As part of my scholarship for my sophomore year, I actively sought opportunities each term to share the story of Kazakhstan with diverse audiences. Through cultural presentations, I introduced others to my country’s unique traditions, history, and resilience. These experiences allowed me to promote understanding, celebrate diversity, and foster a sense of global connection, all while showcasing the vibrant culture and untold stories of Kazakhstan.
During my time at Oregon State University, I had the honor of representing Kazakhstan at the Ettihad Cultural Festival in 2016. With the assistance of a fellow Kazakh student and friends from the Philippines and Ethiopia, we established the first Kazakh booth at the festival. Our participation marked the beginning of a lasting commitment to cultural representation and exchange.
The following year, I returned to set up another Kazakh booth. This time, I invited my professor David Kidd, who taught me Strength of Materials and Dynamics, to pose in a Kazakh costume, along with some of my other Kazakh friends. This experience further strengthened our efforts to share Kazakhstan's rich culture and traditions with the university community.
During my junior and senior years through the ICSP program, I secured a position as a Crossroads International Assistant, where I supported the Corvallis Multicultural Literacy Center (CMLC) staff in organizing a variety of cultural and social events.
These included programs like:
Conversation School for Women
Conversation and Friendship sessions
Three-Day Home Stays for new international students
The International Friendship Program
International Faculty and Scholar Coffee
Beyond event coordination, I also shared my own experiences as an international student, helping new students navigate cultural shock and adjust to their new environment, fostering a sense of belonging and cross-cultural understanding. Below is an example of a event I organized and a flier I presented.
