FLEX Student of the Month — November 2013

Azat Toroev, a PAX student from Kyrgyzstan, is a real self-starter. He takes the initiative to arrange his own transportation and often takes city buses to participate in activities outside of school. Currently Azat has completed 25 hours of community service. He volunteered at the Colorado State University (CSU) International festival and after the September Colorado floods; he collected food for local families in need and helped the CSU Environmental Learning Center reopen its nature trails. Azat has participated in many cultural events: the Telluride International Film Festival, USA Pro-Cycling Tour, a CSU-sponsored Native American Pow-wow, and CSU Outpost (a Christian student group). 

 

Azat is a valued student at his host school. He joined the History Bowl team and was selected as a member of the very competitive Mock Trial team. He volunteers in the counseling office as an informal peer counselor, was instrumental in reorganizing the school’s "Hall of Nations" to include a Kyrgyz flag and has given 13 IEW presentations to classmates and friends. In December he plans to join the Knowledge Bowl team.  

 

Azat, a student with a disability, has found that his exchange experience has given him a new perspective and interest in the rights of people with disabilities. He is already planning projects for when he returns to Kyrgyzstan as an alumnus.

 

Congratulations, Azat!