Shiv Kumar Thakur came to the United States from Nepal by himself at 19 years old on a lottery visa with ambition and a vision. He quickly enrolled, simultaneously, in the college’s English as a Second Language (ESL) and college-level science and mathematics courses, in addition to supporting his education with two part-time jobs. 

During his time at Bristol, Shiv earned several academic awards, scholarships and distinctions including participation in the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation (LSAMP), the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society and the college’s Commonwealth Honors program.

As a supplemental instructor and tutor at Bristol, he supports his peers in both mathematics and science, and is known throughout the college community for his willingness to lend a helping hand. Shiv also served his community by promoting the value of education and lifelong learning as a student senator, student ambassador, a volunteer with the Greater Boston Mobile Food Market at Bristol, vice president of both the Multicultural Club and Asian Student Association, a member of the college’s International Club and STEM Club.

Shiv is now pursuing a bachelor’s degree through a doctorate in chemical engineering with the goal of becoming a chemical engineer in the state of Massachusetts.