There's going away to college, and then there's going aaaawwwwaaaaaayyyyy to college - like halfway around the world.

"I was born in Ulaan-Baatar, Mongolia, which is located between China and Russia," said JCCC student Purevsuren Gantamur. "It is a totally separate country. Some people get confused, but Mongolia is an independent country. And Ulaan-Baatar is the nation's capital."

Purevsuren describes life in Ulaan-Baatar as "like capital city life in any country - tall buildings, busy streets, many people and busier traffic than New York City! But even though I grew up in a city, I also have lived the small town life, as I always spend my summer vacations at my grandmother's in the countryside."

Her grandmother lives in small village with temples and farms, in a place that has been passed down to generations through the ages.

"I love the countryside because of the fresh air, not much corruption, not much politics, just people, animals, earth and simplicity," she said. "Just thinking about it is breath-taking."

Purevsuren came to the United States three years ago, having graduated from Mongolia's school system.

"It was really similar to the U.S. system class-wise, but we did not have any privacy policies with grades," she said. "Everyone in the classroom knew your grades because the instructors would just announce everyone's grades out loud in the classes. A family friend and former student of JCCC told me about the Global English Institute program here. Also, she told me that it is one of the best community colleges in the United States. The affordability helped me to make my decision. Plus, I always wanted to pursue my education here in the States."

Purevsuren describes her experience at JCCC in one word, all caps: "AMAZING! There is no other word to describe how good of a school it is," she said. "The instructors are personable, have good office hours, are open to suggestions, and are helpful with just anything that a student can ask for to succeed in their classes. Free counselors? Are you kidding me? It is like one of the best things ever! Back home you would not be able to find a paid counselor at a university. Free tutoring centers? As long as students use all these, there is no way a student cannot succeed!"
 
While finishing her associate's degree, Purevsuren also is serving as one the CAV leaders, president of the International Club, vice president of leadership and fellowship of Phi Theta Kappa, as well as a member of the Student Senate and the Model United Nations.

"After the transfer to a four-year school, I would like to pursue my bachelor's degree in marketing and management," she said. "Meanwhile, I would like to find an internship that could help me improve upon myself and gain more experience so I can give back more to the society. After that I wish to go back to Mongolia and work for a marketing company while I am contributing to decrease poverty and reduce hunger problems in Mongolia and all over the world. I know it is a huge issue that many more experts have been working on it, but I would still like to make my small personal contribution."