Rayhangul Umar is one of four girls born into a farmer's family in the far western region of Xinjiang in China. She is part of the ethnic minority group called Uyghur. She has graduated with a master's degree from Lanzhou University, and plans to start a career as a tutor at the University.

Despite studying all around China and being offered job opportunities elsewhere with the lure of high salaries, Umar decided to stay at Lanzhou University.

Umar expects to be a good tutor who will gain the trust of her students. She also hopes she is able to provide a high quality of life for her parents in the future.