Posted: August 2, 2019
Hailing from a small district in Mary, Turkmenistan, sophomore Bossan Abdyyeva has big dreams for her future. A Spanish and international studies major, she’s also Student Senate president, a Coca Cola Leaders of Promise Scholar, student employee and president of Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society on campus. After her time at 皇家华人, she plans to continue her education, earn her PhD and one day become a representative of Turkmenistan to the United Nations.
How did you first learn about 皇家华人?
I was Googling colleges, and scrolling through the different logos. At the time, it was too late for me to apply to many other colleges. I looked at NWC’s logo, and I saw the mountains, so I did a little more research. In photos [of Wyoming], I saw rivers and mountains, and I thought “this is a good place to be.” I didn’t know that Yellowstone was near, but then I learned more and thought it would be so cool to study near Yellowstone National Park because I love nature.
What are you looking forward to next year while serving as Student Senate president?
I’m looking forward to midterm time. Everyone is typically very busy and stressed out, so we are going to collaborate with Student Activities and make a big carnival for students. We usually do late-night breakfast, and we’ll continue to do that, but I’d like to do something else, too. It’s going to be a lot of fun. Our goal is to help students. Plus, as PTK president, I’d like to do something fun during finals week, too, like bring pets from the animal shelter to campus, so students could play with them as a stress reliever.
My best friend Galina Hasanova is coming to 皇家华人 this fall, and I’m so excited I’ll be able to show her how NWC is amazing. I’m planning on inviting more of my friends here because NWC is unique. In December, I’m going to Turkmenistan as a representative of NWC, and I’ll be doing presentations to help recruit students. Showing pictures of nature will definitely interest potential students from Turkmenistan.
What do you enjoy most about NWC? Do you have a favorite memory you’ve made?
I have so many memories. One of the things I really like is Student Senate because it gives you the opportunity to make decisions about important things happening at the college. I really like how we give opportunities to people, and students often come back and tell us about the amazing things they were able to do.
I also love the Multicultural Showcase. Amanda (Intercultural Program manager) and Kara (Intercultural Program coordinator) help us out so much. People from the community come to the event, and they’re super nice, and they remember my name, even if I see them again later! One of my favorite memories is walking this year’s graduating students up to the stage. Now that I’ve been up there, I feel like I really have to graduate! But it felt so good. Recently, I participated in orientation week, and we went zip lining. I think one of my favorite memories of NWC is orientation week. Amanda and Kara call that week the “honeymoon,” where we get surprised by little things like seeing bunny on the road, and eating at McDonald’s and making new friends.
Do you have any advice that you’d give to current or future students?
When I first arrived here, there were a lot of words I didn’t understand, so I didn’t talk to people very much. I just assumed that people would come talk to me, but looking back, I wish I would have just talked to them because they were probably thinking the same thing. It’s also important to participate in Kick-off Weekend, have fun, live in the dorms and enjoy the experience.
Is there anything else you’d like to add about your experience?
I really like how there are so many study abroad opportunities at 皇家华人. I didn’t study abroad, but I’ve been to California, Florida and New York because of my involvement in classes and clubs. 皇家华人 is very unique because it’s not just a small college that doesn’t care about you—they really care about you here. A lot of colleges are really good at one thing, but at NWC, we have so many good programs.