Each one of our students and alumni follow a different path that leads them to success. For FNU Graduate and basketball player Aldor Kola, that path has taken him around the world. Aldor is originally from Albania, but migrated to the US at age 12. His dreams of playing basketball professionally and getting a quality education led him to FNU, where he studied for 2 years and finished with a degree in Health Services Administration. Not only did he balance the time-consuming life of a student-athlete, but he excelled in the classroom, graduating with Summa Cum Laude honors. When asked about his experiences at FNU, Aldor was all smiles: “My experience at FNU was amazing. Every professor was so educated and prepared to help. I had a blast. Sometimes people can’t wait to finish school, but I actually can’t wait to go back.”
After graduating from FNU, Aldor’s pursuit of a professional basketball career led him to China, where he played half a season. He averaged 15.3 points, 5.6 rebounds and 2.3 assists for the season. Then it was back to his native Albania to represent the country’s national team in the EuroBasketball Tournament. Currently, Aldor is playing professionally in Ontario, Canada. Simply put, Mr. Kola has racked up quite a few frequent flyer miles.
But after traveling the world to chase his dream, Aldor’s future plans bring him right back to FNU: “The dream is to continue playing professionally and eventually become a basketball coach in the USA. I want to help international kids come to the country, study and play basketball just like I did. That’s what I strive for. Ideally, I can come back to FNU and coach to continue to inspire at the place where I felt so inspired.”
