Interviews with KELI (ESL 70) Alumni
Aijamal Sharshenova: A Global Student’s Journey
By Dena H. Friedman
In March 2025, Aijamal Sharshenova bravely (but excitedly) travelled to the U.S. alone from Kyrgyzstan to study for a master’s degree in tourism and hospitality management (that was the plan, at least). Long before, though, she was already an international student charting an eclectic academic and professional course in pursuit of her goals.
Like a diamond or other precious jewel, Aijamal is bright and multifaceted, and radiates quiet elegance and grace. Speaking of her accomplishments, she said:
“When I was 16, and in my final year of high school, I won a scholarship to study at a language institute in China, where I spent six months learning Chinese and preparing for international academic opportunities. It was during that experience that, thanks to my mother’s encouragement and belief in me, that I began dreaming of studying abroad. Coming from an ordinary Kyrgyz family, that opportunity showed me that international education was possible.”
After successfully completing her studies and examinations in China, Aijamal returned to Kyrgyzstan to finish high school and receive her diploma. Although she had hoped to return to China to continue her education, regrettably, she was underage at the time, and universities there were unable to admit her directly into bachelor’s degree programs. Consequently, she remained in Kyrgyzstan and enrolled at Kyrgyz-Turkish Manas University (KTU “Manas”), one of the country’s most respected institutions of higher learning, where she later earned her bachelor’s degree in Tourism and Hospitality Management. In addition to attending classes for her major, she studied diligently and achieved fluency in English and Turkish, simultaneously developing proficiency in German. These accomplishments proved quite advantageous.
“Thanks to my university and academic program, I had the opportunity to travel to Germany twice and complete professional internships in events management. These experiences allowed me to gain valuable international exposure, work in multicultural environments, and further strengthen my language and communication skills,” Aijamal said confidently.
While these many proactive and purposeful endeavors may have sufficed for most students, they were just the beginning for Aijamal.
“While pursuing my degree, I also worked as a tutor, helping children with foundational academic subjects. After graduation, I received two professional opportunities: one at a private school as a Pre-K teacher and another in Germany within the hospitality and event management field. While waiting for my international employment documents and visa process, I spent approximately six months working with children at the school.”
There is far more to this young scholar than her academic and professional undertakings. She has dedicated herself to living her best life, cultivating a well-rounded, culturally-rich existence, and remaining truly present in every moment.
“I have always been passionate about photography. I completed professional photography courses and developed this hobby alongside my studies and work because I believe that important moments and stories deserve to be preserved and remembered.”
With so many accomplishments already under her belt, it was time for Aijamal to take the next step of her life’s multileg journey. Fueled with boundless positivity, her mother’s encouragement, and a ticket to greater possibilities, she boarded an airplane headed to the United States.
Once establishing her home in Brooklyn, NY, Aijamal shifted gears once again and opted not to pursue a master’s degree in Tourism and Hospitality Management. Instead, after spending several months at an English language school that she found unsatisfactory, she applied and was accepted to Kingsborough Community College, where she planned to enroll in the physical therapy assistant program. Before beginning classes, however, Accuplacer test scores showed that she needed to improve her English proficiency. A phone call she would soon receive from the Kingsborough English Language Institute (KELI) office seemed like destiny to her.
“I picked up the phone and couldn’t believe what I heard”, she said enthusiastically. A man, speaking my native Kyrgyz language, was telling me about my test scores and suggested I register for the KELI program!”
This happy coincidence was just one of the many circumstances that convinced Aijamal to become a KELI student.
“My experience with the amazing office staff was better than I had expected. They
were extremely helpful and respectful, and made the whole application process simple
and painless,” she said. I’ve never had such a positive experience. Everyone was like trusted friends.”
Home country presentation to KELI classmates
Consequently, in September 2025, Aijamal joined her new classmates for the fall semester. After just a few weeks, she truly knew she had made the right decision.
“The class was better than I could have hoped for. My test scores allowed me to begin at the highest level. I really enjoyed, and was thankful for, the structured pace of our lessons: grammar, vocabulary, reading, and listening.
What I appreciated the most was the quality of instruction and the engaging material our teacher brought to class every day. We were constantly learning new vocabulary while also discussing interesting topics, including cultures, holidays, and real-world ideas, which made learning English both meaningful, enjoyable, and inspiring” she added.
Incidentally, the young man from the office who had called Aijamal and spoke to her about the KELI program in her native language was a KELI student himself and had actually had the same teacher in a previous semester!
Further speaking fondly about the program, Aijamal said she came away with so much more than what she gained academically.
Multiple KELI classes celebrate Halloween
“Especially being from another country, I appreciated the opportunity to learn American
English while being with wonderful students from other countries and cultures. Some
of them became my close friends!”
After just one term, Aijamal retook and passed the Accuplacer exam in December 2025. She then started classes as a Kingsborough student in spring 2026, studying liberal arts and preparing for her major in the physical therapy assistant program. She did extremely well in her biology class, which included physiology and anatomy. She also excelled in English 12 (a composition course), psychology, and statistics with algebra. She modestly smiled with pride at her recent accomplishments and is eager to begin her physical therapy (PT) studies, something which holds special meaning to her.
