Abdullo Ashurov Wins First Place in International Festival Essay Contest
.jpg)
As part of CCP’s 40th Annual International Festival, a contest encouraged to submit essays that embodied the theme of Building Bridges Across the Globe and spoke directly to their own personal experiences as international students.
Abdullo’s essay, "Bridges' and 'Walls' in Tajikfilm," examined the debate about the impact of Hollywood movies on the moral of Tajik society. Abdullo is an Accounting student at CCP, working toward a degree and career change so he can better support his family. Before immigrating to the United States, Abdullo worked as a journalist in Tajikistan, which is part of the reason he was interested in participating in the essay contest. “Winning this contest brought back a part of myself that I thought I had left behind,” Abdullo said. “It reminded me of my passion for writing and gave me hope and motivation for the future.”
Abdullo’s essay discusses the cultural debate in Tajikistan about the influence that Hollywood films have on Tajik films. It explores the tension between preserving national values and embracing global ideas. The piece also examines how censorship in film can build “walls” and alienate certain ideas and practices, while global storytelling can build bridges between cultures.
Abdullo is so glad that his professor, Mary Scholl, encouraged him to submit his essay for the contest. “Her belief in me gave me the confidence to participate,” he said. When Abdullo learned he was the contest winner, he was filled with emotion. “As an immigrant starting over in a new country, this achievement reminded me that I still have something valuable to offer,” he said. “It helped restore my self-belief and gave me renewed confidence and motivation.”
CCP’s Annual International Festival is meant to bring the College community together to celebrate different cultures and learn from one another. The essay contest is just one part of a multiday event that aims to educate and inspire. “[The festival] showed me how powerful writing and storytelling can be in building understanding between people,” Abdullo said. “I was proud to be part of an event that brings people together through culture and ideas.”
The winner was announced at the International Festival Luncheon, "Cuisine from Around the World," on April 2, 2025. Congratulations to Abdullo on this wonderful accomplishment!
Categories: Student Spotlight
More News
Two CCP Students Awarded Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship
This month, Community College of Philadelphia announced that two students were awarded the Jack Kent Cooke Undergraduate Transfer Scholarship, a prestigious award that provides last dollar funding to community college students pursuing bachelor’s degrees at four-year colleges or universities. In recent memory, this is the first time that CCP has had two students chosen for this opportunity in a single year. Kamal Rhodes and Olivia Schade were recently surprised with the news, congratulated by their faculty, staff, friends and of course, Roary.
Munira Tucker – Class of 2025
I am deeply honored to be earning my Associate in Health Care Studies from Community College of Philadelphia. This achievement is not just a reflection of academic growth—it’s a symbol of resilience, purpose and transformation. As both a student and a proud staff member, my journey at CCP has been one of profound self-discovery and unwavering dedication to service.
Thriving in a New Environment – Fatoumata Sacko
Graduating with Highest Honor and earning a degree in Mathematics this May, Fatoumata Sacko is the Class of 2025 student speaker. Community College of Philadelphia gave her the opportunity to start over and accomplish her goals, and work to help others reach their potential.