ReillyO’Brien

For most students, driving from home to Marian can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes. For a select few, the trip from home is a lot farther. 

Freshman Mekhronakhon Sultanova came to Marian from Tajikistan, a country in Central Asia. Sultanova studied English intensively to prepare, studying at the Oxford International School in Khujand, Tajikistan. 

Sultanova was inspired to come to America from videos she saw on social media. Her uncle also lives here, making the move an easier transition. Sultanova also had a lot of encouragement from her father. 

Similarly, senior Aziza Akshalova came to America from Kazakhstan, another country in central Asia. Akshalova’s father was a big help in moving to America. 

“My dad was an international student back in the 90s,” Akshalova said. “He graduated from UNL and wanted me to have this American experience.” 

The hardest part for both girls is being away from their family. For Sultanova, it is her first time this far away from home for such a long time. 

“Everyone says there is freedom being away from your parents and doing what you want, but it is not like this,” Sultanova said. 

Over winter break, Sultanova will celebrate Christmas, but it’s not on the 25th of December. It’s on the same day as New Year’s Eve. Sultanova says that the celebration is similar to those that Marian students might be familiar with, including presents and food shared with family and friends. 

Akshalova is excited about traveling back home to Kazakhstan over winter break. “It’s a very special time for me because it is the only time I go home besides summer,” Akshalova said. 

With Sultanova being from Tajikistan, she also cites this New Year’s celebration as an important holiday in her country. Sultanova refers to the holiday as Navruz. 

According to the Consulate General of the Republic of Tajikistan in Dubai, this holiday is a symbol of new beginnings, and starts with a cleanse of the year before. This is done through cleaning houses and clothing as well as reconciling any broken relationships. Celebrations take place in the spring, the season of new life. During this holiday, people partake in many games and activities. “We are dancing, going to each other’s houses, it is a very big holiday,” Sultanova said. 

Akshalova will also miss this special New Years’ celebration as it is the same in Kazakhstan, although it is called Nauryz in the Kazakh translation to English. “More countries in Central Asia celebrate this holiday. My dad has friends here that are from Tajikistan. I might celebrate with them,” Akshalova said. 

As it gets closer to the end of the semester, both girls are excited to celebrate with their families. Sultanova is excited to keep studying at Marian and living in America. She does wish her parents could come to America, but it is difficult to get all the papers in order. Ashkolova is excited to finally play varsity tennis in the spring and graduate in May. 

Both students have come a long way to attend Marian, with each making sacrifices along the way. There is a lot to take away from their journeys, most importantly, creating new memories and honoring cultural traditions.