For international student Sebastjan Cenaj, enrolling at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff (UAPB) seemed destined – the type of “full circle” moment that informs bestselling novels and award-winning movies. It all began in 2018 in Albania, where Sebastjan was born and raised, a country in southeast Europe in the Balkan Peninsula. Sebastjan took a music class taught by a visiting professor, Dr. Gjergii Gaqi, UAPB’s professor of applied piano and class piano.
“I have different music friends in Europe… and I do Masterclasses in Europe,” Dr. Gagi said. “And I actually taught Sebastjan.”
Student and professor lost touch – until last year. And in early 2024, Sebastjan was accepted as a student at the UAPB.
“This has been my dream to study in the U.S., and that dream came true,” Sebastjan said. “But I felt a lot of different emotions before coming to the USA because this is a totally new experience for me with new people, with a different culture, with a different system, with different schedules, and a lot of changes. I am thankful to Dr. Gaqi for everything he has done to help give me the opportunity to be at UAPB and be successful here.”
During his first spring break at UAPB, Sebastjan toured with the world-renowned Vesper Choir playing the piano.
Sebastjan at piano as accompanist for Vesper Choir
“Playing for the Vesper Choir is my first experience working with a choir, which has been an extraordinary and exciting experience. I am excited to have so many opportunities to perform with different ensembles, particularly Vesper Choir and the Jazz Band, and want to thank our ensemble directors and music faculty for supporting me.”
“He will be a good representative of the university in the community and nationally,” Professor Gaqi observed.
The decision to move across continents requires considerable courage. Sebastjan has now completed his first semester at UAPB. While he’s still adjusting to life without his family close and English as a second language, he’s managing the extraordinary barriers by focusing on the advantages.
“Music is my biggest passion,” Sebastjan emphasized, “and UAPB has made it easy for me to be very versatile in my musical activities which makes me happy.”
For information about UAPB’s Office of International Programs and Studies, contact Dr. Pamela Moore, associate dean for Global Engagement, at 870.575.8545 or [email protected].
