Ammar Al Harthy
Both Ammar Al Harthy, a senior studying financial analysis, and Megi Gazi, a senior majoring in accounting, started their time at VITA as tax preparers with the hopes of gaining real-world experience to use in their respective future careers.
As international students — Al Harthy coming from Oman and Gazi from Albania — they hoped to broaden their horizons in America; but as they both joined VITA, they realized they could help people too.
“The VITA program, no joke, has been the best experience I’ve had since I came to the states,” said Al Harthy. “I’ve learned many skills in my time here. How to talk to clients, how to prepare returns or how to handle client situations that come out of the blue. It’s been a great experience to learn these skills while also making an impact in the community.”
The tax process in America can be difficult and often requires facing a learning curve. As international students, there’s added pressure from simply not being familiar with the ins and outs of the tax system.
When being promoted to lead supervisor, Gazi had a difficult first day.
Megi Gazi
“When I first got promoted to lead supervisor I was so nervous because I didn’t want to mess anything up,” said Gazi. “But I came in and let my operations supervisor know how I was feeling, and she shadowed me the entire day making sure I could ask questions as I went through the process. The difference in how I felt in the beginning and how I felt at the end of the day was tremendous. I felt like a different person.”
As Al Harthy and Gazi grew more into their roles in VITA, they started to understand the importance this program holds in the community.
“The best part about the job is working with the community,” said Gazi. “Clients are so thankful to us because we’re able to help them get a refund. Seeing their appreciation makes our day.”
Al Harthy is pursing a career in financial analysis and Gazi in accounting. With the skills they learned while in VITA, they both hope to find permanent careers in the Unites States