In the 1960s, my parents' prayers were answered when my eldest brother got a job in 1966, bringing immense joy to our family. It was a time of great hope and happiness for all of us.

However, challenges soon arose in my life. After living in our new home for just eight months, everything changed. Despite being one of the top five students out of sixty who graduated from 7th grade in Bülgün with excellent performance, my elder brother, in agreement with the school director Kaman, made decisions that distanced me from my home and community. This was a heavy blow to my destiny, and I’ve carried resentment for the injustice ever since.

When I think of my father's expression at that time—his face alternating between flushed and darkened with emotion—my heart still races. I vividly remember how, after passing my final exams with flying colors, I was waiting for my father to return from the Kökköl summer pastures. It was then that Director Kaman called me in and handed me an invitation to a six-month training course in Germany to prepare for work as a slaughterhouse worker for a meat factory.

I refused, saying, “I won’t go. I’ll continue 10th grade in Ölgiy. My grades are good enough.” His reply was chilling and remains etched in my memory: with a grim look, he said, “Refuse, and pave your way to a convict” he said; the cold and threatening tone of his words reflected the harsh and oppressive system of that time.

This incident not only shaped my life but also taught me the price of standing by my values and aspirations. It was a struggle against both personal and societal pressures, revealing the resilience and determination needed to pursue one’s dreams in the face of adversity.

Not long after, my father arrived. Reflecting on the situation, he said, “Goodness, they’ve been harassing me for years, and now it seems they’re targeting my children too.” Determined, he went to meet with Kaman.

When they met, Kaman mockingly replied, “This was a decision made between me and the first intellectual of the district, Takyrkhan. Your son will soon be wearing a big coat and becoming a boss,” with a smug tone.