Being young in a big city means navigating the world at an overwhelming pace — classes, work, and the quiet fear that everyone else has it figured out except you. Meet Meruert from Astana, a fourth-year student who is learning that growing up isn't about having all the answers. It's about keeping moving anyway.

Being young means trying to find yourself — even when it feels like everyone else already has.

My name is Meruert. I'm in my fourth year of university, I work in marketing, and I teach English on the side. Some days feel longer than 24 hours. But I wouldn't have it any other way.

I started tutoring because I needed the money. It was scary at first — I wasn't sure where to find materials, how to manage everything. But then something unexpected happened: my students began to inspire me. And that changed everything.

Learning to belong

My new job in marketing came with a challenge I didn't anticipate. Everyone around me was older, more experienced, more certain of themselves. Imposter syndrome hit hard. I felt like I didn't belong — like I had somehow ended up somewhere I wasn't ready for.

But I love structure and analytics. I held onto that. Little by little, I found my footing. And I managed.

The people who keep me going

My dad taught me time management. My mom has always believed in me. And my older brother showed me, simply by example, that anything is possible. My mom recently moved to Astana, which means our whole family is finally in the same city — and that matters more than I can say.

University doesn't teach you what it’s like to be an adult. But it's where you meet the people who make it less scary. Between classes, work, and tutoring sessions, my friends help me escape the routine and remember why I started.

Always moving forward

I have a goal: to apply for a master's program abroad, see more of the world, gain new knowledge — and then come back to Kazakhstan and build something here.

Between everything I juggle, time is the one thing I can't afford to waste. inDrive helps me save it — and feel good while doing it. I choose the price, I know it's fair, and I arrive where I need to be, ready for whatever comes next.

My motto is simple: Do what excites you. I always have a plan. I'm always moving.

Small steps. Big dreams. That's enough for now.