Namaste 🙏
My name is Ekta Khoteja (you can call me by my first name, Ay-k-ta). I was born and raised in the beautiful country of Nepal, where my one-sided love for math began at an early age and has stuck with me ever since. Math gives me a sense of clarity and structure, which naturally led me to explore the world of Computer Science (CS). But outside of numbers and code, I’m someone with a lot of hobbies! My favorite things in the world are knitting and crocheting while I’m hanging out with friends, or just watching a weirdly specific documentary on YouTube (I am currently intrigued by the world of GameStop investments, despite not being a finance person at all). I also have an unquenchable passion for singing (I go crazy at karaoke). If I’m not doing one of those two things, you can find me thrifting and finding new clothes during my spare time (A wise person once said, “The world is your runway”).
As a first-generation international student, my journey into CS wasn’t a smooth one. Moving to a new country, I often felt like I didn’t belong, especially in a field that seemed exclusive and intimidating. There were countless moments where I doubted myself, thinking that CS was for “other people” and not someone like me. But over time, I realized that I wasn’t alone. I made friends who supported me and never judged me. We would spend hours together, struggling through difficult classes and sharing the highs and lows of our CS journey. My friends reminded me that I didn’t have to do it all on my own–together, we could overcome any challenge. That sense of community helped me find my footing and gave me the confidence to keep going.
This is why I started my job at CS Belonging. I want to help other students, regardless of their background, find a home in CS. Trust me, if I can do it, you can too.
P.S. I love animals. Come show me pictures of your pets!