Transforming Education: A Conversation with Durham Alumna Aida Asgarli

1. Can you briefly introduce yourself (name, surname, university, and current job)?

I am Aida Asgarli, alumna of Durham University. Currently I am working as a leading advisor at State Agency on Preschool and General Education.

2. How did university shape your professional skills?

The skills I have gained during my master degree at Durham hava an enormous effect in my professional and personal life. I had a chance to improve my research skills, to meet brilliant people, professors on education. I tried my best to take every chance to improve myself and my knowledge on the field I was studying.

3. What was your favorite place in Durham, and why does it hold a special place in your memories?

My favorite place in Durham was Ustinov college. Some universities like Oxford, Cambridge and Durham are collegiate universities. When you are registered as a student you are allocated to the colleges. Ustinov college is for postgraduate students, so I met dozens of brilliant peope thanks to Ustinov. We were spending time together at Ustinov bar in our free time, playin pub quiz, having parties. It was like home for a year in Durham for me.

4. f you could go back, what advice would you give to yourself as a Master’s student in Education Leadership and Change?

There is no advice I would give myself, and thats is why I feel luck, because I enjoyed that one year to the fullest. And I want to also encourage others not to be afraid to be on their own, it will help them to realise their potential. Take your chance to join more discussions, to meet more people, to be curious, to ask questions. Push yourself and enjoy the limitless opportunites university offers you.

5.Did you get involved in any extracurricular activities?

I involved in Students’ Center activities, I was running a campaign to be tha Postgraduate Officer. That was one of the interesting memories about my master degree. I was also joining different clubs like tennis, yoga, dance. It is one of the best parts of universities that they offer a great choice of sports. So, do not only limit yourself with studying, also take advantage of those activities, make them to be your lifestyle.