Azernews.Az

By Araz Abbasov, Azernews Staff Writer

Nijat Asadli was born in Sumgayit in 1994. Upon receiving primary education in his home town, he attended Baku Private Turkish Lyceum. The desire to excel further in education prompted Asadli to study in educational institutions in Britain, Germany and the United States as well as to improve his knowledge at language courses during his summer vacations. Further, Asadli continued his education in the US state of Washington. In order to fulfill his goals and realize his education potential, he completed a 2+2 (Fast Track) program and was further admitted to the Tacoma-based Pierce College. Two years later he graduated with excellence with an Associate Degree in business administration. During the two-year period, he attended Harvard University for one semester. As a result of his academic successes, he was offered to continue his education in a number of major US universities. Finally, he made a decision to attend George Washington University, one of the leading US educational institutions operating under the Pentagon and the White House.

The education system of the Chag Oyretim institution meeting the highest standards played an invaluable role in Asadli's academic achievements. Asadli says, "As a young Azerbaijani, being born and raised in a tolerant country has nurtured in me the habits of speaking fluently and thinking in several languages."

Q. How is Azerbaijan seen across the ocean?

A. Azerbaijan looks on the world's political map from the other side of the ocean like an oasis. A country with rampant economic development integrating into international institutions, with an unprecedented GDP growth rate amid an economic crisis in the world. The achievements and successes accomplished in a short time have turned Azerbaijan into a leader in the region. The balanced foreign and domestic policy pursued by the President of Azerbaijan, an independent state founded by the late national leader, former President Heydar Aliyev, has propelled the country to unbelievable pinnacles. At the same time, I would like to note that civil society lags behind the rate of our country's development. It is disappointing that most of our citizens are unable to relinquish their narrow-minded thinking and the habits of being indifferent to outside developments. As a patriotic Azerbaijani, sometimes I am frustrated, to say the least, with some people's failure to comply with the norms of ethical conduct and indifference to environmental pollution at a time we should deem every patch of our homeland as our home.

Q. How do you represent Azerbaijan in the U.S.?

A. Our country's geo-political location enables me to communicate with people who hail from every corner of the world. Thus, making friends among people from either Europe or America, Asia or Africa, and informing these people about Azerbaijan has turned into an important part of my life. And this is one of the most effective ways to convey the truth about the country to the rest of the world.

Q. How do you inform your fellow students about Azerbaijan?

A. During my studies either at Harvard University or Pierce College, when I tried to show our hospitality by comprehensively informing people about either the Nagorno Karabakh conflict and the Khojaly tragedy or Azerbaijan's customs and traditions, culture and cuisine, I was once again convinced of how highly the Americans think about our country and people. Also, soccer and swimming tournaments devoted to Azerbaijan, held at our university, have contributed to our country's recognition.

Q. What would you like to do for Azerbaijan's future?

A. Azerbaijan is on a path of very dynamic development today. The rampant development of this young independent state in a short time encourages, even prompts us youths, to ascend to the pinnacles of science and gain more profound knowledge. Using the knowledge and skills gained during my studies for our country's prosperity is my life credo.