I didn’t think it could happen, but it did. As a young woman from rural Nepal, I never thought I’d attend a Ph.D. at one of the highly regarded programs in my field, "Agricultural and biological engineering". In the past two years at Penn State, I learned so much and I got myself acquainted with many friends who were willing to see women beyond the traditional mindset. What followed is perhaps one of the most cherished experiences of my life - the motivation to participate as a finalist in Miss Nepal North America.

If you’d known me or heard about me, I am Divya Pant. I like to call myself rather bold, doing things that many find fearful, and being the voice of the voiceless. I grew up knowing what it is like to be a woman (among men), and a young woman with her own hobbies. I’ve created this GoFundMe page to help my hobby and my dream. I know it reads unnatural to come to GoFund and ask for money to participate in the pageant, but I’d have not done it if there wasn’t a need. Your simple act of kindness can create ripple effects and an ocean of joy in my family and me.

As a Ph.D. student with limited income and immense responsibilities back home, it is financially challenging to go through the costs (registration, grooming, preparation, etc.) required for Miss Nepal. I was advised by my seniors and organizers to consider GoFundMe as a viable option. Secondarily, I will use any surplus funds to apply to the social impact project –‘Carbon-Away’ that engages Nepalese youths to work on research driven and entrepreneurial initiative. Today, Carbon-Away is directly linking wastes to energy generation and is located in Dhangadi, Kailali. The system is expected to utilize 30 tons of municipal waste/day to generate energy and empower women in agriculture.

I recognize that there will be questions around ‘why does one pay someone to participate in hobbies such as Miss Nepal USA’, ‘this should happen and not that'. What should be happening is not something I can control but I’m narrating a real-life story here. Right now, I need some financial support. I have a vision for the miss Nepal USA platform and afterward, and a vision that carries me through my Ph.D. journey and after. I’ve come to this platform with my honest story and realized there will be those who will oppose me asking for money for the initiative and those who genuinely help me. I do hope for your support, if not anything but blessings, and please reach out if I can clarify any doubts you have.