ECU student Yashna Khadgi strives to set example for international students as Business Scholar

Ada, OK (05/06/2024) — East Central University's Yashna Khadgi wants to set an example for other international students.

The accounting major from Balkhu, Kathmandu, Nepal and current Washington, Oklahoma resident has gained much through her courses in ECU's Harland C. Stonecipher School of Business.

"I have learned a lot of accounting principles in those classes. These principles have imparted to me the standards that are necessary and expected for high-quality work in the professional world," said Khadgi. "This knowledge of accounting principles and understanding how to apply them will help me during my CPA examination and in my future career."

Khadgi has displayed the ability to show leadership skills and was named a Business Scholar at ECU for 2018-19.

"I want to learn more about the culture of American businesses," Khadgi said. "By being in this program, I want to be a role model for every international student in that they can also have the opportunity to get the best education possible. One of the other reasons I wanted to be an ECU Business Scholar is to witness about Jesus to all my fellow scholars."

The Business Scholars Program is designed for students not only for their academic achievements but also their ability to show leadership skills in a manner of being an extension of the university's faculty through the Harland C. Stonecipher School of Business.

Students must have at least a 3.50 grade-point average before entering the program and must maintain at least a 3.25 each semester to remain in the program. They must also be active in the Business Leaders Association by attending meetings and holding positions of responsibility.

Besides being on campus for two or more years, the business scholars must be able to volunteer for special projects in the School of Business, participate in the Dean's Leadership Council, be willing to travel during assigned trips and, once they graduate, give back to the program after graduation as Alumni of Business Scholars.

Khadgi gained leadership skills by serving as leader of the international ministry of the Baptist Student Union on campus. Her responsibilities were to plan and organize events for fellowship of international students, lead and plan a Bible study and do one-on-one discipleship with each international student.

"During the one-on-one discipleship program, I got to know the need and wants of the international students," said Khadgi. "With that information, I was able to conduct events which drew in about 120 international students (after drawing in just 35 the previous year for a 240 percent increase)."

Outside of the classroom, Khadgi has drawn experience as a student worker in the Stonecipher School of Business this summer and served as a summer accounting intern with the Baptist General Convention of Oklahoma - Falls Creek in the summer of 2017.

-ECU-

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