About Nepal
In January, I studied abroad in Nepal to participate in a nature conservation storytelling course offered by George Mason University. There, I was immersed in the country's rich culture and stunning views, traveling to destinations such as Kathmandu, Chitwan, Pokhara, and Marpha. During my short time there, I recorded, edited, and produced content alongside my classmates. The final project for this course was to create a conservation story about Nepal.
About the Project
My final project focused on Nepal’s tourism industry, examining both its positive and negative effects on the country. I related this topic to the phrase "double-edged sword," as Nepal is known for its iconic kukri knives, which can be seen all throughout the country. Initially, I had a different topic in mind going into the class, but I quickly changed it based on how shocked I was by the country's climate and after learning about the impact of tourism on it.
I shot, wrote, directed, and edited everything within this project and am so unbelievably happy how it turned out. As a result, I was recognized by the George Mason University School of Media Production and awarded an Excellence Award.
Award
During the Spring 2025 semester, I was recognized at the George Mason University Media Production Awards, receiving the Emerging Excellence Award.
More on the award ceremony can be found here on the George Mason University website
Final Thoughts
I loved my time on this trip because of the countless memories, stories I created alongside my newfound friends, amazing views, and being immersed in Nepal's rich culture. Additionally, I learned so much more about production, shooting on site, storytelling, editing, and research. With this being said, I would love to return to Nepal, but with a different mindset regarding my use of plastic and what I bring into the country.
