Étoilante

To all my friends and acquaintances, if I do not respond to you in the next few days, I am not ignoring

I am going offline for around a week,

If you urgently need me, you can use my mobile phone number, or my email [email protected]

#2024insights

What makes us human is our ability to think deeply and create. Our brains are what set us apart from animals. If we spend all our time just killing it—binge-watching shows, endlessly talking about social media drama, or constantly chasing a partner/whoever else—aren’t we just like animals acting on instinct? To truly live as humans, we need to engage our minds, push our potential, and contribute meaningfully.

Many people I’ve talked to shared that they felt depressed when they had nothing productive to do. I’ve experienced this too. It’s like your self-esteem and confidence start to crumble when you feel like you’re not doing anything that matters. People need to feel that they are important, that they’re making a difference in some way. That’s how we rise above the monotony and truly live.

At its core, this desire for importance connects all of us. How we express it might differ—helping our families, contributing to society, advancing science, or pursuing something else that aligns with our values and passions. The specifics don’t matter as much as the feeling of purpose.

Without that sense of importance, life can feel empty. Dissatisfaction creeps in when we lose touch with what makes us feel meaningful. So, it’s about finding what fulfills you and choosing to focus on that.

I decided this had better be a series of posts, under the hashtag #2024insights

Imagine what happens to my keyboard if I start learning Korean/Japanese/Chinese

However, in my opinion, one potential challenge could be the mindset and attitudes of certain segments of the population, who might harshly judge aspects of this new wave of music and movies—especially if these elements deviate from traditional cultural norms.

On the other hand, presenting the local culture in a contrasting, exotic, and fun way could prove highly effective in promoting it, positioning it as something truly unique and captivating.

I wonder why Uzbekistan still has a very underdeveloped soft power. Especially when it has a great potential at developing it.

There’s a lot the country could do, particularly through movies and music. Just making modern cool movies, adding national elements—like showcasing traditional architecture, food, and local customs in creative ways—could make the country stand out.

Some of our neighbors have already figured this out. They use their culture in films and music to build a strong reputation across the CIS.

But honestly, Uzbekistan has an even richer and more diverse heritage. Architecture, ornaments, and food, some of them even differing based on the regions. If done right, this could position Uzbekistan as a kind of South Korea for the CIS region and not only.

It also elevates a country’s prestige and status, which matters. Plus, it would give a huge boost to the tourism industry.

My research paper is published at Stanford Intersect Journal of Science, Technology and Society!

You can read it now here

Let me know if you have any feedback. I am welcome for any comments.

So excited!

@dinasway

Imagine if Central Asian relatives sent Google Calendar invites with time and date to your email several days before visiting your house as guests

And then came on time and stayed for the same number of hours as in Google Calendar

In how many years do you think it’s gonna happen (in such collectivist societies)?

Coz now it’s hard to even imagine 😂

Guys, do you want a post on the main insights and learnings I have gained in 2024?

Leave a reaction/comment if yes

📩 Is there any common aspects among admitted NYUAD students? except the ones that every university has ( Intellectual curiousty, making an impact, helping others and etc )

Honestly?
The only common aspect they have is doing cool small talk and same questions they ask (i also do this, ngl😂). Sth like hey, how r u, how s life, what courses r u taking, how r u liking them, how was ur weekend, how was ur break, where r u going now, oh see u then, it was nice to talk to u, let's meet up sometime

Qualities:
tolerance to diversity - not all people have it, ngl
very ambitious - some are really not so ambitious
so, tbh, i didn't see any uniting qualities

but this is my subjective opinion

📩 does perfectsionism “kill”? what do u think?

It really depends. I am a perfectionist.

1. And it makes me procrastinate, not answer fast, ignore people, get late with assignments, postpone tasks, have a "later better future" mindset.
2. But it also makes me really good at what I want to do. If I like doing sth and at the same time, apply my perfectionist mindset to it, I will for sure be unbeatable, and my project will come out being really good. My perfectionist was one of the main factors how I got most of my "coolest achievements"

So, it's like a sword with two sides.
Try to use it to your benefit only. Journal, work on your mindset, to not use its "bad side".

