First Conversation with Mehran

Upon first meeting Mehran, it was apparent that he was just as nervous about our conversation as I was. In fact, he immediately apologized for being sick since his voice would be quieter and harder to understand than usual. However, I told him that there was no need to apologize. After all, I am not nearly as brave as Mehran who recently moved from Iran to come study at TCU.

Despite both of our concerns, the conversation was very relaxed and not awkward in the slightest. In fact, while talking to Mehran, it felt as though I was his longtime friend instead of a complete stranger. After all, he told me many stories and really opened up about his life here and at home in Iran. One of my favorite stories that he told me was about how he recently made chicken kabobs for his two roommates because his roommates doubted his cooking capabilities. When he served the kabobs, however, his roommates eagerly ate them all. The enthusiasm and excitement that Mehran told this story with was contagious, and I could not help but to laugh along with him.

The conversation became more serious, however, when I asked him if he would be able to go home for breaks. Mehran simply said that he could not, and when I asked why, he said that if he went back he would have to join the military. In this moment I realized how vastly different his life is from my own. Suddenly my fears about coming to TCU seemed trivial; after all, there are hardly any real differences between Colorado and Texas. Mehran, on the other hand, left everything in Iran, and had to learn a new culture, language, and way of life. Even his future in the United States is uncertain. When I asked him if he wanted to stay in the United States after graduation, he said that it depended if he would be able to work here.

            Needless to say, I have a lot of respect for Mehran. I doubt if I would be able to come to a completely foreign culture, and adapt to it as well as he has. Even from our brief conversation, Mehran’s drive became readily apparent, and I have no doubt that he will overcome any obstacles that cross his path.