Gulustan Ovezjanova

It’s barely 8 a.m. on a spring Monday morning. Quiet and pensive, a young woman in glasses, sporting navy blue scrubs and a full backpack slung over her shoulder, walks purposefully down the corridors of the T2 building leading to the Surgical Technology Department. The door to the lab – and her future – open before her.

In just under two-and-a-half years in the United States, Turkmenistan native, Gulustan Ovezjanova, has achieved a great deal, and at a young age. She completed three semesters of the Kingsborough English Language Institute (KELI/ESL70), was accepted to KCC, enrolled in science courses, and is now on her way to achieving her goal of becoming a surgeon. Fueled with talent and ambition, her scholarly pursuits at the college began with learning English.

“I researched a lot of colleges and ESL programs. I emailed them about information and how to apply, but the responses took too long, or I did not hear from them at all. Then, a friend mentioned KELI. After one inquiry, I received an immediate response, submitted all my documents easily, everything else ran smoothly, and I had great support from office personnel,” she said.

Among her initial concerns, though, was that she would be placed in a basic/beginners’ classroom and be bored and uninspired. Gulustan was pleasantly surprised when she joined KELI in winter 2024.

“I liked that the program tests students’ ability before putting them in any class, so they do not have to start all the way from the beginning if they don’t need to. Students are placed in a class appropriate for their skill level.”

Having traveled to the U.S. alone like many of her peers; however, she felt a bit apprehensive about being in a class with strangers. She wondered if this would affect her learning and ability to succeed. Her concerns were soon allayed.

“I had never thought that I would have teachers that support students all the time. I was impressed by how they teach and try to involve each student to participate in class. It was better than expected.”

KELI (ESL 70) has much to offer English language learners. In addition to an academic, theme-based program that enables them to improve their oral and written English, there are multiple opportunities to learn and discover outside the classroom on fieldtrips, which is especially appealing.

“I really enjoyed that I was able to study and also have trips with my class, like museums and parks, and exploring other sights in New York City. I had a great experience while I was in the program,” Gulustan said, smiling.

Having done exceedingly well in her first semester in KELI, she excelled through two advanced terms in the program. Just several weeks later, in September 2024, she began her academic journey as a Kingsborough Community College student.

This bright, self-assured young woman has long held a passion and talent for science. Her first college studies included required and advanced courses, eventually preparing her to be among the spring 2026 cohort of KCC’s Surgical Technology Program.

According to its description, students receive “a balance of general education courses and an introduction to the theory and practice of Surgical Technology and Perioperative practice through classroom, laboratory, and clinical experiences.”

Judging by the steady parade of scrubs-clad students in the corridor, the program is hugely popular. Gulustan explains its appeal.

“I chose the Surgical Technology degree program because first, I want to experience how it feels to be in the medical field and in an operating room. Second, my goal is to become a surgeon, and this program is a great way to start. Honestly, I like everything about it,” she added. “I have lectures where we discuss various themes about the surgical technologist’s role. I have labs where I can experience real hands-on training.”

As part of the two-year program, Gulustan is enrolled in anatomy and physiology lectures and labs, which will serve her well after graduation, when she is looking forward to going to medical school.

For now, she is pursuing her degree and putting her acquired English language skills to good use in and out of the “operating room”. Her advice to anyone aspiring to learn or improve their English?

“KELI is a great way to start your journey, whether it is as a resident of the USA or as an international student. I highly recommend this program because the teachers and staff are of the highest quality. Nobody will regret this decision.”

For more information about the Kingsborough English Language Institute (KELI) or to register (program code ESL 70), please call (718) 368-4870. Our Summer 2026 term begins July 1.