“My full name is really long, even in my native Kazakh language. Wherever I go, I see people struggling to pronounce and spell my name correctly. So, I go by a shorter name: Akma. I am the eldest of five siblings. I grew up setting the high bar as a role-model for my sisters and helping my parents with different household chores. My mom was a high school teacher (she is now retired). She used to bring me to some of her classes when I was a toddler. I hardly remember anything but believe that exposure to that learning environment, which is pertinent to education, affected my preference for workplace.  I like working in the higher education sector, where you are surrounded by bright minds and determined people who are always eager to learn and grow. That definitely has a positive impact on you, personally and professionally.” -Akma Kasmaganbetova, Director of Academic and Student Services with the Master of International Development Policy (MIDP) program #HumansofDukeSanford #Staff