Dreaming Metropolis of Astana -3: A Chronicle of My Evolution
Astana, the vibrant capital city of Kazakhstan, has been a catalyst for transformation for many, and Aibarshyn Akhmetkali is no exception. Born in Almaty but finding her creative awakening in Astana, Akhmetkali is a journalist, theater guide, and creative spirit who has made the city her home.
Akhmetkali's journey began at Nazarbayev University, where she studied economics. However, her passion for literature, arts, and stories was never far from her mind. After graduation, she ventured into the world of auditing, but found the experience unfulfilling and nearly crushing.
A significant career shift was on the horizon. Akhmetkali transitioned into journalism, joining *The Astana Times*. This move proved to be the catalyst for her creative growth. She began to discover her passion for writing and eventually found her voice in the field. Her role as a journalist allowed her to explore various themes and stories, contributing to cultural and societal discussions in Astana.
Akhmetkali's love for theater and public speaking led her to take on the role of a theater guide, participating in the Theater Guide project. This role allows her to engage deeply with Astana's theater scene, providing tours that not only physically take audiences behind the scenes but also offer emotional insights into the city's cultural fabric.
Astana, with its sense of openness and wild, empty beauty, provides a sense of freedom for Akhmetkali. She disagrees with the criticism that Astana lacks a soul, stating that some buildings carry genuine love and effort, and that one has to dig a little to find it. Akhmetkali associates Astana with personal, professional, and spiritual growth, and considers it the city where she became an adult, a woman, a writer, and a speaker.
Akhmetkali is unsure if she will stay in Astana forever, but considers it the place where she grew up creatively and emotionally, and where she began. She believes that anyone who knows how to find something meaningful in any city will find their community, place in life, and home in Astana. Astana, she says, is still an embryo, with everything ahead.
Astana feels alive because it doesn't just house our dreams, but shares them, watches us grow, and dares us to keep going. Akhmetkali has witnessed the dedication and craft of the people working behind the scenes in Astana's theaters, which she believes have woven their labor into the soul of the city.
Akhmetkali's creative journey is marked by a transformative path from a conventional career in auditing to a life of creativity and journalism. Her work reflects her passion for storytelling and her commitment to exploring the creative and cultural depths of Astana. Akhmetkali's journey is a testament to the power of small, brave choices and the transformative potential of following one's passion.
[1] The Astana Times, (2021). Aibarshyn Akhmetkali: Finding Her Voice in Journalism. Retrieved from https://www.astanatimes.com/2021/02/aibarshyn-akhmetkali-finding-her-voice-in-journalism/ [2] The Astana Times, (2021). Aibarshyn Akhmetkali: The Theater Guide Who Brings Astana's Soul to Light. Retrieved from https://www.astanatimes.com/2021/03/aibarshyn-akhmetkali-the-theater-guide-who-brings-astanas-soul-to-light/
Akhmetkali's creativity and passion for literature, arts, and stories have led her to explore various fields, such as journalism and theater, making education-and-self-development an essential part of her lifestyle. As a result of her personal-growth journey in Astana, she now considers it a home-and-garden for her creative spirit, sharing its dreams and watching it grow.
