“I have worked in the school system for around 20 years now and enjoyed communication with the most innocent and purest of humans - children. Enjoyable as it is, being a teacher is a huge responsibility that requires a special approach and devotion. Besides, being an Armenian teacher in Russia makes the task even more difficult. I came across a lot of doubt and hesitation over my not being a native speaker and teaching Russian kids. But luckily enough, I managed to prove my competence, leaving no room for dispute.”

“I could never imagine that kids could be so different in two neighboring countries - like night and day! The first thing I had to do was to adapt my method, approach and curriculum to my new students. It was the beginning of a new professional and personal life.”

“In the end, we handled things well and I’m very proud of how we did it! Now what I’m interested in is a new method called mental arithmetic that teaches children to make quicker, more creative, and more efficient decisions. This new program inspired our family to establish our own educational centre called Abakus Hills Kids, which allows me to develop better strategies of effective teaching."

"Do not avoid low salary jobs; try them, you never know what will come out of it. Don’t be afraid to show your advantages or even your insecurities. Always work on yourself and learn new things. Sometimes locals desperately try to change those who have come from other countries. The key to success, however, is accepting diversity and making good use of it. I know that I am a mix and I try to grasp the best of both worlds. We can make it if we unite our strengths. Hardships always exist, but they keep us fresh and creative.”