Bayarmaa Huselbaatar, or “Bama,” as most of her friends call her, was born and raised in Mongolia where she pursued an artistic career at Cultural Acting University. Before coming to the United States, Bama worked in Mongolia’s movie and tv industry where she participated in comedy productions such as “Best Color” where she is the lead actress.
Following an early dream
Several years ago, when Bama was a child, she remembers a person asking her, “what is your dream for the future?” Bama replied, “I want to study in the U.S. and become a Hollywood superstar.” Many years later, the same man came back to Mongolia and coincidentally met with her and asked Bama, “Would you still like to study in the United States?” She said yes and obtained an opportunity to study and work as a graduate assistant at Missouri State University.
Adapting the United States
Bama mentions that her adaptation to the new culture was quick, but not easy at all. She says that the first days when she arrived, language was a struggle and getting adapted to all the course load in a different language was challenging.
Free time? What free time?
Bama considers herself as a very outgoing person. She is always trying to get outside her comfort zone and challenge herself; that’s why she enjoys hanging out with U.S. native speakers so she can learn more about the culture and improve her speaking skills.
Getting involved at Missouri State
She likes to get involved with any type of activities, especially activities that promote entertainment and cultural learning. She is an active member of the African Student Association (ASA) and the Association of International Students (AIS). Bama mentioned that one of the things that she likes the most is dancing. By getting involved with ASA she has had the opportunity to dance with the members and represent the African continent by performing in several events.
Artistic opportunities
After graduating from Missouri State, she plans to continue working in the movie industry, except this time she is aiming for something different. “I want to go to California or New York to continue with my artistic career and look for new opportunities,” she said. Bama knows that her plans will be challenging and will struggle, but she is confident that will succeed. In the long run, Bama would like to write her own movie scripts and direct movies either in the U.S. or in Mongolia.
Advice to future #InternationalBears
“Follow your dreams every day! There will be struggle and you will face unknown things that never happened in your life. Never give up your dreams. Hustle hard and you will make it happen like we are doing it. Be optimistic and accept what comes and do your best; never stop. I might go slow, but I never go back.” – Bayarmaa Huselbaatar