From Ashes to Ascent: The Memoirs of Mara Bay, Volume 1 – Born to Fight and Win takes readers back to Mara’s childhood in post-war Kazakhstan, where poverty, hunger, and the absence of her father defined her early years. Growing up in a cramped apartment with little food or warmth, Mara faced both harsh living conditions and an often-difficult relationship with her mother. Yet amid these struggles, she discovered her own strength.

The memoir traces Mara’s journey from a lonely, uncertain child to a determined young woman who dared to defy limitations. Small acts—like reciting poems for treats, drawing and performing at school, or excelling in her English studies—gave her a sense of hope and self-worth. At sixteen, she stood up to her mother’s abuse, marking a pivotal moment of independence that set the tone for her future.

Through education, creativity, and resilience, Mara found ways to rise above her circumstances. Her time at the Institute of Foreign Languages opened doors to a career in teaching, while her passion for performance and languages shaped her identity. Volume 1 reveals how hardship, when met with determination, can transform into a foundation for growth.