“APIE taught us not to fear failure — and that mindset changed everything.”
Apala Timalsina
Student, Tribhuvan University – Nepal
Apala is a student at the Tribhuvan University (TU), located in Kathmandu, Nepal. Her APIE journey is marked by the following milestones:
- Learner at APIE Core Course – Batch 05 (August-November 2024)
- Participant at APIE Camp in UB (February 2025)
Q1: What’s one skill or experience you gained through APIE that you wouldn’t have learned elsewhere?
At APIE Camp, I had the opportunity to meet experienced network engineers from a variety of fields. That helped me explore not just the technical knowledge, but also the future trends, opportunities, risks, and challenges in the world of network engineering.
The camp gave me insights that aligned with my personal interests and helped me see how broad and exciting this field truly is. I don’t think I could’ve gotten this kind of exposure anywhere else — it really opened up an ocean of possibilities for me.
Q2: How do you see yourself applying what you learned in APIE in your future career?
After speaking with cybersecurity experts at the camp, I realized I don’t need to be afraid of starting something new. Their advice and encouragement inspired me to seriously consider cybersecurity as a career path.
When I go back home, I plan to start studying the materials they recommended. Cybersecurity was something I used to be intimidated by — but now I’m excited about the idea of possibly excelling in it.
“Every time we faced a challenge, mentors and teammates helped us find the solution. That’s what made APIE so motivational.”
Q3: If you could describe APIE in one word or phrase, what would it be and why?
“Motivational.”
From the first day, we were told not to be afraid of failure. And yes — we ran into failures every day. But I always felt there was a solution. Whether it was through the help of mentors, TAs, or my teammates, we always pushed through. That support made the entire experience deeply motivational.
This interview was recorded on XX February 2025, during the APIE Camp at University Brawijawa, (Malang, Indonesia).
