Moving from Kyrgyzstan to the United States was a big leap for Ana, Elaman, and their three children. However, one thing that made the decision clear was United Friends School (UFS). UFS was a deciding factor in their move to the United States. Before even arriving in America, Ana had already discovered UFS, which quickly became their plans' anchor. The moment they found UFS, they knew it was the perfect fit for Sezim and Dastan. It gave them the confidence to take that giant leap and make such a transformative life change. And right after settling into their new life, they welcomed their fourth child, making their fresh start even more exciting!
Ana first came across UFS while reading online reviews, which sparked her curiosity. What truly confirmed that UFS was the right choice was the personal connection she felt throughout the admissions process. Through every video call, Ana and her family felt a growing sense of trust and warmth that reassured them they had found a school and a community that would welcome them with open arms.
What drew them to UFS was its core values. As they learned about Quakerism, Ana and her family were moved by its peace, equality, and community principles. It wasn’t just about finding a school—it was about finding a place where Sezim and Dastan could grow academically and socially, surrounded by a supportive and caring community. They knew UFS was the right place for their children to flourish as learners and compassionate individuals.
From the moment they arrived, Ana’s family felt embraced by the UFS community. Sezim and Dastan were quickly welcomed, and Ana was relieved to see that the faculty and other families made them feel fully included. Her initial worries about being newcomers and facing language barriers quickly vanished as UFS made them feel like true school family members. The transition was smoother than they had ever imagined, thanks to the outpouring of support from everyone at UFS.
Looking back, Ana is grateful for how United Friends School shaped their move to the U.S. Sezim and Dastan are thriving, excelling as learners, and making lifelong friendships. For Ana and Elaman seeing their children grow in such a nurturing environment has been more than they could have hoped for. UFS didn’t just help them relocate—it gave them a new beginning and a sense of belonging, making their new life here feel full of possibility and excitement.
