I’ve been asked if I used to “ride a horse” to school, and if I’ve chocolate back in Mongolia when I first moved to the US for college. Maybe because of those questions (that made me feel looked down on), I used to downplay where I came from. I’d just laugh it off and say no our family had a car, and yes we do have chocolates in Mongolia.

Not because they were stupid ignorant questions but because, in some ways, those assumptions had some truth to it. I did not have easy access to the internet, or education in English growing up—which felt like were the basic requirements to thrive in the modern world.

As I gain more experience and recognize my strengths, I’m realizing that my background is actually a huge advantage I have bcs everything is constantly changing but I’m comfortably able to adapt to, actually enjoy and embrace it better than my peers. (eg I thrive working in the startup env because growing up in Mongolia made me very resourceful, adaptable, resilient, and empathetic.) Also, it turns out that “the things I’d missed out on growing up” was either not that important or I was easily able to catch up on.

In 2018, I joined what was then the newest university in the world, and it turned out to be the perfect fit for me. I wanted to see the world, and Minerva accelerated that experience for me. I got to live in six different countries, hang out with classmates from over 50 nations, while learning CS and Business.

As I’ve explored the world and collaborated with some of the smartest people from around the world, I have the audacity to believe that I can have amazing relationships, make a significant and positive impact on people's lives, and build wealth (not necessarily in that order).

As I gain clarity in my values, strengths, and interests, it’s becoming easier for me to identify and learn from valuable sources, whether it be inspiring people, insightful books and podcasts, or firsthand experiences. I feel a growing sense of agency in my life.

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From left: my cousin, I, and my older sister (2003). I think this little girl (who looks like a cute dumpling!) would be pretty proud of who I am today. Sometimes I forget that.