📩 how many languages do you speak? and what languages are you gonna learn?

C1-C2, good in academic settings especially: Russian, English
C1-C2, good in daily life settings especially: Kazakh
B1-B2-C1 (depending on context): Uzbek
A2-B1: French
A1-A2: German, Arabic

I will for sure continue learning French and Arabic
But don't want to continue German

📩 You are such an inspo💜💜💜💜. NYUAD chose the right person😭🫶. I love the way you think, and how determined you are! Btw, I haf participated in Storily last year and u were one of the best mentors i have ever had at that time. Thank you so much! Keep shining✨✨✨✨✨✨

Thank you so much for letting me know all this🥹🥰

Also, guys, I just encourage you to write/say nice things if you notice them in people. You might think that one already knows that they are doing great, but actually that's not always the case. And your nice word might mean a lot to that person.

And thanks, again🥰

📩 if you can give one tip, what would it be?

Any tip or advice carries one person's value or sense of right/wrong. But the thing is, only u decide what is wrong and what is right. So, filter the tips u get. U have ur own life and ur own values. Act upon them. Create ur own rules, tips, and advice

A tip for my own life (a value i have is maximizing my time, being productive, etc):
Realize that your each thought controls your actions and feelings. And your each action has an effect on your life. Thus, be careful with & control ur thoughts and actions.

Q&A?

t.me/anonaskbot?start=LmlV757rS7zdam5

Such an amazing day that we had. Did a total Tashkent tour with @dinasway, crossing center of Tashkent, Chilanzar, Buyuk Ipak Yoli, Do’stlik, Hamid Alimdjan, and many more

Our travel map🗺️ (only on foot/by bus):

📍From Mustakillik Ijod Saroyi (meetup with @akzaripovs) to Amir Temur Costa cafétéria

📍Then to Amir Temur Bon cafétéria

📍Then to Dinara’s home 🏠

📍Then girls’ shopping 🛍️

📍Then to Dinara’s work

📍Then to my home 🏠

Not surprisingly, some of my fondest memories are tied to Tashkent’s libraries—or the paths that led me there

https://t.me/etoilante/1071

https://t.me/etoilante/1229

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Google Docs recently introduced a new feature - Tabs

Loved it, honestly

I prefer GDocs over Notion for its minimalism and simplicity

Занятное исследование провели нейробиологи из Лозаннского университета в Швейцарии. Они провели эксперимент на мышах (опять!) и обнаружили, что за переходы между фазами быстрого и медленного сна отвечает голубое пятно (locus coeruleus) — участок голубоватого цвета в стволе мозга, который раньше был известен как центр выработки норадреналина и главный регулятор способности реагировать на сложные ситуации во время бодрствования. Результаты исследования появились в научном журнале Nature Neuroscience.

Таким образом мы очень наглядно видим как стресс может влиять на качество сна и наоборот. Потому что 1 маленький участок мозга отвечает и за то и за другое.

🫶

Flying kites and eating pistachio Gelato🥰

Love our Uzbek community🫶

We’re having a reunion with an nyuad alumnus from Uzbekistan

Fun fact: 67% of people here are ALWIUT alumni😍🫶

While I think New Year isn’t New Year without cold weather (and snow), it’s kinda cool that people still try to celebrate it, have the vibes, etc.

I wouldn’t be able to do that.
I feel like I’m in mid summer, tbh.

Guysss,
If you’re interested in debates, this session is a must attend

It’s going to start in 20 minutes
Definitely join🫶

Shakhrizoda, also a freshman at NYUAD, is conducting this session. She’s really incredible at debating. You can learn a lot from her
P.s. you can believe me, she’s my roommate, so i know 😅🫶

And you should join this channel if interested in debates: https://t.me/thedebateleague

Welcome to a LEGENDARY start of a new generation of debaters!

