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I am currently enrolled in a foundation year at Kaplan International College London, where I am preparing to pursue a bachelor’s degree in Accounting and Finance at City, University of London. My background is a blend of diverse cultures—I am half Arab, half Russian, and was born in Kazakhstan. Growing up in such a multicultural environment has shaped my worldview, making me adaptable, open to new experiences, and capable of connecting with people from various walks of life.

Outside of academics, I am deeply passionate about fitness, sports, and creativity. A dedicated gym enthusiast, I have cultivated discipline and resilience through consistent strength training. Basketball, a sport I hold close to my heart, has taught me teamwork, strategic thinking, and perseverance, even in the absence of a court to practice on regularly.

In addition to my love for sports, I have a creative streak that I’ve explored through music production. I have had the privilege of producing beats for popular artists in Russia and Kazakhstan, an experience that refined my ability to innovate, meet deadlines, and adapt to high-pressure environments. Cooking is another passion of mine, particularly Italian cuisine. I enjoy perfecting classic dishes, from creamy risottos to handmade pizzas, as the process allows me to combine precision with creativity. These experiences—whether in sports, music, or cooking—have instilled in me a strong work ethic and a versatile skill set that I apply to my studies and broader ambitions.

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Personal growth has been an ongoing journey for me, shaped by various experiences that have tested my abilities and encouraged me to push beyond my comfort zone. One significant example was completing an economics report within a single week. This challenge demanded effective time management, intensive research, and analytical thinking, all while balancing other academic responsibilities. It taught me the importance of staying focused under pressure and breaking complex tasks into manageable steps.

My passion for fitness and basketball also contributes to my personal development. Regular gym sessions have helped me build discipline, resilience, and a strong sense of commitment, while weekly basketball practices have sharpened my teamwork and problem-solving skills. These activities remind me of the importance of consistency and perseverance, traits that are equally vital in my academic and professional life. Collectively, these experiences have shaped me into a more determined and self-aware individual.

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My foundation year has been an exciting phase of academic discovery, where I’ve gained insights into subjects like economics, mathematics, and business communication. One of my most rewarding academic achievements was completing a detailed economics report under a tight deadline. The project required me to analyze global market trends, synthesize complex information, and present my findings in a structured and logical manner. It enhanced my research skills, time management, and ability to communicate effectively—key skills I will need in my future studies and career.

Growing up in Kazakhstan with a multicultural background has also influenced my academic journey, offering me a unique perspective on global economic systems and financial practices. These insights, combined with my current academic training, have reinforced my passion for pursuing a career in accounting and finance, where I hope to contribute innovative and practical solutions to complex financial challenges.

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Throughout this foundation year, I have developed a well-rounded skill set that prepares me for both academic and professional challenges. Completing my economics report in a week taught me how to manage time effectively, conduct detailed research, and present data in a concise and compelling manner. Producing beats for popular artists in Russia and Kazakhstan earlier in my life further enhanced my creativity, attention to detail, and ability to work under pressure—skills that continue to serve me well in my current studies.

My involvement in fitness and basketball has also provided valuable life lessons. Through consistent gym training, I have learned the importance of dedication and goal-setting, while playing basketball has strengthened my teamwork and strategic thinking. Additionally, my passion for cooking, especially Italian cuisine, has taught me precision, patience, and the art of creating something unique. These diverse experiences have equipped me with a versatile set of skills, shaping me into a proactive and resourceful individual ready to excel in my academic journey and future career in accounting and finance.

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My ability to communicate effectively has grown significantly throughout my foundation year. A pivotal moment was preparing a group presentation on a business case study. This required me to articulate my ideas clearly, collaborate with peers from diverse cultural backgrounds, and ensure that our final presentation was cohesive and engaging. This experience not only improved my public speaking and teamwork skills but also taught me the importance of adaptability and active listening in a collaborative setting.

Outside academics, my multicultural background as someone who is half Arab and half Russian has naturally honed my ability to connect with people from varied perspectives. Social experiences like attending Winter Wonderland with friends have further strengthened my interpersonal skills, teaching me the value of empathy, cultural awareness, and shared experiences in building meaningful relationships. These communication skills are ones I aim to carry forward into my future professional and academic endeavors.

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This poster represents a mix of humor, identity, and critical observation. The first section, Timur from Kazakhstan highlights my roots, adding a personal touch and setting the stage for the rest of the message. The second, What I miss the most about my country - nothing because it’s boring, i used humor to challenge traditional expectations of nostalgia, reflecting a playful yet honest perspective on my homeland. Finally,What is the same thing in Kazakhstan and UK - Bad economy,drawes a critical parallel between the two countries, showcasing my understanding global issues and frustration with economic challenges. Together, this poster creates a unique blend of self-expression and social commentary.

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Describe how you have developed your academic writing skills so far, and in what areas you have improved the most since you started your studies at Kaplan?  

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Describe how you have developed your academic writing skills so far, and in what areas you have improved the most since you started your studies at Kaplan?  

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I have developed my academic writing skills by improving structure, coherence, and critical analysis. Since starting at Kaplan, I have improved the most in organizing essays logically, using proper academic referencing, and writing with greater clarity and conciseness. My ability to analyze and evaluate sources has also significantly improved.

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Research Findings

1. Academic Facilities

The university has several libraries, including the Northampton Square Library, which offers silent study areas, group workspaces, and computer stations.

Cass Business School (now Bayes Business School) has specialised finance labs with Bloomberg terminals for financial market simulations.

2. Social Spaces & Clubs

There are over 100 student societies, including academic clubs (Finance, Law, Engineering), cultural societies, and sports teams.

City Students Union organizes networking events, career fairs, and social activities.

