Genuine Gold: Azzaya Ngeskebei

BY SERENA DUGAR IOANE

Azzaya 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 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

Left: Azzaya Ngeskebei smiles with her BYUH diploma. Above: Azzaya pictured with her husband, Julius Tupas, and their children, Keanu and Mulana. Photos provided by Azzaya Ngeskebei.

relationship will benefit you professionally in your journey to a future professional career.”

What did you learn at BYUH that you have taken with you?

“One thing I have taken with me from BYUH is my love and respect towards different cultures. The ability to understand and cope with diverse cultures is one thing BYUH blessed me with.”

How did attending BYUH help build your testimony?

“During my studies at BYUH, I felt the support and love from people around me, such as my friends, roommates, professors, senior missionaries, co-workers and the bishop, both spiritually and emotionally.

“In times of need, there was always someone who supported me and was my spiritual protection. BYUH is a great place that allows students to grow spiritually, even during their stressful times of studying and living their busy student lives. I am forever grateful for that.”

What are some challenges you’ve faced?

“One of the challenges I had since I completed my academic training, was deciding how to find a balance between my professional career and my lifestyle as a new mother. Since I wanted to take care of my daughter as a stay-at-home mother, I needed to put my career back for a while until the right time comes. The challenge was not the delay in my career as a brandnew ESL teacher, but finding ways to keep polishing my knowledge and skills and continue to learn while tackling my mom duties. However, I learned that my utmost responsibility is nurturing my baby. I know Heavenly Father will help me to find the right balance as long as I am doing the right things at the right time.”

What have you learned from motherhood?

“I never thought I would love and care for another human being like I do love and care for my daughter before I became a mother. I think being a mother is such a humbling and sacred calling. Motherhood taught me what sacrifice is, what patience is and what true love is. I hope I can continue growing as a mother and strengthening myself for my family and for myself.”

What are your future goals?

“In the coming few years, my goal is to continue to grow as a mother and a wife in educating and nurturing my family as well as to pursue my teaching career when the right time comes.” •