Role: Stay-at-Home Parent
Industry: Hospitality
Year Graduated from Cal Poly Humboldt: 2023
Please tell us about yourself.
My name is Nurzat Qaraja. I live in the Sacramento area with my family; I’m married to a wonderful and supportive husband, and we have two children.
What motivated you to enroll in the Leadership Studies program?
I have worked in the hospitality industry for almost nine years, and I have seen many leaders who were great and not so great. That pushed me to pursue my education in the Leadership Studies program to be a great leader one day. This program is also fully online, making it easier for me to accomplish my goals.
Thinking about the overall program, what has been your most significant course, or signature assignment? What impact did it have on you personally and/or professionally?
All the courses I have taken so far have been useful in my personal life and will be in my future career. I cannot pick one single course that has been most significant ,because they have all been significant. The courses are challenging yet manageable, and make you think outside the box.
How have you grown as a leader since starting this program?
Since I started this program, I have learned the strengths and weaknesses that I wasn’t aware of before. Now, as a leader, I’m more aware of my surroundings and my abilities, which helps me make the right decisions.
What are your goals after completing your bachelor’s degree?
After completing the Leadership Studies program, I’m planning on taking some time to myself to try to figure out what I want to do next. All I know is that I will not stop learning new skills to better myself in my personal and professional life.
What advice would you give to incoming students?
If you pick this program, you won’t regret it one bit. It is not easy, but it’s doable as long as you set aside some quiet time to study. I understand that it’s hard to find the time when you have a full-time job, family, and school, but if you want to learn new skills and advance in your career, you have to find the time. I would suggest starting your new journey in life with a positive attitude, and anything is possible.
The professors, advisors, and everyone in this program want you to succeed. They are willing to help, but you need to be able to ask for help. I’m thankful to be part of this program. Cohort 13, my classmates are the most fantastic support system I have ever known. I’m proud to be part of it!
