brought to you by the ASU WebDevil and the State Press
brought to you by the ASU
WebDevil and the State Press
By Bryna Jacobs
State Press
Dritan Zela was told that the "roads were paved with gold in America."
When he arrived in Arizona five years ago, he found that the roads were not paved in gold. In fact they were not paved at all. The roads were waiting for him to pave them.
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Ian Wingfield of the State Press Dritan Zela, a graduate student in applied mathematics, surveys the Tempe downtown area Monday. The 30-year-old Albanian has found a new home and opportunities in the United States. |
The 30-year-old Albanian is a graduate student and teaching assistant at ASU who journeyed from Tirana, Albania to the United States.
"Back home we feel oppression in all directions," Zela said. "Until recently, 1992, the communist government controlled everything, down to our spiritual values.
"I was a senior in university when the communist regime was overthrown for the first time in 50 years. I remember staying up all night with other members of the New Democratic Party, waiting to hear if we would be free."
Freedom was a whirlwind for Zela and his family, who suffered persecution when his uncle was arrested and locked up for 25 years after speaking out against the tyrannical government in Albania.
"The first time I saw my uncle was when I was 22 years old," Zela said. "Becoming a medical doctor was out of the question once my uncle was arrested. The government decided my every move. My dream was destroyed because my uncle fought for change."
Zela has come a long way since his life in Albania, and he said he never forgets his fortunate position here in America.
"Where I come from there is no opportunity for independence, a chance to develop your identity," he said. "The government system here (America) works because it is based on freedom principles."
Zela said he felt welcomed when he came to ASU and had little trouble adjusting.
Steven Baer, an ASU associate mathematics professor and Zela's adviser, said Zela is a talented and bright individual.
"I think he has adjusted beautifully to Arizona and has done a fine job here in the mathematics department," Baer said. "If he keeps his eye on the ball, his future will be filled with success."
In his attempt to sensitize people to Albanians, Zela formed an organization in 1993 called the Albanian American Eagles of Arizona. The group gathers for picnics, symposiums and holidays.
Zela, who recently became a United States citizen, intends to move eastward when he graduates with his Ph.D. in applied mathematics and work at a research university.
"America is the greatest country in the world," he said. "If you work hard, you achieve in this country. Freedom anywhere comes with a price. You must find a balance between your career, dreams and spiritual values to persevere."
Reporter Bryna Jacobs can be reached by phone at (480) 965-2292 or by e-mail at sorfly@aol.com.
