Genuine Gold: Azzaya Ngeskebei BY SERENA DUGAR IOANE
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zzaya Ngeskebei, a Spring 2018 BYU–Hawaii alumna, advised current students to have a vision of their future careers and to utilize BYUH’s resources to reach their goals.
What was your career and educational journey after BYUH? “I majored in TESOL and minored in professional writing. After my graduation, I did my academic training at New Horizon School in Mesa, Arizona, as a student teacher. I was able to strengthen my skills in teaching, reading, vocabulary and tutoring one on one and group students.”
What special memories do you have from your student years at BYUH? “There are tremendous amounts of memories that I’ll always treasure from my student years. Some of them are those typical days and hours I spent in classrooms learning
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from the most humble and approachable professors I was blessed to learn from. As an official English as a second language (ESL) teacher now, I realized how valuable those times were when I was sitting in those TESOL classes and how many questions that I didn’t realize I would have after I left BYUH. Learning from my TESOL professors was such a privilege.” She said another thing she loved is “how BYUH allowed students to gain practical working experience while completing their degree. All the jobs I was able to do, both at the PCC and on BYUH’s campus, have shaped me both professionally and personally. I was able to gain practical experience in a real-life working environment.”
What blessings have you seen from attending BYUH? “Attending BYUH was a life-changing and eye-opening experience that has blessed
my life. I not only received a degree and work experience, but also grew as a mature individual and professional who has strong interpersonal skills and cultural sensitivity.”
What advice would you give to current students at BYUH? “My advice to everyone who is currently studying at BYUH is to have a bigger picture of your professional career after your time at BYUH. Create a vision of your professional path and of what you will do and how you will do it - as well as predict and estimate what challenges you might face accomplishing your professional vision. “This will make the learning journey you are currently pursuing more meaningful and will allow you to get as much help and guidance from your professors.” Her advice to both current and graduating students is to “build your network with your fellow students and professors. Having a strong