Field of Interest

My aspirations are not childhood dreams but rather a direct result of an ongoing absorption of
knowledge about art and architecture. My first impressions of architecture were made through
my toys. I would make houses using LEGO’s and igloos using pillows and blankets. I remember
that I used everything including chairs and plates to make apartments for my dolls. I was
fascinated by architecture ever since my cousin began her studies in this field. I watched as she
drew plans and made scale models and sometimes I would help her. I was so in love with
architecture that I could not wait to go on to college. I talked with an educational advisor and
he thought I should go to art school in the meantime. At that time there were not many art
schools in Tehran. The principle of my high school tried hard to persuade me to continue my
studies in mathematics as math is very valued in Iran. However, my mother was very
supportive and helped me find one of the best art schools in Iran. Its name is Ekbatan. I
began to study there. It was one of the best experiences of my life. I was the center of
attention of my teachers and I was the top student in my class.

Educational Background

I chose a different city in which to continue my education. I went to the University of Fadak in
the city of Kashan. I went there primarily because of its historical buildings and beautiful
houses. The Fin garden and Fin baths were there. I used to go around the city and sketch
buildings. I discovered the ways that great Iranian architects designed buildings to keep cool in
the day and warm in the night without electricity. I met a lot of tourists there and although I
could not speak English very well I tried my best to give them information about historical
places in Iran. I would ask them about the architectural schools in their home countries. It was
the first time I felt that I really wanted to study abroad.

After two years I can back to Tehran to continue my education, specifically at Roudehen
University. I did a lot of team work there. I was very interested in studying structural
architecture. In 2012 my design of a train station was the best of the whole architecture
department. My teachers applauded my ability to make scale models.
Professional Activities

I have participated in several workshops, seminars and practical courses. These include
Autocad, Revit, 3D MAX, V ray, Archicad, and Sketchup.

During that time I made plans to improve my English skills to become ready to study abroad. I
went to the SAFIR Institute until I thought they were not able to teach me more. So I found a
great tutor and finished my English studies.

In addition to formal studies, I believe that music can make the brain more creative. Hence, I
studied a year of guitar while I was an undergraduate.

Work Experiences

The first company that I worked at full time was the MSC Group. I was a ceiling designer there
for about three years. We worked on designing and selling stretched ceilings. After a while I
became the supervisor there of designing and selling. We participated in several exhibitions
such as the International Exhibition of Building and Construction Industry and the International
Exhibition of MIDEX. Because of my proficiency at English I was responsible to interact with
foreign clients at these exhibitions.

After that I worked at Monenco Iran part time as I was studying hard for IELTS. We designed a
fiber optic system for Oman. It wasn’t that related to my undergraduate studies but it was a
great experience for me to work with a foreign country.

During this period of time my husband and I ran a small company we formed called the Aban
Group. This was a second job for us in interior design and construction. At first it wasn’t
profitable but eventually we did start turning a profit.
Reason for Further Study

Besides the fact that it is part of the Iranian culture to value higher education, a master’s
degree program is a bridge to doctoral studies and more. Above all, if one had the chance to
study in an appropriate institution that would meet all of the prerequisites for jobs in their field
of study that person would not be worried about his or her future plans. In addition, a
research-oriented program of studies helps you demonstrate and grow in your abilities, that is,
if you are under the guidance of a skilled and experienced advisor. With a master’s degree in
architecture I will be able to proceed to further studies and I will be able to work within a well-
built infrastructure.

No one person has influenced my decision. I have always received compliments on my work
and my way of doing things. Deciding to study abroad is the wisest decision of my life. It gives
me the opportunity to be challenged in a larger academic society. It is better for my future
progress. Also, it fits in with my high motivation to study.

My parents and husband are very supportive with respect to my studies. I consider this as a
great opportunity in the right place at the right time.

A master’s degree program will kill two birds with one stone as the saying goes. It is beneficial
to me on a personal level as well as a societal level. It gives me a chance to raise my level of
knowledge. It will allow me to publish some papers under the direction of my academic
mentors. I will be able to help other students at the same time. It will reinforce my abilities to
work under the guidance of skilled architects and engineers.

I think that as one achieves his or her personal goals they engender respect and admiration for
their ethics and knowledge.
Canada

Canada is well known for its cultural diversity. A lot of international students choose to study in
Canada. I have chosen to study in Canada from a multitude of possibilities.

I have researched many different universities with respect to lifestyle, expenses, rank,
convenience, safety, staff and tuition. Canada is an excellent education provider. That is has
better facilities has caught my attention. The Canadian government supports its universities
now more than ever. Canadas reputation in education has grown rapidly. It is heartwarming
that students can be confident in their studies and job opportunities all over the world after
they graduate.

My options as far as English speaking universities were not limited to Canada but included
Australia and a few European schools. I listed some pros and cons and evaluated the merits
and demerits of each country and its educational institutions. That I concluded Canada is the
appropriate place is not surprising given its high level of competency, environment and
university reputations. USA was not an option because of the unstable future there for Iranian
students. It is not even good for Iranian tourists because of its ongoing legislation regarding
Muslims.

Since the company my husband and I started is a construction and interior design company,
learning new construction methods, such as building structures, new materials and
technologies can help us develop new approaches to the projects we have under construction
as well as future projects.

Concordia

I want to study at Concordia University because Montreal is one of the most beautiful towns in
my opinion. Some of my friends visited Montreal and had high praise for it. I have seen lots of
pictures of it and have had virtual walks through it via Google Map. The second reason is that,
although it is in Montreal, the language used for instruction at Concordia University is English.
Finally, the price of studying there and living there is low compared to other universities. For
example, the cost to study in British Columbia is about 60,000 dollars whereas it is about
30,000 at Concordia.
Financial Support

I have been working as a designer for about 4 years as well as working part time for the
company my husband and I started. I have saved money for my education. Our company is
also great at supporting us.

Future Plans

Undoubtedly, by earning an internationally credited building and engineering degree I would

gain an overwhelming advantage among other people my age in Iran. In Iran new windows and
job opportunities would open and I could extend my options for employment. Frankly, I would
like to make international connections and run a business on a global level. Job opportunities
in Iran are strictly limited to those with the right academic qualifications.

Completing a master’s degree would allow me to pursue my studies on a doctoral level. All the
while I can prepare myself for building up my own company in the long term. Also, after my
education I would be more sophisticated in my knowledge and organization. It would give me
something to put on my resume to help overcome employment deterrents in Iran.

As I said before, my husband and I are small business owners. I think my studying in a high
ranking university will helps us find innovative ways to design and build. It should help us bring
our profits to a new level.

However, honestly, if a company offered me a highly desirable position I would think hard
about taking their offer.

After my studies I should have a engineering viewpoint with respect to problem solving. I
should be better at being a leader. I should be better at critical thinking. I will have more
practical expertise. From all of these things I should be able to make progress in jobs in this
industry, at but not limited to, my home country, Iran.