Grishma, now a public health student at the University of Pittsburgh, has spent most of her life in the South Hills, but her journey began far from Pittsburgh. Born in Nepal, she came to the United States as a toddler, first living in Arizona and Philadelphia before her family settled in the Pittsburgh area to be near relatives.
Her early years were shaped by transition. With her parents working long hours and still learning English, Grishma spent much of her time with her grandparents. It was through them that her family first discovered SHIM, after noticing other families in their apartment complex gathering and connecting.
One of her earliest memories is SHIM’s back-to-school distribution. She remembers arriving early, waiting in long lines, and feeling excited to receive a backpack, especially at a time when her family wasn’t always sure what was needed for school.
“Getting those supplies meant everything,” she says.
SHIM quickly became a central part of her childhood. She regularly visited the food pantry with her grandparents and attended the after-school program throughout elementary school. It was there that she found not just academic support, but a sense of belonging.
“It was like school, but less chaotic,” she recalls. “The groups were smaller, and you really got to know people.”
That sense of support became especially meaningful during a difficult time in third grade, when Grishma experienced bullying. While her school was aware, it was the encouragement and care she received from SHIM staff that left a lasting impression.
“I remember thinking, what if they don’t care about my problem? But they did,” she says. “That made such a huge impact.”
SHIM also played an important role in her family’s life. When her younger brother was born, her mother, who had been staying home, began struggling with postpartum depression. Seeking connection, she became involved in SHIM’s after-school program as an aide.
For Grishma, it was a special experience to see her mom there.
“I loved having her at after school,” she says. “It helped her build friendships and feel part of a community.”
Years later, Grishma found her way back to SHIM, this time as a volunteer. Returning to the after-school program felt like a full-circle moment, especially as she worked alongside staff who had once been her mentors.
“It felt really natural, like I could just be myself,” she says.
Her ability to connect with students stood out. She understood their world- the trends, the worries, and the pressures- and was able to offer guidance in a way that felt relatable.
“I remember stressing about the smallest things,” she says. “I could help them see that what they’re going through is just a small part of their life—and that things get better.”
Students often turned to her for advice, and she valued being able to provide the kind of reassurance she once needed herself.
Now in college, Grishma is channeling those experiences into her studies. As a public health major, she is passionate about improving access to care and addressing health inequities.
“Everyone deserves good health,” she says.
Her coursework has deepened her understanding of how complex, and often political, healthcare systems can be. At the same time, a recent visit to Nepal reinforced her desire to make a global impact. Seeing long hospital lines, limited resources, and gaps in care firsthand showed her just how much work remains.
“There’s so much room to help,” she says.
She’s particularly interested in education, especially around women’s health. In Nepal, she notes, menstrual health remains stigmatized and access to safe, hygienic products is limited.
“I want to help educate people so they can be healthier,” she says.
At home, Grishma is also embracing a new role: older sister, again. With an 11-year-old sibling and a newborn just one month old, her family dynamic has shifted in joyful and sometimes chaotic ways.
“The last time I had a younger sibling, I was 8,” she says. “Now it’s completely different because I can really help.”
Despite everything SHIM has meant to her and her family, Grishma believes many people still don’t fully understand its impact.
“It’s kind of a hidden secret,” she says. “For so many families, especially immigrants, it’s played such a big role.”
She hopes more people will learn about SHIM- not only those who may need its services, but also those who could support or volunteer.
From receiving a backpack as a child to mentoring students as a young adult, Grishma’s story is a powerful example of how community support can shape a life and come full circle.
And as she looks toward the future, one thing is clear: the care she received is now something she’s determined to pass on.
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