Annual Report 2022 29
STORY OF IMPACT : LEADING BY EXAMPLE
Diana Hovakimyan Eighth Generation Teacher-Leader Azatek village , Vayots Dzor Region
When I first considered moving to Armenia , I was 21 years old and working in Austria . I was searching for a job in Syunik when I learned about Teach For Armenia on a Telegram channel . At the time , I was studying languages to enter university and major in cultural studies . Now , I am a member of the Azatek community in Vayots Dzor , which has a population of 300-400 people and a school with 78 students , where I teach the Russian language .
I believe that as a teacher it is important to lead by example . High school students in Azatek often feel disappointed and lack faith in the future . As a leader , I want to inspire them by sharing how I overcame my own personal disappointments and found strength in myself . I believe this is true leadership – finding the courage to lead by example and bringing people together around shared values and vision .
Working as a teacher is challenging , but it is also incredibly rewarding . What keeps me going is the bright eyes of my students and their eagerness to learn , and I am honored to be a part of their educational journeys with Teach For Armenia .
Annual Report 2022 29