Yusif Sardarzade

Yusif Sardarzade came to the U.S. a political asylee from Azerbaijan who peacefully fights for the rights of the Talysh people, an ethnic minority there. His activism, however, put him at odds with the Azerbaijani government. Fearing for his safety, Yusif sought asylum in the United States, a decision that led him to spend six months in a detention center in Aurora, Colorado.

Upon his release, Yusif faced the daunting task of rebuilding his life from scratch. He found work in a low-paying job, a job that provided him with the means to survive but not to thrive. Then he worked almost two years for the International Rescue Committee and then a short stint at Denver Public Schools. His journey took a positive turn when he connected with the African Community Center (ACC), the agency managing his resettlement. ACC introduced him to Emily Griffith Technical College, where he enrolled in English Language Acquisition classes.

"I love all my teachers," Yusif says with a smile. "They are focused on language knowledge and motivated to help us pursue our careers."

It was through these classes that Yusif learned about the Multimedia and Video Production (MVP) program at Emily Griffith. Drawn to the creative and impactful potential of multimedia, Yusif saw this as an opportunity to not only improve his own life but also to give back to his community.

"I thought about studying International Relations or Media," he recalls. "I asked myself, what can I do for myself and my people? The answer led me to the MVP program." He is eternally grateful to Emily Griffith staff, especially Dr. Deeksha Nagar, for helping him identify this career path. 

Yusif's dedication to his studies is evident in his daily routine. He juggles the demands of his coursework with the financial pressures of living in a new country. Thanks to scholarships and non-tuition financial support from Emily Griffith Foundation, Yusif has been able to focus on his education without the constant worry of making ends meet.

"The financial assistance has been crucial," Yusif explains. "It has helped me pay rent and buy groceries, especially after I lost my job. This support means everything to students like me."

Despite the challenges, Yusif is thriving in the MVP program and is on track to graduate in July 2024. He is excited about the future and the opportunities that lie ahead. With plans to work in various roles within the technology and filmmaking industries, Yusif is eager to apply the skills and knowledge he has gained at Emily Griffith.

"My teachers have given us the pathway and guidance we need to develop and keep learning," he says. "I want to open my own video production company and continue learning about marketing."

Yusif's journey is far from over. Yusif is determined to ensure that his son also benefits from the opportunities provided by Emily Griffith Technical College.

"I feel like I'm at home when I'm in class," Yusif reflects. "I will recommend Emily Griffith to all my friends who come to Denver. This place has given me hope and a future."

Yusif is a speaker for the Colorado Refugee Speakers Bureau. When he first arrived in the U.S., he was featured in an article in The Colorado Independent in November 2018.