TOLERANCE AND EMPATHY

I have recently heard a lovely interview on TV which caught my attention. Gohar Ayvazyan, an entrepreneur woman who is the leader and manager of a Russian school in Barcelona was telling her experience as an immigrant. In the past, this woman had been a teacher of languages ​​in Armenia. When the Soviet Union collapsed, she had to move away and went to Barcelona. In the beginning, it was not easy. However, nowadays, this entrepreneur woman has a Russian language school which has the recognition of the Moscow University.

Being an immigrant is really hard. During five years, Gohar worked seven days per week caring for older people. She needed the job; it payed her bills. But, she needed something else. One day, she attended a program for immigrants where she learned not to overestimate her own culture and have respect for other cultures. She claimed that in the association she developed a greater sense of empathy and tolerance. Moreover, she was encouraged to work with Armenian immigrants as a volunteer Russian teacher. Teaching Russian in a foreign country, Gohar's strong identity as a teacher of languages came back. 

• "It is never too late and I had more progress for the last ten years in Barcelona than ever before in my entire life."

Listening to this Armenian entrepreneur woman I learnt a very important lesson to achieve a goal. First of all, being passionate for your work gives you identity. Second, tolerance and empathy connects people. Finally, it is never to late to learn human values. 

What a lesson of humanity! Thank you very much.