Bosnian student comes to La Verne
Campus Times
February 14, 1997
photo by: Jamie Bigornia
Freshman Alen Zilic, who goes by the nickname "Zila," came
from the community of Mostar, in the southern region of Bosnia-Herzegovina.
He was encouraged to apply to the University of La Verne by Scot McElvany,
a graduate of ULV. Zilic wishes to pursue his interest in the arts, especially
photography.
After a trip halfway around the world, Alen Zilic, a foreign exchange
student from Bosnia-Herzegovina, has settled down in the United States at
the University of La Verne.
Zilic, nicknamed "Zila" by his friends, is a 19-year-old freshman
from Mostar, Bosnia, beginning his first semester at La Verne studying photography.
When asked the differences between the United States (mainly La Verne) and
Bosnia, he responded, "The cars are much bigger, more people seem to
have a lot more money. There are more breaks in the course of the day, and
there is just more freedom."
Gary Colby, associate professor of photography and Zilic's academic
adviser and instructor, believes that Zilic shows great promise and sees
him as being a great benefit for the University.
"He shows excellent sophistication in photography and is very serious
about his goals," said Colby. "Because of his schedule, he could
not take a photography claass this semester, but he still shows up to the
photo lab at times just for the experience."
Deciding to attend La Verne was a huge decision for Zilic. It meant
leaving his friends and family in Bosnia, and coming to the U.S. where many
diverse cultures reside.
"Coming here to La Verne was a chance I decided to take. It meant
leaving my family and friends, whom I miss. My childhood was casual just
like any American childhood. I went to school and played with my friends
during my free time. I've always liked making airplanes as well as take
pictures. I like all kinds of music as well, but if I had to choose, it
would be rock n roll. Although I wouldn't mind listening to Mozart,"
said Zilic.
Scot McElvany, a 1995 ULV graduate, and his parents, Ken and Sue, were
crucial factors in Zilic's coming to La Verne. McElvany joined the Brethren
Volunteer Service (BVS) two years ago. McElvany travelled to Bosnia-Herzegovina,
which marked the initial meeting of the two. Zilic and McElvany hit it off
well and the result was McElvany agreeing to go back to Bosnia in order
for Zilic to attend La Verne.
"Scot was very enthusiastic and thought that Zila's presence would
be a benefit to the University," said Colby.
"Scot persuaded me to come here, so I jumped at the opportunity.
It seems smooth and easy at La Verne. It's a place where you can relax.
I also enjoy ULV because it is easy to meet people. I really respect people
who come from poor families and still overcome their obstacles. Coming to
the United States was one of my major goals. Now, my ultimate goal at this
point is to live the American dream. It doesn't matter to me being rich,
but I would like to be able to support myself in the future," said
Zilic.