Leaving behind the familiar landscapes of her small village in Azerbaijan, Cal Poly international student Aynur Murtuzaliyeva embarked on a life-changing journey to California, where she is now pursuing a Master’s in Special Education at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Motivated by the challenges she witnessed in her home country’s education system, she set out to find better ways to support children with diverse learning needs who remain underserved. She hopes to apply knowledge gained from her experience at Cal Poly to help build a more inclusive education system back in Azerbaijan and ultimately bring meaningful change to the lives of children like her own son.

Aynur’s Story

I never imagined leaving my small village in Azerbaijan, where life moves according to tradition and the natural beauty of the mountains surrounds us. Yet here I am, thousands of miles away in California, pursuing a Master’s in Special Education at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. I hope to have a positive impact on the lives of children, both in my homeland and beyond.

As a teacher in Azerbaijan, I witnessed firsthand the struggles of my students—not because they lacked potential, but because the educational system failed to accommodate their unique needs. Some of my students were highly intelligent but found it difficult to stay seated, while others had brilliant minds but struggled to communicate. These challenges were not a reflection of their abilities, but a result of a system that was not equipped to support them. This realization ignited a deep desire in me to find a way to help.
That desire led me to Cal Poly, where I am now pursuing my Master’s in Special Education as a Bilingual Credential Scholar. Arriving in California, I carried not only my academic ambitions but also the heavy heart of a mother who had to leave her son behind in Azerbaijan. The decision to study abroad was a difficult one, but I knew that the knowledge and experience I would gain here would ultimately benefit my son and children like him, both in Azerbaijan and around the world.

Studying in a foreign country has been a transformative experience. It is not merely about acquiring academic knowledge, but about adjusting to a new environment, culture, and educational system. Despite the challenges, I have never felt alone in this journey.

At Cal Poly, I have been fortunate to learn from mentors who have profoundly shaped my academic and professional development. Dr. Leah Wood, Miriam Burlakovsky, Lori Thomas Hicks, and Mariah Chavez have all played pivotal roles in guiding my studies, offering invaluable insights that extend beyond the classroom. Their approach to teaching is centered on real-world application, and it is this practical perspective that has made my experience here so meaningful.
One person who has been particularly instrumental in my journey is Stephen Allan Crutchfield. His support and understanding have helped me navigate the challenges of balancing academic demands with personal commitments. He recognized that I am not only a student but also a mother and a teacher striving to bridge two worlds. His guidance has been invaluable, particularly during moments of uncertainty and homesickness.

I am also deeply grateful to Cal Poly Cares, particularly Nick Blick and Courtney Moore, for their exceptional support. Their dedication to assisting students with dependents has made a significant difference in my ability to focus on my studies while managing the challenges of being an international student and a mother.

None of this would have been possible without the unwavering support of my family and friends. Their encouragement has kept me grounded, even when the distance between us felt overwhelming. To my son, who is my greatest motivation: every step I take is for you, and one day, I will return with the knowledge and experience to make a difference in your life and the lives of other children like you.

This journey is not just about earning a degree; it is about gaining the skills and perspectives necessary to transform special education in Azerbaijan. I am committed to returning home as a leader in education, equipped with the tools to support and uplift the children who need it most.

The work I have begun here at Cal Poly is just the beginning. I look forward to applying the knowledge I have gained to create meaningful change in the education system in Azerbaijan, and to contribute to a future where every child has the opportunity to thrive.