Interviews with KELI (ESL 70) Alumni
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.