"When you leave the comfort zone, then there is development" - Shahnoza, a foreign student at AlmaU

This year, Shakhnoza Kadyrova entered AlmaU. Shahnoza comes from Uzbekistan. In the spring of this year, she took part in the annual AlmaU Olympiad for foreigners "Megachance" and won a 100 percent grant for undergraduate education. Shakhnoza graduated from 9 classes of school and college with a degree in Finance. In her 24 years, Shakhnoza is very mature. We immediately found a common language with a foreign student.

Shahnoza:

- Girls in Uzbekistan at this age should have a family and children. It is very strict about it. But despite all these traditions, I said: “No, I have a dream to study. Sorry, mom, dad. " And I just took decision and left.

Of course, here I faced various problems of migration, housing. Here the contingent is different, young people think differently. And at first I was shocked a bit. But after I joined, I felt as if I am not 24, but 18 too, and I am the same as they. My classes start at one o'clock, but at eleven I already come to the university and I am inspired by this energy of youth.

Can you tell us about your life in Uzbekistan? Where were born, studied?

- I was born in Tashkent. Graduated from the 9th grade of school with a red certificate, then went to college to study finance and graduated with a red diploma too. It turns out that during these years I was an excellent student and a leader. But I couldn’t enter university, because we had financial problems. It was difficult for me to accept: “How so?! I am an excellent student and I cannot continue my studies? low-performing students have already received higher education, and I still go with secondary education? " I even had depression. But then I started working in my field in a bank, in a notary's office. When a person starts making money himself, he starts thinking that study is not so important. But lately, I realized that a person with a higher education has a higher status and more knowledge and opportunities to grow up the career path. So I decided to continue my studies.

 I realized that a normal university always welcomes visitors

How did you find out about AlmaU, about “MegaChance”?

- I came to Almaty for my friend’s wedding and realized that I want to study here. I liked local people, they are very similar in appearance to Uzbeks. I visited all universities, KIMEP, KBTU, SDU. And also came to AlmaU, went to  office 123 and I was so warmly welcomed. They said: "Sit down, we'll explain everything." I realized that a normal university always welcomes visitors. Even when you go to visit and you are beautifully greeted, always hunt to return to this house. They showed me the whole university, laboratories. And I thought that it was possible to build a career here, since the university has a career department. Then you can go to Europe. AlmaU is not a stop, it is an opportunity. And I thought: this is mine! I was told about “MegaChance” contest. And I took part in it.

 Someone will say that it is time to start a family, but my dream is more important to me

What was your reaction when you found out that you became the winner of MegaChance?

- When I found out that I received a 100 percent grant, I cried. Well, you understand ... for 5 years I couldn’t enter, and there it is! I told my mom, and she also cried. My grandmother was sitting nearby and she read a dua, prayed for me to study well.

How did your parents respond to the fact that you will study abroad?

- They were happy because that was my dream. Although it was a violation of our traditions. Someone will say that it is time to start a family, but my dream is more important to me. And my parents respect my choice.

What specialty did you choose?
- At the university I was told that if I studied further in my specialty, then I can get a diploma in 3 years. And I thought, “Why not?” I have a college diploma in “Finance” specialty. Therefore, I have already won 1 year, despite the fact that I have lost 5 years. This is also a chance.

What are your plans ?

- There was a time, I was interested in interior design, architecture and worked with AutoCAD, 3ds Max. There are many people like me who would like to continue studying in design. But in Uzbekistan there are 36 million people, and only one architectural university. Therefore, I want to open a private school where children can not only learn design, but also put their ideas into practice in the studio of our school. For this, I need knowledge of finance. How to open a school, what documents are needed, how to make a business plan, how to attract sponsors. Exactly, your university gives the opportunity to learn it.

 When you leave the comfort zone, then there is the development

What kind of lifestyle did you have in Uzbekistan, and how much has it changed here in Kazakhstan?

- To be honest, I have changed a lot. At home everything was comfortable, I had my own room, all amenities. I did not use public transport . I went to the pool in the morning, then to work, and in the evening to the gym.

And then I understood what student life is. Here I walk to another street to get a cheaper taxi (laughing). So far, I cannot afford a gym and a swimming pool, because it is a decent amount for a year. Also there are expenses for  rent, food. In financial terms it is difficult, but in spiritual terms it is better here. Because knowledge, spiritual development will bring more benefits. When you leave the comfort zone, then there is development. Therefore, I say to myself, “Shah, be patient a little, time will pass and everything will be fine.” I cannot relax now because I am studying on a grant, and if I have low scores, I will lose the grant.

 My home is a university, and students are my relatives

Tell us  how your relatives saw you off.

- I bought a ticket within two hours, and immediately began packing luggage. And at home all the relatives gathered, prepared a festive pilaf according to tradition. I really did not have time to say goodbye, because I was in a hurry. And now I really miss. When a girl falls in love, she’s crazy, but to miss her parents is completely different, it's ten times harder. I have no relatives in Almaty, so my home is a university, and students are my relatives.

You are such a great girl! Brave! What words would you like to complete the interview?

- I realized that it is never late. A person in 20 years does not regret what he did, he regrets what he has not done.