Is it the thrill of arguing that excites people? Or is there something more—a deeper call to master the art of persuasion and understanding?

The Debate League is here to answer these questions and elevate the debate culture. This selective community is where skilled debaters will be handpicked to create a revolutionary league, fostering competition, enhancing skill, and cultivating a profound appreciation for the art of debate.

🌟 Join Us for the Introductory Webinar!
Date: 22nd November (Friday)
Hosted By: Madina Otabekova and Shakhrizoda Alimbabaeva

Our hosts are pillars of the debate community.
Madina Otabekova: An accomplished debater, mentor, and adjudicator, Madina has represented Uzbekistan in the global rounds of the World Scholar’s Cup and has been a participant since 2020.
Shakhrizoda Alimbabaeva: A passionate student pursuing her degree at New York University in Abu Dhabi, Shakhrizoda brings a unique perspective to debate from her studies in law.
They bring over 4 years of experience in competitive debating, won the Nationwide Debate Championship and have incredible accomplishments to share!

Don’t miss this chance and mark your calendars!
The link will be sent here and other channels!
See you soon!

This prof is probably the most locked in person on campus

I mean, he literally always sits near the palms or in the marketplace, with his laptop, writing something, and always has a golden teapot with tea, frequently barefoot and jumping to exercise (not caring about what people think), not getting distracted by anything or anyone

Someone to look up to

I am so curious about what he’s writing
Probably something award-winning

I wonder,
What are my chances…

Answering once and for all:

Yes, there are Uzbek people who got CW invites who texted me (unfortunately, I can’t share who they are)

I don’t know whether there will be another wave of decisions or not,

But what I can say is that whether you got CW or not, you should try your best for ED2 and RD,
Without hope for nyuad

Coz in the last years it is very unpredictable with decision outcomes
I personally know many people who have been to CW (even ED1 and ED2) who were waitlisted (which is kinda a rejection) or were given way too little fin aid

Thus, no matter you got cw or not, move on and prep your essays for rd and ed2

guysss cw invites are out
anyone got it?

feel free to text if u got invited @aydariya

We ATE 💗

Life is a paradox:

In summer we were counting days till uni starts

Now we are counting days till flight home

My prize for “the best bargainer” nomination at Global Village, Dubai🫶

(credits to Mukhlisa💞)

Me:
Emailing a *technically* random prof at nyuad with 493 words

Him:
Replying with 531 words (and being so so nice)

Idk, i ve been feeling like i’m very lucky with profs i interact or take courses with,
At least this semester

Or are they all so nice?

Anyways, Uzbekistan’s cold wind kinda reaches us in little ways, it turns out🫶

(Picture 3, from Weather app)

Happy first snow guys❄️💖

Пожалуйста дорогие инженеры держите свое мнение о других направлениях при себе!

Каждый раз после разговора с инженерами я начинаю раздумывать сделала ли я правильный выбор. Могу ли я найти себе работу по своему направлению? И просто overthinking и в итоге испорченный день и муд.

Я очень много думала об этом и пришла к выводу что зачем мне отказываться от того что я хочу из за того что это сложно? В Computer science ОЧЕНЬ и ОЧЕНЬ сильная конкуренция, но это единственное что мне по душе сейчас. Я точно знаю что hardware мне совсем не интересен и в общем то что Comp Eng изучает. И я знаю если я хороша в том что делаю то я могу найти свое место в обществе.

Вот представь ты по приколу сказал фрешману что его degree useles. А тот фрешмен просто провел целый вечер в стрессе и передумывая всё.

Может кто то там знает чем что он/она хочет заниматься в будущем. Но я пока что нет. В школе я только занималась математикой, английским и физикой так как система такая, и сейчас единственное где я себя вижу это CS.

