Path from GZAAT to the World’s Leading Military Academy

Gradually, as we are approaching the finish of school and facing the next step, studying abroad, we meet the dilemma - where to send our applications. Choosing the right college is a very complex task in which students need to consider many details and be responsible. More frequently, students at age seventeen or eighteen do not really have strong ideas about what they want to be doing in the future. Fortunately, the majority of GZAAT’s alumni have successfully joined and graduated from the world’s leading universities, and what is more, they never hesitate to share their personal experiences with us. For this reason, I decided to interview one of our postgraduate students - Nodar Dvali, who graduated from The United States Air Force Academy (USAFA) this year.

- How did you come up with the decision to join The United States Air Force Academy?

- I cannot say that it was a quick decision. My family members and I have spent a ton of time discussing what I wanted to do in my life and how I would spend the next four years. I always wanted to have a different path, unlike most of my friends – something I would always remember. Jumping out of an airplane, flying a glider, and meanwhile getting a valuable degree looked very teasing and made the whole decision-making process look much easier.

- Nodar, can you tell us about the path which you have gone to become part of one of the world’s leading military academies?

- I would lie if I said that it was an easy path. I still remember all those stressful times when I was looking at the sky out of my window and hoping that one day I could be able to fly. At first, I came up with a plan which was made up of small little goals. My first small goal was to get ready to pass the athletic test. To get accepted at the academy, you need to be in shape and pass a physical test. I cannot say that I was the number one athletically. In fact, I was not athletic at all. I really had to work hard. Waking up early and working out before school looked almost impossible for me at that time. But when I did and saw my first achievement, it gave me the motivation to work even harder. Then I had to pass all those language tests, SAT, TOEFL, and finally an interview with the military representatives of the United States. Every small accomplishment made my goal more real. I followed all those small goals that I planned for myself step by step, and at the end of the day, everything became real. I had my hard times, watching my friends having fun at night when I had to go to sleep, since I had to wake up early was very depressing, but all those times I never lost my sight of the sky.

- Usually starting a new chapter in life in a totally different environment and culture is stressful. Can you talk more about how you overcame these new challenges and what is your advice to people who wish to follow your path?

- Well, if I earlier said that getting accepted at the academy was hard, (laughing) the real hard thing was becoming a part of the academy. There were plenty of challenges. There was a BCT (Basic Cadet Training) that itself was a totally different experience from what I have imagined it would be. Then there were academics, which were actually hard. I was seeing how some of my new friends were getting kicked out because of their low grades or disciplinary actions. I remember the first year to be real hell, except nothing was on fire (smiles). But you should never lose sight of your dreams to make them real. Yes, there were a lot of sleepless nights. There were days and even weeks when nothing good happened, but in the end, I remembered that I was at the USAFA, which made me smile and forget all the problems. I always remember what the purpose of my being in the US was, and finally, all those hard works have truly paid off.

- For any GZAAT student, it is always the question of whether or not the education we get here is helpful and enough to be successful at any foreign universities. What was your experience with academics?

- It was really helpful, but it was not enough. I still had a language barrier at first. (smiles) But the education you get here is much more than what kids learn in the US. You have the privilege of studying at GZAAT, but you should always seek more. Being a part of the GZAAT community is an opportunity itself, and you should take advantage of it.

- It is pretty clear you have gained lots of experience living in a totally different world. What do you think is the biggest life lesson that you have learned during your time at USAFA?

- Never be afraid of asking questions. Always remember that the stupidest question is the one you have never asked. Always listen to others and take their criticism as their advice. Never stop working on yourself to become a better person.

- I would like to congratulate you on becoming a part of the graduating Class of 2020. Finally, do you have any advice for students who have not yet decided what they want to do with their future?

- Life is full of uncertainties, and that is what makes it more interesting. I know that deciding what you want in your life is stressful, but remember that life without stress is boring. So do not just sit and wonder what you can achieve, just try! Decide what you want and do it! Honestly, if I achieved my goals, why can’t you? I know that each of you has many supporters and there are people who truly care about you, but no one will ever write your story unless you do.

The path which Nodar and other successful alumni have gone through are a motivation, especially, for our students. I agree with Nodar that we should not just sit and wait, but rather take every action necessary to achieve the goals we have set for ourselves, and with that determination enter the new chapters of our lives.

Edited by Mashiko Lortkipanidze