Change can be a divisive experience. Some people embrace change and welcome new and different ways, while others enjoy familiarity and prefer a process they know works.
Changemaker and SCTCC student Aveen Sunar realizes that the familiar leads to the new and different and embraces both points of view.
Sunar was nominated for the 2026 Changemaker Award, which highlights people in the community who are “making positive change and doing great things.” The Changemaker has been awarded for more than a decade and has recognized hundreds of people. The winner will be awarded $5,000 and the three finalists $3,000.
“I was incredibly surprised when I found out I had been nominated. Someone from St. Cloud Financial Credit Union reached out to let me know, and I honestly couldn’t believe it,” Sunar said. “When the finalists were announced, it was such a humbling feeling to see my name alongside so many inspiring people who have made meaningful contributions to our community.”
But he’s no stranger to inspiration. Sunar came to the US from Nepal in 2022 to attend St. Cloud State in pre-nursing. While a student, he learned more about the profession and how broad it could be. Since it offers so many different paths, he decided to transfer to SCTCC because the nursing programs here align more closely with his goals.
“I liked that one career could open so many different paths while still allowing me to work closely with people and continue learning throughout my life,” Sunar explained.
SCTCC’s programs offered hands-on clinical experience while also getting licensed sooner. Plus, the Practical Nursing to Associate in Nursing path was a more practical path; after that, he can transfer for a bachelor’s degree. Sunar started the Practical Nursing program last spring semester.
“With one nursing degree, you can work in so many specialties and continue growing throughout your career. Being able to provide comfort, advocate for patients, and make even a small difference means a lot to me,” he noted. “Eventually, I’d love to work as a float nurse someday because I enjoy learning, adapting, and caring for patients in different units.”
These qualities are just why Sunar was nominated for the Changemaker Award: After he started at SCTCC, he noticed a need and worked to make it happen.
“After talking with many international students and students of color, I realized that something as simple as having a student organization that represents your culture can create an incredible sense of belonging.”
Working with Campus Life Director Shaun Keeley, Sunar launched the Nepalese Student Association club and brought to life their first major event in the fall: Teej Gala. The club hosted several other events through the year, participated in Multicultural Night, and was featured on a Nepalese news site.
But the biggest thing they accomplished was bringing attention to their cultural celebrations and creating space for students to feel welcome. Next steps for the club include involving students from different backgrounds who want to learn about different cultures and build friendships.
By showcasing traditions and cultural celebrations, Sunar has transformed the international student population at SCTCC and created an environment of acceptance and connection. His nomination for Changemaker is well deserved.
Starting a club at SCTCC is a bit of a process—this wasn’t a little thing that Sunar accomplished—but he does believe that change starts with little things. Welcoming students, supporting someone through tough times, speaking up for those without a voice, a single act of kindness. Embracing, elevating, and improving what we already know is the best way to implement change over time.
“When enough people do small, good things consistently, those actions create a much bigger impact than we realize. No matter where we come from, we all have the ability to leave a place a little better than we found it.”