~✨~

↬@jastm1🌊

I started analyzing what makes me feel more energized, satisfied, motivated, and disciplined. And I track this in my diary📔

I found this technique really useful:

If I have a great “effective” mood, I write down what I specifically did which led me to this mood

Then I analyze patterns: which actions make me more effective

And I then repeat those actions on other days, to “rescue myself” from bad ineffective mood

(credits to one sophomore girl for sharing this technique 🫶)

For now, I’ve been experimenting and realized which actions are most beneficial to me personally:

1. Treadmill
2. Hot tea😅🫶 (I hate coffee and never drink it)
3. Turning off wi-fi, taking away the phone
4. Making myself go to bed early, even if I have stuff to do
5. Journalling frequently
6. Not listening to songs, instead listening to focus music
And many other

Anyways, talking to diverse accomplished people makes me not just explore other people but also observe and explore myself🫶

Questions?

t.me/LetsAskBot?start=7WvxUZ


In the mood to answer🫶

Personal questions are also welcome !

#idea

Knitting while learning (even without a crochet hook!) can definitely be a gift to your mental health

What a day😍

Finally!!!

#insight

Intentionally making yourself suffer (not eating food, not sleeping, not looking good, having health problems) doesn’t equal exceptionally studying/working

It just means poor time-management and disorganized life

Because of this kind of life, you feel bad, depressed, and have low energy

You can be very successful by sleeping okay, looking good, exercising, and eating food

Just maximize the limited time you have (limited because you spend ~12h a day on eating, sleeping, caring for yourself, social life, and mental/physical health)

Thus, only 12 hours left for all the studying, lessons, working, extracurriculars, and self-improvement
Thus, no time left for procrastination, surfing social media, etc

It’s like realizing life is limited. Youth is limited. So, I wanna spend it happily and productively (in all spheres: not just academic)

#idea

All the coolest events (guest speaker, mixer, etc) and office hours are on Mn-Th

Classes are also on these days, unfortunately

That’s why, it’s hard to manage assignments and hw with these events during Mn-Th

Thus, if I start doing some hw and assignments beforehand during Fr-Sn, I will have time for events on Mn-Th

This requires better time-management on my part though

Part 2:

What is SRPP?

It’s a unique major created by a professor from Yale University when NYUAD first opened.

I’ve heard that, in the very beginning, their employment rate was even higher than that of engineers)

Over the years, most of the Gates & Rhodes scholars from NYUAD have come from SRPP majors 😍(it’s like the Oscars in the world of grad schools).

In this major, you have four “boxes” that you need to fill with any two “toys” you want—that is, any two courses of interest to you (with no restrictions or requirements).

The first box is Culture and Society—which I find fascinating. Here you’ll find courses that analyze cultures and languages.

The second box is Institutions and Public Policy—it covers how businesses and organizations like the UN operate (there are even some economics courses here).

The third box is Research Methods—this one is more science-oriented. I’m taking two CS data science courses here to analyze social sciences and linguistics. Can I do that? Yes! 😅💖

The fourth box is Social Structures and Global Processes—this one seems to have more history courses. After taking a course on slavery, I really fell in love with history (learning about the past made me realize so much about today’s world), so I’m open to studying more history, to be honest.

With this name and the variety of courses, this major can be presented in any way you want—I read on Facebook and saw and Handshake that you can land any job in the social sciences & public policy field 🫶. For someone like me who might change paths at any moment, this flexibility is very convenient.

Plus, my ultimate goal isn’t to work for a company all my life or even to become a professor (if I do, I think it would be more of a side hustle) but to eventually create something of my own that brings value to society. That’s why I’m interested in how projects and organizations work, and in public policy. The work experience I’ll gain through this major will definitely be useful 🫶

The link for other:

pls write here t.me/LetsAskBot?start=7WvxUZ

Life lately…

Answer:
Here’s what our colloquium professor, who is also an Arabic language professor, explained:

In the early 2000s, following the 9/11 attacks, the U.S. began prioritizing “national security,” which included an increased focus on learning Arabic to aid in intelligence and counter-terrorism efforts. To support this, the U.S. invested millions of dollars in Arabic language programs.

