projects and creative hackathons with friends. Together, they forged her into the curious, resilient “product builder” she is today. 

Bhandari officially completes coursework in August, which made her eligible to enjoy May's Commencement ceremony.

Guided by the wisdom to ask questions and embrace learning, Bhandari encourages taking chances and learning from missteps. For Bhandari, her journey and the unparalleled opportunities at SUNY Oswego stand as testament to trying.

-- Written by Keila Aquino-Lobato of the Class of 2025