Pictured above: Jahongir Khatamov, right, recently arrived in the United States. He is seen here with his wife, Gulshan Khatamov, left, and his daughter Mumtoz, center.

Contributed by Dawn McFeeters
Coordinator for Administrative Services
Administrative Services

The interview panel knew from the very beginning that Jahongir Khatamov was different than the other people we interviewed for administrative assistant job. That panel consisted of Kayla McGrew, Nakia Johnson, Tia King and myself.

Dawn McFeeters, center, poses with Jahongir, right, and his wife Gulshan, left.

Jahongir was different because he was so humble and so grateful. He has embraced American culture after leaving his native Uzbekistan.

He proved this out in many ways during the last year.

  • He has a grateful and thankful heart. He treats everyone with respect
  • He taught himself English. He started teaching himself in his country before he came to America and has excelled here. Three months after arriving in the US, he knew English well enough to assist running a front desk at the North West Quad. A few months after that, he had his own front desk at Maple South.
  • An example of this drive to learn took place during Walmart week this summer. Walmart associates were asking him for directions, and he didn’t know how to explain directions in English, so he Googled “how to give directions” and printed out phrases to use so could accurately direct our visitors.
  • He embodies an appreciation and gratefulness that is not prevalent in our country. He reminds me daily of the things I should be thankful for and not to think that I am so entitled as to take small things for granted

Administrative services staff had a potluck in December to recognize his first year in the country.

Residence hall administrative staff got together to recognize Jahongir’s special day.

This Uzbek rice pilaf dish was of many delicious foods served at the potluck.

Jahongir shows his American spirit as his daughter Mumtoz smiles.