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Dimitri Azadi
B.A. Liberal Studies, 2009
Individualized Program: Leadership and Diversity Studies
 Dimitri Azadi had been working more than 15 years as an interpreter and interpreter manager before he came to Antioch.
"Personally, I felt I was stagnant for a long time until I resumed my studies," he says.
When many of his friends told him what a wonderful experience they had in Antioch's B.A. in Liberal Studies completion program, Azadi paid attention.
"Antioch is an incredibly flexible institution which allows returning adults to attend college with many who share a similar circumstance. There is a great deal of encouragement from the faculty and areas of weakness are not criticized," he notes, adding that he appreciates the fair-minded feedback from faculty.
"I feel as though I am putting energy into my own well-being and the debt I am incurring is worth the benefits I am gaining of both coming into myself as well as increasing my earning potential."
He singles out B.A. Core Faculty Sue Woehrlin as inspirational.
"Sue Woehrlin is the consummate Antioch professor. She is encouraging, thoughtful in her process of allowing students to come into their education and their 'aha' moments, and she brings in fascinating and unique materials to augment her classes," Azadi says.
He is completing 45 credits for life experience (also known as prior learning credits).
"This was extremely helpful at both validating much of the learning I have done outside the classroom, as well as helping me to complete my B.A. in shorter time so I can move on to graduate school," he explains.
The B.A. program's individualized pathway has provided him the opportunity to recognize and pursue studies in those areas that truly interest him. He describes his best memory, one that helped him realize he had made the right choice for his course of study.
"When I took my first systems change course, at first I didn't really understand what the subject entailed. After the first week and starting the reading, I was hooked. I realized even though the reading was sometimes copious, I was able to get through it because I was fascinated. I couldn't put the books down. I realized then I was on the right path," he says.
He says the cost of his higher education is well worth it. "I feel as though I am putting energy into my own well-being and the debt I am incurring is worth the benefits I am gaining of both coming into myself as well as increasing my earning potential," he says. "I also recommend the book Do What You Love, The Money Will Follow: Discovering Your Right Livelihood."
This deaf services manager for Bellevue Community College has articulated his educational plan and long-term goals to his supervisors.
"Since doing so, I have been watched as I move closer and closer to my goals," he says, adding that he is encouraged to try new things at work and is now considered an up-and-coming administrator.
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