By Liam Reilly
@liampreilly852
SEAT (Social justice, Equity, Accountability, Transformation) at the Table is a conference aimed at deconstructing oppressive systems and educating the community on topics that can help reach equity for all. In total, 17 events are held during the week, each featuring a presentation and speaker.
Kushal Bhandari, a senior Computer Science & Business Management major from Nepal, is one of many people presenting this year. The Student sat down with Bhandari to learn more about his life and SEAT at the Table.
The Student: What made you choose Springfield College?
Bhandari: During COVID-19 I was applying to different universities and then I found out about Springfield. The sad part was that I couldn’t do the [in-person] tours but I did the virtual tour and talked with the admissions counselor. Based on where it is located, the major I’m taking and the people, I decided to come here.
The Student: What is your favorite spot on campus?
Bhandari: The couches on the first floor of the Union. I love sitting here and I study here every day.
The Student: What is your SEAT at the Table event about?
Bhandari: Earlier this year I proposed a class for my honors study called intersectional feminism. I talked with my professor, Alice Eaton, and now that we have four other students joining us, we decided to take the whole class to the SEAT and discuss intersectional feminism, what it is and why it’s important to talk about in our community.
The Student: How did you first hear about SEAT at the Table?
Bhandari: When I was a sophomore I decided to participate in one of the events and when I applied, I was one of the first speakers to start the SEAT at the Table. I did a presentation on dismantling microaggressions at Springfield College and that’s when my leadership journey started. SEAT at the Table has a really good spot in my heart and I feel like people should join and learn from all these amazing speakers and their presentations.
The Student: How will your experience at SEAT at the Table help you in the future?
Bhandari: I’ve always loved public speaking and I feel like when you share your stories to other people, they could relate to it. When I did my presentation, people came up to me and said that they can relate to my problems. SEAT at the Table is a good opportunity for people to explore new ideas about social injustices and how to come forward as a society to solve these problems.
The Student: What’s something that makes you smile without fail?
Bhandari: My family. Being so far away from home, I think about them every time I’m feeling low. Looking back at their hard work and the help that they put in to make me the individual I am today, I feel like my family is something that I look forward to whenever I’m smiling.