Class field trip to NYC's Bryant Park
“I chose physical therapy for many reasons. My interest comes largely from my (and my brother’s) own childhood experiences with health challenges and, at times, unsuccessful medical treatments. Those experiences led me to become deeply interested in human physiology and rehabilitation. Over time, I developed the belief that effective healthcare should focus on the body as an interconnected system rather than treating individual symptoms in isolation,” she said.
Aijamal explained that she looks forward to being able to help other people to live more healthful lives.
“For me, physical therapy represents a forward-thinking approach to healthcare—one that emphasizes understanding movement, restoring function, and helping the body recover as a whole. That holistic perspective is one of the main reasons I am so passionate about entering the field,” she added.
Aijamal with her teacher, Aylin
As far as her plans after graduation are concerned, Aijamal said she can immediately begin working as a PT assistant. She will then transfer to a four-year CUNY college to complete her bachelor’s degree in physical therapy. Then, it will be on to earning her master’s degree in the field. For now, she is taking the summer off from classes, but is maintaining her connection to the KELI program by working in the very office that started her on her KCC journey.
“I’m looking forward to working with everyone, as well as assisting new and returning
students with all of the great programs here.”
For more information about the KELI/ESL 70 program, please call (718) 368-4870.
Anastasiia Haraieva: From K.E.L.I Student to Future R.N.
By Dena H. Friedman
At only 18 years old and already wise beyond her years, Anastasiia Haraieva is carving her path in the world. Like so many before her, she and her parents left war-torn Ukraine for the United States in August 2024, seeking refuge and a more secure life.
Understandably apprehensive about beginning anew in a country foreign to her in every way, Anastasiia didn’t know how this would impact her. She had dreamed of one day becoming a nurse and was painfully aware that this dream would not reach fruition if she remained in her native country. Due to the circumstances, online classes would be her only option, something this exuberant “people person” knew would not adequately serve her. Seldom deterred by obstacles, she believed the first step in pursuing her future career and other opportunities would be to learn English – but where?
She combed the internet in search of a practical and interactive English language program that would help her navigate the unchartered territory most people who migrate to another country face, and one that would help her become part of her new Brooklyn community while acquiring fluency. She considered several options, but none really met her needs. Her older sister, who had come to the U.S. several years earlier, told her about the Kingsborough English Language Institute (KELI), which she had heard good things about from friends. Anastasiia was intrigued by this positive feedback.
“As soon as I walked into the Continuing Education department’s ESL office at Kingsborough Community College (KCC), I knew I had made the right choice. Everything I saw and heard appealed to me, from the time frame and course content to the friendly staff,” she explained.
Just a few days into the fall 2024 semester, Anastasiia felt right at home. She enjoyed sitting alongside fellow Ukrainians, as well as students from other countries, who shared similar stories in what she called “this new community of friends.”
“I really enjoyed not feeling like a stranger and being welcomed by everyone, students and teachers alike. They didn’t scare me! I knew I was part of a very special family,” she said warmly.
Furthermore, the daily English lessons and informal structure were exactly what she had hoped for.
“I appreciated the more open and interactive learning style, where students felt encouraged to ask questions and participate freely. This made me feel comfortable and optimistic.”
Aside from covering the basics of English: grammar, vocabulary, spelling, and writing, etc., the KELI program offered Anastasiia something she greatly appreciated: content that was interesting, practical, relatable, and realistic.
“What I really loved about KELI was that I was given the tools to adopt English into my everyday life, through step-by-step lessons taught by patient teachers and that I could use easily on my own to help build my identity here.”
Experiential group work, games, field trips, and films complemented her studies. But what profoundly fueled her enthusiasm for the program was something no other academic ESL course she researched offered: learning the meaning of American culture, traditions, and holidays beyond cliched symbols in the pages of textbooks and in scripted scenes on television shows. In fact, in a recent article for The Scepter, the KCC student newspaper, Anastasiia explained that for most international students, their only understanding of American holidays, particularly Thanksgiving, is the proverbial “turkey on the table.” She went on to say that the KELI program, otherwise known as ESL 70, changed this perception. She recalls with fondness one late November day in 2024, when her teacher hosted an in-class authentic Thanksgiving luncheon, replete with decorations, a long, elegantly arranged table, and traditional American dishes alongside national ones representative of her classmates’ home countries. Everyone was given an opportunity to express what they were thankful for.
“What impressed me the most,” she wrote in The Scepter, “was the atmosphere. Students laughed together and shared stories. I felt the true meaning of Thanksgiving -- gratitude, unity, and respect for each other’s cultures.”
This effervescent young woman, her blonde hair pulled back in a loose bun and blue eyes widening behind gold-rimmed glasses, credits KELI with inspiring her even further. Aside from pursuing her professional dreams and excelling academically, her teachers instilled her with confidence. Consequently, she is building a foundation of leadership by serving as vice president and managing editor of The Scepter, for which remains a contributing writer.
