FLEX Student of the Month – February 2015

Anastasiya, a PAX-placed Future Leaders Exchange (FLEX) student from Turkmenistan, has a proactive attitude. She arrived for her program “ready for changes.” Her favorite motto is “Go only forward and never look back,” which she believes is one of the qualities of a good leader.

 

Within just a few days after arriving in her host community, Anastasiya joined several school clubs and began to seek volunteer activities. Volunteer work is one of her passions and Anastasiya has already completed nearly 80 hours of community service. Some of the most notable volunteer events were the Birmingham United Nations and the Wacky Tacky Lights Show, a fundraiser to support scholarships for science camp. Anastasiya has successfully balanced her academics, school activities, volunteer work and time spent with her host family. She has a 4.0 GPA, is on the track team, and is a member of Beta Club, Recycling Club, and the Service Association. 

 

Anastasiya was one of 26 students selected to participate in the ECA Youth TechCamp; there she developed leadership and training skills in social/digital media. Over the last five months, in preparation for the camp, Anastasiya developed her “Social Change” campaign. She plans to continue the campaign when she returns home to Turkmenistan.

 

Anastasiya also created a video for International Education Week that showcases a traditional Turkmen dance performance as well as a video about overcoming obstacles like adjusting to a new school and making friends during her exchange program.

 

Congratulations, Anastasiya!