Our professor previously worked in a government-funded program teaching Arabic to Americans. She noted that the U.S. military would often recruit the top-performing students from her classes, likely offering them attractive salaries and benefits for careers in intelligence or defense.

The textbook we’re using was developed with that program’s funding and intended audience in mind. It was designed to prepare students for high-level, security-related Arabic usage, which explains why the vocabulary is more advanced than typical beginner-level content.

Question:

Why is there such Intermediate vocab in Arabic Beginner textbook?

(And they all are military related)

Actually, not Central Asia
Her projects all revolve around Uzbekistan🇺🇿 🫶

Her research fully focuses on Central Asia😍

Today I learned from my anthro prof that she did anthropological fieldwork in Bukhara’s desert😍

She researched wells and the way people live there

And NYUAD funds this research))

And also learned that there’s a cool archaeological study by another prof in Samarkand and Bukhara funded by NYUAD
This prof is rewriting the history of the Silk Road)))
I think her name is Fiona Kidd

Benefits of small liberal arts unis:

- this whole week, talked one-to-one to one professor a day for at least 30-45 minutes.
These 30-45 minutes are the highlight of my day
Have I ever learned more in 30 minutes?
I don’t think so

- prof finds me, approaches, or emails me if I’m even a bit silent or sad in class, and asks if I’m alright, or whether I need any help with hw))) and gives all the resources or advice I need, whatever I ask🥹🫶

How learning a new language feels like: https://youtube.com/shorts/3D32wxt7Cqo?si=JFQL11ZsTz57p_SA

Spent, like, around 30 hours on this essay☺️

My argument was really cool (I challenged papers of a very popular scholar with decent proof)

But as you can see, I had difficulty presenting my ideas🥲
I realized myself I needed like 10+ extra hours to make it an A essay, so during self-assessment I estimated my essay to be an A-/B+. Interestingly, I was thinking of the mistakes in the feedback the prof put. Which is cool, because I m more or less self-aware.

I’m glad I took this course though. It’s my favorite course this semester. We learn the whole history of slavery, colonialism, imperialism, African and Arab slave trade. The grading is not “kind”, and the amount of work is not little. But taking into account I love writing, research papers, and the humanities - that’s really useful for me.

Storily is more than a self-development program—it’s a safe, welcoming space where young ladies can openly share their thoughts and experiences🫂. With a diverse community, including many girls from Afghanistan, Storily is a comfortable place for those who might be shy, have limited opportunities to connect, or just want a private space for personal conversations.

I’ll also be available for one-on-one chats with some of you about your goals, vision, personal projects, and other questions.

If you’re looking for a supportive community where you can be yourself, consider joining Storily’s fourth cohort🫶

Call for Applications: Cohort 4 at Storily!✨

This time our team wants you to focus on:

🤩Improving your Storytelling and Creative Writing skills with Asel
🤩Connecting with other girls and developing a Passion Project
🤩Accessing close-knit interviews with girls from the variety of fields

You get it at a 1-Month Program at Storily 💌... and that's not the end of the story!🥺

We have our beautiful guests from Ivy league universities and prominent speakers on Women's Rights. All in collaboration with the organization that promotes education for girls in Afghanistan 🤍

Duration: November 15 - December 15, 2024
Application Deadline: Novermber 5th, first Tuesday of the month

🧷 You can get more info and apply via this Form 🧷

Follow @storily5 for updates! 🤗

This is a required core class—Colloquium: Learning Languages in a Global Society. I feel like I’ve practically earned a degree 😅 in writing about Uzbekistan’s linguistic landscape and my experiences with languages. It’s been really cool to reflect on my experiences, analyze them through a linguistic lens, and add my own perspectives.

I just finished Essay 3, where I imagined Uzbekistan embracing mixophilia—accepting cultural diversity—like the UAE or Europe. I argued that diversity could drive development by shifting outdated practices and bringing fresh ideas, but I also explored challenges, like the risk of Uzbek language and traditions being marginalized.

