Subscribe to FeedGreetings From Baghdad…
My name is Vahide Spahiu and I am from Kosovo. I’ve been employed by a US company since 1999 and have been serving in Baghdad supporting DoS, DoD, and US troops since 2003. I want to take a moment to tell you that I am honored to be one of Ashworth University’s graduates and whole-heartedly thank you for this educational experience.
Firstly, for giving me the opportunity to expand my education through the Ashworth University program. The learning method you provided me has been very convenient, especially for students like me working 12-13 hours a day and 7 days a week. I’ve spent these days analyzing my company’s budgets as a cost analyst and overcoming the stress created by multiple incomings (mortars, rockets, etc.)—while living in a place that allows limited movement, surrounded by T-Walls. Despite these obstacles, the method you provided me to study at my own pace, sometimes in my trailer and other times in my bunker, proved itself to be convenient and motivational.
Secondly, I want to say that graduating is a special moment for each and everyone, but actually attending the Graduation Ceremony was the most special moment of my life. I want to thank you for giving me the opportunity to experience the thrill of walking on the stage with a cap and gown. This may sound unusual to you, but in my country of Kosovo, due to the struggling education system and war time suffering, we did not ever have the opportunity to have a graduation ceremony. Believe it or not, the only graduation ceremony I had ever seen was on TV and I always dreamed of participating in a “live” one at least once in my life.
This may explain to you why I decided to fly all the way across the Atlantic Ocean just to be there for this special moment of my life. I am very thankful for the initiative taken by the Ashworth University staff to make this event possible. Regardless of the fact that this was my first graduation ceremony, I was very pleased with the way that the ceremony was organized and enjoyed the warm atmosphere that was created for us students to enjoy. It was also very nice to meet other graduates and the Ashworth University staff.
I am always so happy to share my story with friends and family. As I discussed earlier, I’ve been studying for my Associates Degree in tough environments such as Baghdad, constantly under attack, so I feel especially proud to share the story of the graduation ceremony and how nice and organized the environment was.
May God bless each and every one of you that have contributed to making this special moment happen for all of your students.
Greetings from Baghdad and I look forward to joining you again on my next degree program…
Vahide Spahiu
Ashworth University Class of 2007
