November 20, 2013
-Tell us please why did you choose AUCA, and why did you enroll as an American Studies major?
I have chosen AUCA due to several reasons. First, AUCA demands that you study hard. Unlike other universities, here you can’t simply pay money to get a good diploma. Second, AUCA demands excellence in English language. With my respect to ICP, I chose ICP not because I liked political science and international relations. I had to compromise with some circumstances at the time. Now I understand I shouldn’t. During my academic studies I experienced serious health issues. Therefore I decided to leave the university on my own. So I did all my best to solve my health problems. Second, I decided to gain admission to the department of applied mathematics of Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (one of the best universities not only in Russia but in the world as well). And in 2006 I was one of the lucky persons to gain admission. But I again compromised with some circumstances. And again obviously this was my great mistake. So I stayed in Bishkek. In 2008, I reapplied to ICP (it’s clear why despite I didn’t want.) This time I failed to write a good argumentative essay. American Studies department offered me a place and I survived.
-Tell us a little about your department. What new things did you learn there?
The department offers three spheres of specialization: culture and literature, society, and history. The faculty members here are professionals. They always try to help their students grow. But if students don’t try hard, professors can do nothing. In my case, I have never tried hard. So in general I cannot say I have significantly benefitted. The only exception is that the department has ignited my interest and it has obviously helped me gain subsequent deep knowledge about history. I am grateful to Aijamal Sarybaeva and Begaiym Esenkulova.
-What is interesting about your favorite class in the department?
It was interesting to discover such topics as, for example, the early settlers from the Old World (Europe), the Independence war with Great Britain, and first and one of the first presidents (George Washington, John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, James Madison) of the newly created American nation.
-What kind of job would you like to have after graduation?
I would like to be an applied mathematics researcher. I hope I will not compromise with anything that may seriously divert me from my true love. I know for many mathematics is boring and cold. In fact, mathematics is not what you think it is. It’s therefore possible to compare mathematics with a girl (for example) whose outer appearance is cold and boring but whose inner appearance is different. You just need to find a correct key. If you manage to do it, you will definitely get in deep love with her.
-What good advice would you like to give to students who want to study in the American Studies department?
It’s extremely important to be in true love with what you do. Although sometimes circumstances “decide” differently (like in my case). My first advice: explore the world more and deeper before making a final decision ! What shines in not always gold. When you finally find your true interest, be persistent, struggle for it. My second advice: continuously analyze yourself. What weaknesses do you really have? How do they prohibit you from advancing in your select area? Be extremely tough with yourself. My third advice: Don’t forget about your health condition.
-You took second place on Chess Tournament, which took its place in AUCA among AUCA community. Congratulations! Did you play chess before or was a participant of chess club? Tell us about it and about this tournament.
Thank you so much for your congratulations. I played chess before. I was taught how to play chess very late (I was about 23.) Later I was the president of the university’s E2-E4 chess club. The tournament (October 12) was dedicated to the 20th Anniversary of the University. Each one faced 9 players. Each game lasted 5 minutes (blitz game). Taalaibek Imanaliev, a faculty member, not a student, a 5-times champion of Kyrgyzstan, obviously got the first place. Yane Sumkovski, a senior of psychology, got the third place. Using a chance, I would like to give students my advice: if you don’t find playing chess interesting, don’t play it. I know not all players find it interesting. If you do like it but you don’t consider playing chess as your top interest, don’t spend much time learning theory. Don’t waste your time. I have never studied theory since mathematics has always been my true top love. Don’t assume as if chess and mathematics are almost the same. Finally, a world chess championship between current chess champion Viswanathan Anand (India) and Magnus Carlsen (Norway) is taking place in India’s Chennai. Games are played at 15:30 by our local time. So don’t miss this opportunity. Thank you for giving me a chance to answer the questions!