Iurii Kim: "AUCA was the biggest part of my life"

June 1, 2015

Academic life is almost finished for the seniors of AUCA. One of the brightest students of 2015 is Iurii Kim. He is a graduate of the Economics Department. Iurii shares his impressions and experience of these four years at AUCA. 

“I graduated from mathematics and physics from school #61 in 2011. Graduates of that school often get the "golden certificate" from the Republic test, so I had a chance, and it worked. To be honest, I was really nervous and scared. I was just an average student in that school and almost everyone could get this scholarship opportunity.

I chose the Department of Economics almost at random. I just thought that this way all the mathematics leaned at school would not be wasted. Another detail, my scholarship did not work with the BA department. So, economics was a logical choice, even though I had no idea what to expect.

I have no regret what so ever. I am very happy with the choice I made 4 years ago. This is the department that could give me a maximum of knowledge. I've enjoyed almost every single minute of my studies.

If I say that I've changed during these 4 years that still wouldn't be close enough to the truth.

My AUCA life did not really start with Orientation Week, although I really enjoyed it. Then, I was more a distant witness rather than an active participant. The switch was in the university’s conference hall during drama rehearsals. That's actually where it all started, with my first big role, that of a sassy female character –which is actually still following me from time-to-time. I had to recreate that character during later performances and for that tour around 6 cities in Kyrgyzstan in 2012. The role remains of my major achievements. In 2013, I quit the Initiation ceremony stage, but was providing support the "Mirrors" team with the graphical decorations on LED screens.

Nikolay Shulgin later told me I wasn't a good performer at all (and I am still not), but still he decided to give me that role because I could improve my acting. And I also want to say a HUGE thank you to Nikolai Grigorievich. Without him, I wouldn't be the person I am now.

That same year, I became a senator, but that was pretty forgettable, sometimes even I don't believe I was there.

My contribution as a volunteer to the Orientation Weeks had a much greater impact on me than my own Orientation Week as a freshman. Being a volunteer is something unique and rather unpredictable, I led 3 teams, and there were absolutely NO similarities among them, and I totally loved them all.

Another BIG thing is Diversity Week. I was a regular member of the Korean Delegation, and once even at its head. I have to say that being a regular participant is much simpler than leading a delegation; however, it's an amazing experience, when you are responsible of 50 people. It's a huge kick at personal level.

Last year, I was not THAT active in staging stuff. Instead, I picked up the role of video editor for our Newspaper. Actually, I think this year our newspaper got stronger. It became more interactive and more attentive to readers' complaints.

WARC is another huge thing at AUCA. It cannot be compared with classes or extracurricular activities. Every time a student comes to you, there should be some time invested in order to point out what exact of problems the student is facing. Sometimes, the questions they ask in the beginning of the session do not match at all the real problems. There were times, when we would start with a question on derivatives, and would end up with fractions' multiplication.

It can become complicated, but still, it was VERY enjoyable, especially when you see that the student REALLY got all the questions answered. Sure, I liked that. And working at WARC made me think about working as a professor.

I am lucky to have had an enjoyable study process. Seriously, when you like something, it is already a success in itself. My biggest advice is to find a studying environment where you're the most comfortable with. It’s simpler to train and become a professional in a field you like. That's what actually happened to me.

In 2012, we created a live music band with Ruslan Aidarov, Chynara Bakyt kyzy and Sanjar Sulaimanov, which existed for half-a-year. That was unforgettable, really. Music is one of my passions. We performed twice, if I remember it right, and I still re-watch all our videos. Such warm memories!

The atmosphere. I actually can breathe deeper in this building. I know that less people will judge your actions there. I know that people are tolerant. Abnormality is definitely normal there.

Another interesting anecdote? I had to replace one of my professors for 2 seminar classes in microeconomics. That felt so different (and to be honest, weird during the first 5 minutes), but I have to admit: I really enjoyed that professor role. This is challenging and interesting at the same time, especially when the topic is complicated.

I've applied for a Master’s degree in Germany and I’m now waiting for answers. Hope, I will be admitted and continue my academic road to my future career. I'm actually planning to have a PhD in Economics, so we'll see.

I just wanted to add that I will never forget AUCA. This was the biggest part of my life, not just for these four years, but for the emotional fulfillment. And I’ll miss it. Hopefully, I will get a chance to come back some time."

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