Name: Ayana Kurumshieva
Hometown: Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan
Area of study: Computer Science & Economics
Introduce yourself by telling us your name, pronouns, year, major, and hometown.
My name is Ayana Kurumshieva, and I am a sophomore at DePaul University studying Computer Science and Economics. My pronouns are she/her. My hometown is Bishkek: the capital of Kyrgyzstan.
What was your college application experience like? What led you to commit to DePaul?
I graduated from a public high school with limited support and experience to guide students who want to apply for universities in the USA. Therefore, my experience was challenging and overwhelming, as I had to research the application process a lot on my own. DePaul University was one of the first institutions I added to my list of universities in CommonApp. As soon as I did that, I began receiving emails with information about further steps, invitations for the sessions with counselors, and reminders about important deadlines. Moreover, I asked many questions through email and always received clear and helpful answers within one or two business days. DePaul University and its Admission Department helped me to succeed in the application process I was not familiar with before. I had not encountered such a welcoming and supportive approach for international students at other universities. While DePaul’s attentiveness and support for international students were the significant reasons in my decision to choose this school, they were not the only factors.
The university's values, its commitment to make a positive impact in the world, the diverse student body, professors who are great specialists in their fields, and the affordability of DePaul also played a crucial role for me to become a Blue Demon!
Tell us about your major. How did you decide on your program?
During my senior year, while applying to colleges, I decided on my major, which I know is considered a bit late. I asked myself three important questions: “What am I good at?”, “What do I actually enjoy?”, and “How helpful can I be doing it?” And the answers were clear: I am good at math and enjoy problem-solving, applying mathematical and logical thinking. As a result, I concluded that the rapidly growing IT field and Economics would be the perfect match for me. Here, at DePaul, I have a perfect opportunity to study both areas equally, as DePaul offers enormous opportunities for students interested in various fields. I could find an intersection of both of my interests and hope that it will lead me to have a meaningful impact on the world’s banking system by applying new technologies, using the knowledge and experience I gain from DePaul.
What has the classroom experience been like at DePaul? What are some connections you’ve made with your professors, both inside and outside your coursework?
After studying at DePaul for a year I can confidently say that I have never had a bad experience in my classes. All the professors who taught me were great specialists providing comprehensive knowledge, and supportive educators who genuinely care about their students. They consistently were prepared for the class, integrating innovative methods to help students retain information effectively. I could see that they care about the solid education their students receive and genuinely wanted everyone to succeed in the class.
I would also like to highlight the small size of classes, which provides more opportunities to ask questions and receive clear feedback. This setting allowed me to create strong connections with my classmates and facilitate more time to discuss my academic performance with professors.
What does support for international students look like on DePaul’s campus?
DePaul University has an International Student & Scholar Service department that has advising sessions and hosts numerous events throughout the year. International students can join a meeting and ask any questions about their immigration status, documentation, and visas. During my first year they organized sessions for international students with tips and general information about health insurance, doctor appointments, opening bank cards, etc.
Announcements of events are posted on the DeHub platform and on their Instagram page. It is a great resource to utilize for intentional students, as they can create new connections, meet like-minded people, and experience American student life culture.
Additionally, there are also opportunities for international students to gain leadership skills, which will be incredibly beneficial in the future. After the freshman year, international students can apply for mentorship roles for incoming students and other volunteer positions. I think this initiative strengthens the international student community by fostering a sense of belonging and support.
What would you recommend to someone visiting Chicago for the first time?
My biggest piece of advice would be to pay attention not only to tourist attractions but also to explore your own hidden gems. Chicago is home to plenty of vibrant neighborhoods and amazing spots. DePaul also provides the CTA U-pass for all students, which provides unlimited access to the subways and buses throughout the city. I highly recommend using this tool as it makes traveling a lot easier. One of my favorite areas is Lincoln Park, where our main campus is located. I suggest walking through the streets of Lincoln Park to take in the atmosphere of its historic architecture, parks, and the Lincoln Park Zoo. I enjoy taking classes at our Lincoln Park campus because afterward, I can visit various nearby attractions. Within walking distance, there are beautiful gardens, a hidden lily pond, a historic indoor botanical garden, and plenty of lakefront green space that offers sweeping views of the city.