“The KELI program taught me English in context, not just in abstract. I loved reading and writing every day. I joined the newspaper staff to put my English skills to good use, to be part of the KCC story, and to build my connection with the larger community.”
Anastasiia continues to lead and build her future. In the winter of 2025, after only one productive and successful semester in the KELI program, she easily transitioned to a matriculated Kingsborough student and currently maintains a 4.0 GPA. Proudly fulfilling the promise she made to herself in Ukraine, she is majoring in nursing and is taking her first classes this spring.
Smiling widely, she explained, “I chose nursing because I’ve always liked medicine and science. Also, being able to make people’s lives better makes me feel happy and alive!”
What’s next for Anastasiia? Pretty much anything she puts her mind to. In the near future, she’ll be deciding which four-year college would be best to continue her nursing studies and pursue her bachelor’s degree. For now, she’s just enjoying college life and spending time with friends, some of whom she met in her KELI class.
Further reflecting on the program’s role in her success, Anastasiia offers advice to anyone seeking a rewarding ESL program. “KELI is more than a class; it’s a community. We’re taken beyond the classroom and are provided opportunities for growth, which help us become the people we want to be. It’s a place where international students find support, friendship, and a new sense of belonging.”
From Sentence Structure to Scalpels: Meet Gulustan Ovezjanova, KELI Alum and Aspiring Surgeon
By Dena H. Friedman
It’s barely 8 a.m. on a spring Monday morning. Quiet and pensive, a young woman in glasses, sporting navy blue scrubs and a full backpack slung over her shoulder, walks purposefully down the corridors of the T2 building leading to the Surgical Technology Department. The door to the lab – and her future – open before her.
In just under two-and-a-half years in the United States, Turkmenistan native, Gulustan Ovezjanova, has achieved a great deal, and at a young age. She completed three semesters of the Kingsborough English Language Institute (KELI/ESL70), was accepted to KCC, enrolled in science courses, and is now on her way to achieving her goal of becoming a surgeon. Fueled with talent and ambition, her scholarly pursuits at the college began with learning English.
“I researched a lot of colleges and ESL programs. I emailed them about information and how to apply, but the responses took too long, or I did not hear from them at all. Then, a friend mentioned KELI. After one inquiry, I received an immediate response, submitted all my documents easily, everything else ran smoothly, and I had great support from office personnel,” she said.
Among her initial concerns, though, was that she would be placed in a basic/beginners’ classroom and be bored and uninspired. Gulustan was pleasantly surprised when she joined KELI in winter 2024.
“I liked that the program tests students’ ability before putting them in any class, so they do not have to start all the way from the beginning if they don’t need to. Students are placed in a class appropriate for their skill level.”
Having traveled to the U.S. alone like many of her peers; however, she felt a bit apprehensive about being in a class with strangers. She wondered if this would affect her learning and ability to succeed. Her concerns were soon allayed.
“I had never thought that I would have teachers that support students all the time. I was impressed by how they teach and try to involve each student to participate in class. It was better than expected.”
KELI (ESL 70) has much to offer English language learners. In addition to an academic, theme-based program that enables them to improve their oral and written English, there are multiple opportunities to learn and discover outside the classroom on fieldtrips, which is especially appealing.
“I really enjoyed that I was able to study and also have trips with my class, like museums and parks, and exploring other sights in New York City. I had a great experience while I was in the program,” Gulustan said, smiling.
Having done exceedingly well in her first semester in KELI, she excelled through two advanced terms in the program. Just several weeks later, in September 2024, she began her academic journey as a Kingsborough Community College student.
This bright, self-assured young woman has long held a passion and talent for science. Her first college studies included required and advanced courses, eventually preparing her to be among the spring 2026 cohort of KCC’s Surgical Technology Program.
According to its description, students receive “a balance of general education courses and an introduction to the theory and practice of Surgical Technology and Perioperative practice through classroom, laboratory, and clinical experiences.”
Judging by the steady parade of scrubs-clad students in the corridor, the program is hugely popular. Gulustan explains its appeal.
“I chose the Surgical Technology degree program because first, I want to experience how it feels to be in the medical field and in an operating room. Second, my goal is to become a surgeon, and this program is a great way to start. Honestly, I like everything about it,” she added. “I have lectures where we discuss various themes about the surgical technologist’s role. I have labs where I can experience real hands-on training.”
As part of the two-year program, Gulustan is enrolled in anatomy and physiology lectures and labs, which will serve her well after graduation, when she is looking forward to going to medical school.
For now, she is pursuing her degree and putting her acquired English language skills to good use in and out of the “operating room”. Her advice to anyone aspiring to learn or improve their English?
“KELI is a great way to start your journey, whether it is as a resident of the USA or as an international student. I highly recommend this program because the teachers and staff are of the highest quality. Nobody will regret this decision.”
For more information about the Kingsborough English Language Institute (KELI) or to register (program code ESL 70), please call (718) 368-4870. Our Summer 2026 term begins July 1.