2008 Woodie Awards
Professor reflects on recent loss
Nicole McKay
Issue date: 1/25/06 Section: News
- Page 1 of 1
Thomas Williford, assistant professor of history, saw Bedija Kharel's smiling face most recently as Marshall newspapers memorialized her life, along with the lives of her two friends. The last time he saw that smile, it was under far better circumstances.
"Last December after classes, we were talking about what she was doing over break," Williford said. "She sat down and talked about a half hour. She seemed very excited."
Memories of her are now bittersweet for Williford and the many others at Southwest Minnesota State University who knew Kharel and her friends. Williford, who lost a close friend in a similar crash only seven years ago, said the accident affected him deeply.
"It was quite a loss," Williford said. "Her inquisitive spirit should continue to inspire us-and [her] love of life."
Kharel was one of several Nepalese students in Williford's Rural World class last semester. He said students like Kharel helped make what might otherwise be a routine class a unique one.
"[That seemed to be] the one with the most participation," Williford said.
That enthusiasm was evident outside of class as well.
"She was always smiling, curious, [and] hardworking," he said.
For students who knew Utshav Basnet, Nishma Mimilsina and Kharel, Williford suggested one way of finding consolation at this time of loss.
"Sit down and write a letter to their parents about what they meant to you," Williford said. "That was the first thing I did."
Students wishing to send letters may turn them in to the International Student Services office.
"Last December after classes, we were talking about what she was doing over break," Williford said. "She sat down and talked about a half hour. She seemed very excited."
Memories of her are now bittersweet for Williford and the many others at Southwest Minnesota State University who knew Kharel and her friends. Williford, who lost a close friend in a similar crash only seven years ago, said the accident affected him deeply.
"It was quite a loss," Williford said. "Her inquisitive spirit should continue to inspire us-and [her] love of life."
Kharel was one of several Nepalese students in Williford's Rural World class last semester. He said students like Kharel helped make what might otherwise be a routine class a unique one.
"[That seemed to be] the one with the most participation," Williford said.
That enthusiasm was evident outside of class as well.
"She was always smiling, curious, [and] hardworking," he said.
For students who knew Utshav Basnet, Nishma Mimilsina and Kharel, Williford suggested one way of finding consolation at this time of loss.
"Sit down and write a letter to their parents about what they meant to you," Williford said. "That was the first thing I did."
Students wishing to send letters may turn them in to the International Student Services office.