Sohra Zahedi '11
Seeing the World through a Global Lens
Initially, Sohra Zahedi thought of Saint Joseph College as her sister’s school: “My older sister, Ruby, graduated from St. Joe’s in 2001 and I remember being on campus as a kid. When it came time to look at colleges for myself, I didn’t seriously think about going here.” All that changed when she embarked on an Admissions tour. “Everyone was so nice and welcoming,” Zahedi said. “It felt like a second home.” And in the years since, it has been.
A Developing Leader
Currently in her senior year, Zahedi reflects on how she has changed during her SJC experience: “I wasn’t highly involved in high school activities, and my first year here was pretty quiet. Then I joined the Education club and met Hayley Brown ’10 who is an incredible student leader.” Zahedi decided to run for president of the College’s Student Government Association — a position she was recently re-elected for and will hold until her 2011 graduation.
“I love what leadership has done for me and I’d recommend it to any other student. You meet new people and you build your self — your esteem, your personality, and your skills,” Zahedi said.
Life has Changed
The development of her leadership skills is not the only way Zahedi has changed. Last year she married her husband, Murtaza, and the couple welcomed their first child — a daughter — in July. Both families come from Afghanistan and the couple met through the family business.
Goals & Dreams
Pursuing her passion for History, Zahedi plans to be a Social Studies teacher. “My long term plan is to teach for a few years, earn a law degree, and then open a school in Afghanistan,” she said. Zahedi traveled to Afghanistan twice in recent years and was altered by the experience. “My eyes were really opened when I saw the level of poverty there,” she said. “I feel strongly that those children need opportunities, they need a future. We were so lucky with our life in America and that’s why my parents came here — to give us this opportunity.”
Using her Voice
For now, she and her husband are acclimating to parenthood while she completes her final year at SJC. “I love that Saint Joseph College is so supportive. It’s given me such opportunity for personal growth,” Zahedi said. “It’s not that I found my voice here — I always had my voice — but I learned how to use it. I feel very committed to my plans and my ability to get things done.”
