Interview with Shahla Rahimzadeh
Shahla Rahimzadeh received a B.A. in Communication studies from USC. She is studying part-time in the Educational Counseling program and is currently the Director of Admissions at the School of Cinematic Arts.
Why Educational Counseling?
I have always known that I belonged in the Counseling field; I just wasn’t sure which area would be the right fit for me, until I realized that what I really want to do is help people take the steps needed to fulfill their passions and interests. The EC program touches on counseling within education while allowing for multiple career opportunities within the field: at the High School, Community College and/or 4-year University levels.
How did you make the decision to go to school part time?
Working full-time, I knew it would be best for me to pursue the program part time, mostly because I did not want to overwhelm myself, and wanted to ensure that I would continue to excel in my position, but also do well in the program.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 10 years?
I’m honestly not sure where I will be. All I can hope for is that I am in a profession where I am helping others in achieving their goals. If 10 years from now I can say that I made a positive impact on someone else’s life, I know that I would have fulfilled my purpose.
Favorite class or professor so far.
EDHP 500: Foundations of Higher Education with Dr. Kristan Venegas
One thing you wish you did differently during your first semester?
Have a little more faith in my abilities to succeed—which was proven to me with how well I did last semester in my courses while managing my full-time job duties.
One thing you look forward to this semester?
Getting to know my EC Cohort better—everyone is so supportive and kind, I really look forward to learning more about them.
Advice for students interested in working full-time and going to school part-time.
Don’t be afraid and know that taking on school in addition to a full-time job will be a challenge, but completely doable. Coming into the program I was really nervous about balancing work, school and my social life, but I completely managed. Everything just seems to fall into place, and the students and faculty are so very supportive.
Also, try not to procrastinate. I fortunately have grown out of “procrastination” since my undergraduate days, and it has been SO refreshing to get things done early!
Angela Jilliene Pan is a first-year student in the ME – Educational Counseling program. She is a native Angeleno who received her BA in Psychology & Social Behavior with a minor in Educational Studies from UC Irvine. She enjoys painting, hiking, baking, and finding new places to eat. She especially loves going to Disneyland. Because Angela has been a transfer student and went to six institutions to complete her Bachelor’s degree, she is interested in freshman and transfer student success.
