Conversation with American scientist, researcher, MBA of IT Boise State University (Boise, USA) and just a nice man Anthony Ray Hetrick.

Tell us a little about yourself?

My name is Anthony Hetrick, and I from the USA. I was born and raised in a tiny farming community in Nevada, which has shaped who I am as a person. The hard truth is that difficulties develop who we are. My speech impediment developed my character and has given me confidence in life. Working on the farm taught me the value of hard work. The remote area where I grew up taught me to be resourceful. The most important thing life has taught me is to be reliant on God. In such remote areas, you do things alone, and there is no one else around to help in the time of need besides God. I am a follower of Jesus. Another aspect that has helped define me is that so much has been given to me in life. As a result, I want my life to be about helping others. One way I can do it by educating others who need it. Right now, I want to help develop methods of teaching those who have physical barriers to obtaining an education. For example, the farm boy who cannot afford to move to the city to go to university or the girl who is taking care of a family member.

Why did you decide to come to Kazakhstan and why did you come specifically to EKSTU?

The story goes like this: A beautiful Kazakh girl goes to study in the US and meets an American boy. Fast-forward ten years, and here we are. Specifically, we decided to move to Oskemen so my wife could spend time with her aging mother. 

Why EKSTU? EKSTU is an ideal place to work on my doctoral studies. I want to find out what students in Kazakhstan think about elearning or studying online. I became interested in EKSTU after a connection through my wife and meeting an American who worked there. When I first walked through the doors, it felt like it was a place where I belonged. The university has been very welcoming and supportive of my research.

Did you encounter any difficulties while working? Which ones? 

Teaching with technology can be problematic. I’m not trained in classroom teaching. Instead, I’m educated on how to teach online, which is how I approached the ICT course at EKSTU. Most of the difficulties resulted from showing up for a lecture, lab, or exam session and not have working computers, projector, or internet when the entire class is based on digital materials. Despite the difficulties, the students quickly adapted to studying using technology. It has made them independent learners.

What did you like the most at the University?

The people. They are all wonderful: Security, cafeteria staff, office workers, administrators, faculty, students, and those I forgot to mention. Everyone treated me kindly and offered help or hospitality when needed.   

Has there been a situation/incident at EKSTU which you remember with a smile on your face?

Svetlana is one of the keepers of the keys for the computer labs. She was a great help to me throughout the semester but especially during the first few weeks when I was trying to figure what I was doing or where I was going. She would drop whatever she was doing to help me or find someone who could help me.

A funny incident happened on the day of my first class. I did not correctly read the schedule, and I missed my lab. I was on my way home after the lecture and my students started calling me asking where I was. They informed me that they were waiting for me. Such things happen in new situations.

Which places have you enjoyed in our city?

I’ve enjoyed many places in the city. However, Ethno Park is the place we enjoy the most. It provides a nice escape from the city without having to go far away. We try to hike to the flagpole a few times a year when the weather is pleasant. The river walk is also enjoyable.

Would you like to come back to EKSTU?

Definitely! I hope that everything works out so I can return next year. Every university has its own system and culture. EKSTU is no exception. Navigating new systems can be challenging. I would like to return to teach for another year since I already have familiarity with the EKSTU way of doing things.

What would you like to wish to our University?

EKSTU has many good things going for it, but I also see some of the challenges it faces. I wish for the university to overcome the challenges of its day and lead other Universities in the area in establishing a new level of education that better prepares the students for the future that awaits them.

Madina Yusubalieva