Pema Omu Lama came to the United States as an international student in 2008, leaving behind the political and educational instability in her native Nepal. She was initially enrolled at Southern Arkansas University but moved after one year to New York. In spite of the pressures of a new country, a new language, and no family support, she later re-enrolled at LaGuardia Community College as a full-time student while working part-time as a nanny.
She graduated successfully from BCNA's IDA program and not only will be completing her associate's degree in Healthcare Management this Spring, but also plans to continue studying for a bachelor's degree.