Pandemic helps student at QF uncover his passion
KOMI Vokhidov, a 2022 graduate of Qatar Foundation (QF) partner university orthwestern University in Qatar, is part of this year’s ‘COVID cohort’ – having spent much of his Education City experience in and out of lockdown, fluctuating between inperson and online classes.
But, according to Vokhidov, the pandemic was an opportunity for selfreflection, which helped the aspiring journalist discover his passion: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
“COVID-1 or no COVID-1 , learning doesn’t stop,” he explains. “You’d read a book, do an assignment, speak to a professor online. I just kept doing my own thing – remaining focused and maintaining my grades, as well as finding a good school-life balance. “I think COVID-1 has been instrumental for me terms of selfdiscovery, because I had time for myself.”
Vokhidov was a sophomore student at orthwestern Qatar when Qatar first went into lockdown in March 2020, and shops, malls, restaurants, and gyms closed. It was then that he started his journey of self-discovery.
“I did a lot of personal reflection, alone in my room,” he says. “I asked myself, how do I use this time How do I grow How do I progress And then I saw a post on Instagram about Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and I decided to try it after restrictions eased.
“I didn’t give it much thought at the time, but it’s been nearly two years now. I spend hours talking to the coach, learning, and practicing. And last ovember, I went to Abu Dhabi to compete in my first big competition.”
Part of the reason Vokhidov is so passionate about Jiu-Jitsu is the community. “It’s like a tribe,” he says. “The people I train with are much older than me – some have families, children – and every single time I go there, I learn from them and not just in terms of physical training but about life in general, too.”
Vokhidov’s passion for the sport has spilled into his university life, with the student producing a 20-minute documentary about his coach – who has a black belt, which Vokhidov compares to having a PhD – and his wife and son, who also have earned theirs. “My coach pursued his dream, and I found this very empowering,” he explains.
Vokhidov was born in Russia and, when he was 16 years old, he moved to Singapore on an academic scholarship. Growing up, he was a keen dancer – ballroom specifically, but he is also classically trained – and the skills he learned from dancing have helped him with his Brazilian JiuJitsu practice, such as balance and strength.
Explaining the importance of pursuing hobbies and activities outside of the classroom, Vokhidov says: “My history professor gave us some advice he said that a lot of successful people – not necessarily successful in the corporate sense – pursue activities outside of their ‘normal’ life. ike Einstein, for example, he took music classes, he played the violin.
“So the idea is that we should do something else, take up a hobby. My professor said that if you do, you are much more likely to be able to produce something original.”
Speaking about his experience at orthwestern Qatar, he says: “The caliber of the faculty this institution attracts is just phenomenal. I am very lucky to have been mentored by these faulty members. I worked as a research assistant for two and a half years, learning about academic fluency, sourcing quotes, and analyzing information and synthesizing it into written pieces. “It’s been four years, and I am now looking forward to embarking on a new journey. Embrace the world and its reality.”
As a member of orthwestern Qatar’s Class of 2022, Vokhidov will participate in QF’s Convocation ceremony on May 10, which celebrates graduates of all universities at Education City.
QF is also creating a multidisciplinary innovation hub in Qatar, where homegrown researchers are working to address local and global challenges. By promoting a culture of lifelong learning and fostering social engagement through programs that embody Qatari culture, QF is committed to empowering the local community and contributing to a better world for all.