My brother, Nur, got into Stanford.

His path has been truly an unpredictable one. Coming from Kokand, education abroad was something we had never heard of. If someone did in fact go abroad to study, it meant that they came from a family of power and wealth. Instead of following our father’s footsteps and going to транспортный in Tashkent like many sons would in an Uzbek traditional household, Nur was quite intentional and determined in his decision to go abroad. He graduated from a public high school and lyceum, where rigorous courses like IB or AP were never a concept; in fact most Uzbek schools still don’t offer them. I remember how WiFi was also something privileged families had access to. I’d watch him sleep for a couple of hours before midnight, so he could stay up to use the unlimited night internet service offered by Beeline, called “Do It,” for about 8 cents. He spent two relentless years learning the ins and outs of building a life beyond borders. I remember the days when the electricity would be cut off for two hours for every two it was on, and how we would share candles at the kitchen table to do homework.

He eventually landed on Georgetown’s campus in Qatar. Pursuing international relations, he always kept his entrepreneurial spirit alive. He won multiple grants to fund our non profit school back home, where we taught local kids English and coding free of charge. He’s one of the most caring, generous and giving people I know, whether for his family, friends or even strangers. He never stopped helping everyone around him, not because he had an abundance to give, but because he has the ability to truly care about others. He never failed to show up, not once, not even when he was quietly carrying his own weight, far from home, figuring things out with no safety net. Frankly, I would not be where I am today if it was not for him. He’s the giant whose shoulders I continue to stand on. Stanford is lucky to have him.

From building legos to building unicorns together!

Cheers 🥂
@feruza_dev