My name is Said Babaev and I am a Mechanical Engineering Technician Major. I was born in Brooklyn to a family of immigrants from Uzbekistan. Growing up in a more Soviet atmosphere and being raised by old cartoons and movies developed my passion for studies. Growing up in Brooklyn I was able to study several languages as a child, having friends from all cultural backgrounds allowed me to understand and develop my communication skills becoming a child with no fears. Learning 5 languages and speaking 4 of them fluently allowed me to properly communicate with a large group of New Yorkers and obtain a handful of friends. Growing up with a passion for Vehicles I became obsessed with cars. Breaking my neck for every loud exhaust I heard on the streets of this big metropolis waiting for the day I would obtain my license. Being limited to travel during my childhood I grew a will to travel the world and the States when I am able to, keeping that very goal at the top of my bucket list. To help me get closer to these goals I have treated myself to a motorcycle a childhood dream of seeing riders having the time of their lives.
Growing up in a family with military and medical background I was always into sports, the competitive side of me would always show at big events. Playing hockey and swimming I would always try to be at the top of my league, losing never being enough gave me the skin of metal, and the dedication of Desmond Doss a character in one of my favorite movies Hacksaw Ridge which was dedicated to working hard and helping others without causing harm. The inspiration I took from the movie Hacksaw Ridge motivated me to pursue a career that would allow me to help the lives of millions without causing any harm, what better way to do it than working in the transit industry. Working as an engineer to help provide better service on public and private transportation which millions of people use daily would help benefit lives without causing any harm. I spend my free time with the people closest to me which helps make my life better and keep my world running. Looking forward to continuing my studies and expanding my skillsets in this class!
Said — so interesting to learn about your Uzbekistan cultural heritage. What languages do you speak? Did your parents grow up in Uzbekistan? And I wonder if your parents lived there during the time your country was part of the USSR? What is the language of the Uzbekistan people?
I had to google to find the geographic location of Uzbekistan. I love to learn about different countries from my students. I see the architecture is beautiful and seems Arabic influenced. Have you visited your home country?
Thanks for this great picture of you in the sunset! You look like a strong and determined young man.
Professor Wu – Thank you for your interest in the Uzbek heritage and culture. My parents lived in Uzbekistan during the USSR; my father was even an officer of the KGB. Due to Uzbekistan being a part of the USSR at a point in time, I was able to learn Russian, Tajik, Uzbek, Farci, and now English being able to speak them and have civil conversation fluently. The main language in Uzbekistan is Uzbek and Tajik, I have visited several times to see my family and friends. Being a small country we don’t get as much recognition but are slowly getting past that barrier and gaining the eyes of the humans on earth.