Honestly, for me, it’s very hard to imagine Uzbekistan becoming a cultural melting pot anytime soon 🫠. But it was a thought-provoking exercise on how languages and cultures shape the future. Maybe some countries had better stay culturally homogeneous?

#idea

Now I have 4 courses I am taking. Three of them are heavily writing-based: writing seminar, colloquium, and intro to anthropology
That's why, in one week, I write many essays/reading responses, overall of ±2-4k words.

The idea is, with such progress, I feel like I can edit my essays a bit and then monetize them by posting on platforms such as Medium. I mean, why not? (And my essays are nearly always quite cool ahahah). Actually, according to statistics, the majority of Medium's users get at least several hundreds of $ a month for publishing.

Just a random idea though.

Anonymous introvert vibes coming in

Wait for more ig???

Uzbekistan’s medical system could use some improvements in treating sore throat, ig

Even at our expensive clinics, they just prescribe a bunch of costly antibiotics, not even doing tests to find out whether there is any bacteria in the throat. Coz at times, antibiotics can cause more harm than good. Plus, these bacteria-detecting tests are quick and not that expensive.

And more specialized devices would improve a lot of things
(This requires some investment though)

P.s. inspired by uni’s health center

According to numerous requests in both DMs and comments, the deadline was extended till tomorrow's evening.

I haven’t worked on any projects in the past ~4 months, and I’ve missed it a lot. Doing social impact work, even just a little, makes me feel more alive and gives my life a stronger sense of purpose.

That’s why I’m excited about @Storily5 ‘s upcoming collaboration with an Afghan organization promoting girls’ education (thanks to one of our co-founders, Laziza🫶). In Afghanistan, girls’ education ends at the age of 12, as they aren’t allowed to attend school or university. Contributing, even in a small way, to such a major cause feels incredibly meaningful to me.

#sharingiscaring

Hey friends!

Hope you are doing well!

Here are some national and international programs I encourage you to apply:

1. HPAIR, a global forum that bridges current world leaders with the next generation.
Link: https://www.hpair.org

Scholarship Deadline: October 20, 2024
Early Bird Deadline: October 25, 2024
Regular Deadline: November 23, 2024

2. IT bootcamp for women in Tashkent, Oct 25th-27th.
Apply here!

3. TechGirls, a U.S.-based summer exchange program designed to empower and support young women.
Deadline: December 6th
Application link: https://techgirlsglobal.org/

Hope you find it useful😊

@umarovnasinsights

Hey guys!

We’re looking for volunteer-based social media interns at @storily5, a non-profit organization. Though our co-founders - Istoda, Laziza, Aydariya, Asal - have been busy pursuing studies and careers across the US, UK, and UAE, we’re still going strong — with plans to grow and refine our concept and vision!

Who Can Apply?
Anyone, from anywhere — regardless of age or gender.

What We’re Looking For:
🪽 Solid English skills (C1 level or higher)
🪽 An eye for good design
🪽 5-6 hours per week commitment

Your Role:
🌱 Plan content for Telegram, Instagram, and LinkedIn
🌱 Recruit and manage a creative team (designers, copywriters, reel creators)

Perks:
🌾 Real experience to boost your uni, job, or program applications
🌾 Access to a cool international network
🌾 Possible funding opportunities if our NGO gets funded
🌾 Funded team-building events at least twice a year — for now, we did Tashkent cafés and Samarkand trips

How to Apply:
Fill out this form by October 21 (the sooner, the better!).

By October 25th, you will receive invitations to interviews. And those who get selected after the interview will have a 2-week trial period in the position, to see how the intern/s perform their responsibilities

Got questions? DM @aydariya!

- hi
- hi
- can you check my X
- sure, where are you applying?
- nyuad

8 out of 10 people

Might be a good opportunity for those seeking full support for admissions

By a sophomore at nyuad from Uzbekistan, and alwiut grad))

This beauty in 10 minutes from campus 🫶