Never Too Late to Follow Your Dream: Pensioner Nuriya Bikmetova Enrolled at the University

Kozybayev University implements the principle of "Lifelong Learning." For the first time in the university's history, an unusual student has enrolled. Nuriya Bikmetova is a pensioner and a professional mediator. Not afraid of stereotypes and the difficulties of studying, she entered the university for the "Jurisprudence" educational program. She did not have to take the Unified National Test, only an interview. This is because she entered the full-time program using a dual system. Since Nuriya Kadyrovna already has a first higher education, she is enrolled directly into the 3rd year of the paid department.

She dreamed for many years of sitting at a desk and listening to lectures alongside her classmates. She felt a need for legal knowledge. Her family, friends, and colleagues support her in this aspiration.

"I have a lifelong need to help people. I am a professional mediator. And I wanted to strengthen my knowledge with the knowledge of the laws of the Republic of Kazakhstan to apply them in practice. I really value accuracy and responsibility. I wanted to get this education before, but it only happened now. I had intentions to enroll online in some institute in Russia. But the time came, and I enrolled at our university. I was attracted to it because it is a local university. I will go to all the classes. The process of learning itself is important to me, not just a 'piece of paper.' And the diploma is, of course, important, but knowledge is also necessary," said Nuriya Bikmetova.

On the day of signing the enrollment contract, she was personally met by the Chairman of the Board – Rector Yerbol Isakayev. In a ceremony, she was given branded university products, provided with all consultations, and helped with paperwork. The pensioner admitted that she did not expect such attention from the university management, students, and staff.

"We have a very good event today - Nuriya Kadyrovna is now our student. She has an active life position. She works as a mediator, on a free basis. Therefore, it is a great honor for us to welcome such a student within our walls today. This is a great example of the 'lifelong learning' principle. If a person wants to, they can learn all their life, enrich themselves with new knowledge and competencies," noted Yerbol Isakayev.

Over her busy life, Nuriya Bikmetova worked at the Kirov plant and in heating networks. She has a higher and secondary technical education. She is on the register of mediators of the city akimat. In 2021, she completed professional mediation courses. And now, a new life stage! We welcome Nuriya Kadyrovna to the ranks of our students! Thank you for your trust and we wish you success in your studies!