Say Yes Alumni Spotlight | Karuna Kharka

A Scholarship That Opened Doors

For Karuna Kharka, earning a degree from Syracuse University represents more than a personal achievement. It is the culmination of her family’s journey, sacrifices, and unwavering determination.

As the daughter of refugees from Bhutan, Kharka grew up watching her parents rebuild their lives from the ground up. Their resilience and hard work inspired her to pursue opportunities that once felt out of reach. A graduate of Nottingham High School’s Class of 2021, Kharka credits the Say Yes Scholarship with helping make her college dreams possible.

“The Say Yes Scholarship became part of that story,” she said. “It didn’t just help me pay for college. It gave me the freedom to dream bigger, work harder, and pursue an education that once felt impossible.”

In 2025, Kharka graduated from Syracuse University with a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. As she crossed the commencement stage, she carried with her not only her own accomplishments, but also the hopes of her family and community.

“The impact of Say Yes extends far beyond a scholarship; it changes generations,” Kharka said. “I am living proof of what becomes possible when someone says ‘yes’ to a young person’s potential.”

Today, her story stands as a testament to the transformative power of educational opportunity and the lasting impact of investing in students’ futures.