Finding his path: how ASU Prep Digital helps Azat Mashuri thrive
When Azat Mashuri and his family moved from Kazakhstan to the United States several years ago, it was a big transition. “There are completely different laws, completely different people, completely different culture,” Azat says. “It was just a completely new world.”
Now fifteen, Azat has always been curious, motivated and eager to learn. He cultivated these qualities in the private school he attended in Kazakhstan, where the focus on arts, music and the humanities helped him discover both creativity and discipline. But as he grew older, the shift to a traditional U.S. public school presented new challenges. The one-size-fits-all approach left little room for Azat’s global perspective or his desire to explore learning in deeper, more individualized ways.
Determined to find a school that matched his curiosity, intellect and love of connection, his parents, Nargiza and David Mashuri, began exploring new options. They wanted a school that was culturally diverse and accepting, academically challenging and flexible enough to allow college credits, which he was already earning through community college. That search eventually led them to ASU Prep Digital, where Azat could not only excel, but truly thrive.
A perfect fit for a global learner
Nargiza came across ASU Prep Digital during her research for new school options, and it immediately felt meant to be. “I’m a Sun Devil. I did my bachelor’s and my master’s degrees at ASU, and then I lived outside of the country for a while,” she says. “Azat would say it was all part of the Divine Script.”
What the Mashuris discovered was more than an online school—it was a personalized, student-centered community that understood Azat’s needs.
Any parent would be so happy to see their child thrive this way,” Nargiza says. “The amount of support Azat receives is unprecedented. His learning success coach is truly invested in his academic growth. Nothing can beat that type of approach.”
David agrees. In a heartfelt LinkedIn post about his son’s transformation, he shared, “At just 15, (Azat) confidently shared his goals, career aspirations and the skills he wants to acquire. He has a 4.4 GPA and 26 college credits already under his belt (sorry for bragging).
A year ago, this seemed impossible. His grades were slipping, he had no desire to study, no clear plan for the future. But more than that, he was stuck in the wrong environment.”
Finding ASU Prep Digital changed all that, giving Azat a school that finally matched his drive, curiosity and vision for his future.
A hybrid experience that brings learning to life
Today, Azat is part of ASU Prep Digital, a hybrid program through ASU Prep Digital that blends online coursework with in-person learning. ASU Prep Digital+ offers several flexible pathways across Arizona. Azat attends IDIA The Hive at Tempe EnVision Center two days a week.
He describes the school environment as “special and magical”—a refreshing change from the “noise” of public school. “I really enjoy being with my peers and actually look forward to the school day,” he says. “It’s a completely different feeling from my old school.”
At The Hive, students collaborate on hands-on projects, explore career pathways and connect over lunch and tabletop games. David says the experience is preparing Azat for the future with access to cutting-edge technology and project-based learning that prepares him for college and beyond.
Azat’s Learning Success Coach, Tracy Patrum, echoes those sentiments. “Azat is thriving! It is such an honor to see him shine,” she says. “He works incredibly hard to give his very best in all his courses. His dedication is reflected in his rigorous course schedule, as he is taking a combination of honors courses, plus ASU concurrent college courses, and he maintains top grades in all of them. In addition, he brings outstanding ideas and teamwork skills to our Digital+ program.”
It is always a joy to talk with Azat; he’s extremely respectful and kind, and he asks fantastic questions to expand his learning. It’s easy to see that he truly enjoys learning while challenging himself to give his best. I am so excited to see what the future holds for him!”
Driven by curiosity—and a love of how things work
Azat’s coursework reflects both his creativity and logical mindset. He especially enjoys Earth and Space Science, and Coding and Economics, which help him understand how the world works and how to plan for his future.
“I really like science because it’s how we study everything around us—how it all works and why,” he explains.
He’s also a budding engineer who enjoys building computers for friends and exploring anything mechanical—cars, planes and trains included. “I just like how things work,” he says.
Beyond academics, Azat is also a gifted pianist. At just seven years old, he wandered into a conservatory in Kazakhstan, hoping to play drums, and walked out with an invitation to study music after being told he had perfect pitch. It was another moment that seemed to guide him toward the path he was meant to follow.
Building global friendships and a bright future
Azat’s love of connection extends far beyond the classroom. He’s eager to join clubs like gaming, art or debate—and definitely chess, since he’s looking for stiffer competition than his dad.
As a speaker of Russian, Chinese, Spanish and more, Azat enjoys connecting with ASU Prep Digital students from around the world and hopes to meet others who share his passion for languages.
Selected as a Student Ambassador, Azat now helps welcome new students to the program, explaining that he helps them get acclimated and settled in. “When I see other people happy, I am myself happy,” he says.
That friendliness and curiosity, paired with his global outlook and academic drive, make Azat a shining example of what’s possible when students are empowered to learn their own way.
Looking ahead
With plans to pursue engineering and technology, Azat continues to build on his passions, both academic and personal.
As David reflects, “Maybe the universe was sending us a message—it was time to try something new. And we did. Now, he looks forward to school every day, enjoys his peers and has huge plans for his future. As a parent, there’s nothing more rewarding to hear.”
It’s clear that Azat is right where he’s meant to be, and his journey is only just beginning.
Discover your own path
At ASU Prep Digital, students are empowered to learn on their own terms through flexible, personalized pathways that connect them to real-world experiences and a global community of learners.
