Svetlana Dzardanova: "AUCA played a life-changing role"

August 4, 2015

Svetlana Dzardanova is a 2007 graduate of AUCA’s Psychology department. Originally, from Turkmenistan, Svetlana currently lives in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. After graduation from AUCA she matriculated to the MA program at Bishkek’s OSCE Academy and was offered a job at the Academy upon graduation, where she currently works as Research and Training Coordinator. Beside her professional activities Svetlana volunteers as urban activist, making reconstruction of playgrounds in the public spaces.

Please tell us where are you from?

I am from Turkmenistan, Turkmenbashy (former Krasnovordsk). It is a small town on the Caspian seashore. Being raised in this rather small but multiethnic place affected me in many ways.  One of these is my mixed identity and appreciation of diversity and personalities, which makes me feel home everywhere where I meet good people.

 

Why did you decide to study at AUCA?

I was motivated by my English teacher at Bashkent language center back in Turkmenbashy Mr. Kenan bey Kozanhan. He convinced me this was just a right place for me. I still feel he was one of the most important people in my life, as well as this decision. I didn’t even consider any other options at that point - psychology was a natural choice for me. It needs to be acknowledged that this was only possible with support of Turkmenistan American University in Central Asia Scholar Program awarded by the US Embassy in Turkmenistan.

 

Please tell us about your student life at AUCA? What did you do, what do you remember?

Thinking about student life at AUCA always makes me smile. It was a happy time, challenging and enriching. Full of fun, sleepless nights, deadlines and great/talented/motivated people around.  Social events like Orientation Week and Diversity Week really make you feel like a member of big, crazy and multicultural family. AUCA is to a greater extent its professors. I was lucky with mine. I keep admiring them for their wisdom, knowledge, enthusiasm and charisma as well as being more like guides than mentors like - Dr Aaron  Brudny. I think all his students feel privileged and honored for being taught by him. My favorite place at AUCA stays its library with huge collection of fiction. I remember reading avidly sometimes affected my attendance and performance.

 

What do you think about the education?

AUCA is one of the best universities in Central Asia, where you have to work hard to maintain high academic performance. Corruption-free, it allows its students to acquire knowledge, skills and experience to become competitive not only on CA labour market, but far beyond its borders. Personally, I see AUCA as a place where students get an impetus to further boost their academic and professional careers.

 

What role did AUCA play in your life?

AUCA played a life-changing role. This experience was both mind- and horizon-opening for me. It teaches you to set goals, accomplish them and move towards the new ones.

Please tell us about your professional experience after graduation.

After graduation and some employments in between I started working for the Alexandra Clothing Company in an HR position, which was really close to my major in Industrial and Organizational Psychology. Sometime later I realized I needed to move forward and learn something new. I was interested in conflicts and the region, so MA program at the OSCE Academy was a great match for my interests. I was offered a place at the Academy upon graduation and now work as Research and Training Coordinator. Working with people is challenging but rewarding experience. My position allows me to combine both of my academic backgrounds, participate in various research projects and contribute to regional cooperation and development.

 

Your future career plans.

At this point I really consider applying for a PhD Program as a next step in my career.

 

What motivates you in your life both personal and professional?

My son. He is a real motivation and inspiration. Sometimes I think he is a wiser, kinder and better version of me. It is easy as I do not need to impress, his love is unconditional and this inspires even more.

 

How do you see the role of alumni in supporting AUCA?

AUCA has a big and active alumni network. So university can rely on this network financially in some cases, but what is more important, AUCA alumni create a progressive and highly-professional image attracting more potential students.

 

What would you say to the AUCA alumni, fellows, students, professors if you were to address them in a speech?

I would like to thank fellows and professors for the great thing they do for the region and every student in particular. And I would probably say nothing new to the students as they know what a great experience they are going through. But I would like to add that you should try to achieve your goals and with achieving them you will bring change to the region! AUCA alumni keep proving this in Kyrgyzstan and many countries across the globe.

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