A Friend from Afar

Students came back to Waukee High for another year of school expecting the same crowd, but one student stood out. She has flown 6,293 miles from the other side of the world to be here. She is top of her class with an extraordinary story. Her name is Alya Taghiyeva, an Azerbaijani student studying abroad for an extra year of high school after completing her studies back home. Azerbaijan is located in the Middle East on the coast of the Caspian Sea. They are known for their unique architecture, diverse landscapes, and rich culture. 

During her American stay, Ayla has made many friends through her exchange program. Azizah, a fellow Waukee exchange student from Indonesia became a fast companion with Ayla spending lots of time outside of school with each other’s host families. But doesn’t mean the transition has been easy. “I’ve been there my whole life. I know my city. I know my country. I also miss my friends and family. So yeah I miss Azerbaijan,” she said. When she left she had just graduated from high school and had to leave it all behind to go on this adventure. When school started she quickly felt out of place with the lack of interest from other students and getting hands-on experience for the first time with English speakers was a swift change to her normal life. 

Despite her struggles, Ayla has been a fiery force everywhere she goes. In the first half of the year, she gave beautiful presentations about her and Azerbaijani culture including knowledge of traditional dances and holidays. She is passionate about talking about her country’s rich history and accomplishments. “I love her pride in her culture and her eagerness to share it with others.” -Vice President of International Club Mais Homedan. For these presentations, she wore a red and gold arkhalig from back home. An arkhalig is a culturally significant article from the 1920s. In Ayla’s case, she wore the female version featuring stylized trims and ornaments.

Ayla also has achieved high grades this year earning nothing less than an A. Her favorite class German presented her to an environment where English wasn’t the expectation. “Ayla has been a greatly positive influence for both learning and culture for those around her in the classroom,” Herr Jones, Waukee High’s German teacher, praised her for consistent efforts in his classroom. Within German class, Ayla helped another student with a language barrier allowing him a sense of relief and comraderie.

Her most recent achievement has been inviting me, Waukee’s GSA President, to share diversity and the concept of queer prejudice with exchange students from all over the world. This presentation was run through exchange programs that support 64 countries. Throughout the night laughs were vocalized and stories were told. Many questions were asked and knowledge was granted. Thanks to Ayla, exchange students will go home and have a better understanding of LGBTQ people to help spread understanding and welcoming views around the world.

 She has exceeded the bar she set back home with her kindness and willingness to help others. Attending events with her friends, spreading LGBTQ stories around the world, and still having the time to express patriotism for her country. Through this American experience, she has found another place to call home and I couldn’t be more proud to call her a friend.