3. Outdoor Areas on CampusThe main campus has open spaces like Northampton Square Garden, a quiet place where students relax and study outdoors.

There are cafes and seating areas around the campus for informal study sessions.

4. Typical Student Life

Many students engage in part-time jobs or internships while studying.The university provides career services to help students with job placements, resume building, and interview preparation.

There is a strong international student community, making it a diverse and inclusive environment.

Discussion Points

1. One thing I found out that I did not know before

City, University of London has a dedicated Finance Society that organises networking events with professionals from major banks and investment firms.

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Personal growth is a step-by-step journey of overcoming challenges. Personal development has been an ongoing journey shaped by experiences that pushed me beyond my comfort zone. One significant challenge was completing an economics report within one week while balancing other coursework. Tackling this project under a tight deadline taught me effective time management and the value of breaking complex tasks into manageable steps. I learned to stay focused under pressure and realized that perseverance pays off when achieving a goal.As result of pushing myself through it i got a quite good grade 86% which now allows me to be quite relaxed about my upcoming economics exam.

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Sports and changes in my life because of sports 

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Sports and changes in my life because of sports 

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Playing basketball – even without always having a court available – has taught me teamwork, strategic thinking, and how to adapt when resources are limited. These lessons from academics and athletics alike have made me more determined and self-aware. I now approach new challenges with confidence, knowing I have the endurance and mindset to overcome obstacles. This foundation of personal growth is something I carry into my academic life and will continue to build upon in my future career.

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How have i developed as a KICl student and how did university week affected me 

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How have i developed as a KICl student and how did university week affected me 

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I have a clear understanding of my academic calendar, including key dates for exams and assignment deadlines. To manage my time effectively, I use a digital planner, set reminders, and break down tasks into smaller steps to ensure I meet all deadlines. I have also researched my future university campus, including the Northampton Square Library, which offers study spaces and digital resources, and the Bayes Business School, which provides specialized finance labs. Additionally, I plan to utilize the university’s sports facilities to maintain my fitness routine.

University Readiness in Pathways CareerSource helped me develop time management strategies, research techniques, and study skills essential for independent learning. I have attended transition sessions that covered academic expectations, time management, student support services, and networking opportunities, which have helped me prepare for university life. Researching my degree program at City, University of London has given me insight into the modules I will study, assessment structures, internship opportunities, and professional certifications like the CFA. Furthermore, I understand the importance of academic integrity, including plagiarism policies, exam regulations, and the need for honesty in coursework. Completing the Kindness Curriculum Honesty package reinforced the significance of ethical academic conduct and fair assessment, which are crucial for personal growth and professional credibility.

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Changes in my communication skills from past year

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Changes in my communication skills from past year

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Absolutely! I actively participate in class by engaging in discussions, answering questions, and collaborating with classmates, demonstrating strong emotional intelligence through active listening, adaptability, and respect for diverse perspectives. My commitment to using English consistently in class has significantly improved my fluency and confidence.

Communication, Collaboration, and Leadership has been a game-changer, as it deepened my understanding of effective teamwork, professional communication, and the importance of leadership in both academic and professional settings. To enhance my communicative abilities, I’ve developed a personal action plan, which includes practicing public speaking, refining my writing skills, and proactively contributing to group discussions. Additionally, my presentation skills have evolved tremendously—I have delivered several visually compelling and well-structured PowerPoint presentations, ensuring that my slides are clear, engaging, and aligned with my subject matter. One standout moment was my business case study presentation, where I effectively tailored my language to my audience, maintained eye contact, and confidently conveyed complex ideas, receiving positive feedback from both peers and lecturers. Beyond academics, I have participated in Life and Career Skills activities, where I collaborated with a team to develop a mock business proposal, demonstrating leadership, problem-solving, and the ability to synthesize diverse perspectives into a cohesive strategy. My team navigated challenges, delegated tasks efficiently, and ultimately delivered an outstanding project that showcased our ability to think critically, work under pressure, and present innovative solutions—all of which are essential skills for future success.

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Knowledge and skills together gives results 

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Knowledge and skills together gives results 

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Academic Research & Time Management: Completing my economics report in one week taught me to manage my time efficiently and conduct in-depth research under pressure. I learned to gather data from credible sources, analyze it critically, and then distill the information into a concise report. This strengthened my ability to tackle complex academic tasks systematically and meet tight deadlines – a skill that will be crucial in university and the workplace.

Creative Production: Earlier in my life, I had the opportunity to produce music beats for popular artists in Russia and Kazakhstan. Working in music production enhanced my creativity and attention to detail, as I spent hours fine-tuning sounds to achieve the perfect result. It also taught me to work under pressure, since delivering quality tracks on time was essential. I carry these creative and deadline-management skills into my studies, for example when finding innovative approaches to solve a problem in an assignment.

Fitness & Sports: My dedication to fitness has imparted lessons in goal-setting and perseverance. By sticking to a regular gym routine, I’ve learned how to set personal goals (like increasing my lifting weights or improving endurance) and steadily work towards them. Meanwhile, playing basketball weekly has improved my teamwork and strategic thinking. On the court, I must cooperate with teammates and adjust our strategy in real time – skills directly transferable to group projects and leadership situations in academic or professional settings.

Culinary Arts: Another somewhat unexpected teacher has been my passion for cooking, especially Italian cuisine. Cooking requires precision and patience – from measuring ingredients to timing a recipe just right – and it’s taught me to follow processes carefully while also being creative. Preparing meals for family or friends has improved my multitasking ability (for example, managing several boiling pots at once!) and given me an appreciation for creativity in everyday tasks. This hobby reminds me that learning can happen anywhere, and it has made me more adaptable and detail-oriented in all aspects of life.