Why now?

I believe there are hundreds of thousands of young people asking themselves who they are at this very moment. It is never too late to find the answer to this question.

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I believe there are hundreds of thousands of young people asking themselves who they are at this very moment. However, there might be still no answer to this question. Some of us do not get discouraged not getting the answer straightaway and keep their journey to find it eventually. Others just coast through life losing precious time and turning their backs on the opportunities given every now and then. They come home and there is no one there to instill in them that no dream is too big. They wake up in the morning still having this nagging feeling, hearing the voice that keeps telling them that there is something bigger they could do. What matters even more is that these young people really are capable of contributing so much to the world to make it a better place. They have enough potential to set off on a long journey taking an action, supporting and inspiring others along the way. Writing this now, I can see myself looking out of the window in my room twenty years ago and asking these very questions. I am one of those who never stopped despite the fact that there was no one for me at least to show in which direction to go. I am not blaming this wonderful life or anyone else for this. I am so grateful for every choice I have made as every decision, right or wrong, set me on the course so I could make it here and start doing what I am doing now. Yes, I am an ordinary person teaching English for eight years so far. However, my wish is to educate young minds to not be afraid to stand up for their beliefs, raise their voices, follow their dreams and always remember that they are part of a great place that is called WORLD. The place where beautiful things exist as long as each of us understands that simple pursuing of personal happiness is not as attractive as it may seem on the surface.

As an English major and Pedagogy and Psychology minor, I focus on teaching content through language. My goal is to raise students’ awareness of global issues and universal values. I have always been interested in laying the foundations for the concept of global citizenship. I strongly believe that every school, irrespective of its location or status, should adopt globally focused academic programs. There are so many talented students working on some important projects in different spheres such as chemistry, physics and biology. All they need is an opportunity to share their knowledge and improve their own expertise. I am planning to keep working as an educator and teach important concept through language upon arrival. I also wish to contribute to the shift of the traditional curriculum to more globally oriented content.

It is impossible to become a useful member of the global society if one clings to hard-matter identity. I learned this truth while still attending a general education school where, unfortunately, was no way to look for bigger opportunities to speak this truth. The concept of a global citizen was severely underdeveloped. However, I was lucky to have met several high-output, solution-based individuals at the university I attended later. In the year of 2006 North Kazakhstan State University was already a platform for doing a little research on different intercultural aspects. I became interested in how cultural background influences the language. I did my research on how the differences between American and British culture are reflected in the same language. This research was awarded with the Diploma and appreciated by the Peace Corps volunteers working at the university. My interest in applied linguistics was the main reason for choosing the theme of my degree paper: “The language of encouragement and inspirational speeches”. However, I understand that I need more training and an opportunity for studies in the present field. The educational system in Kazakhstan is in transition to the principals of democracy aimed at forming a healthy and integrated personality becoming a global citizen someday.

Asking myself a question “Why now?” I can definitely say that I feel ready to move onto the next level and have some experience I can share. For this purpose, I hope to pursue a Master’s Degree in Education. This degree will give me a broader knowledge base and more practical experience I need to help more students in the future with their local and global initiatives.

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