Harker Magazine Spring/Summer 2023

For middle school Pre-Algebra A, Pre-Algebra A Support and Algebra Honors teacher Kathy Pazirandeh, travel is an important part of life. Her own journey started in Tehran, Iran, but she also lived in London, Iowa and Berlin growing up. She immigrated to Ottawa, Ontario, with her husband and son in 1995, and after five years there, made her way to California, where they settled. She is now the mother of two sons, both out of college. All that moving hasn’t squashed the travel bug, though. When asked what she’d do with $100 million in the bank, Pazirandeh said she’d travel, and she’s happiest when on a trip with her husband. That said, her favorite place to escape to is home, where she enjoys cooking Persian food, hosting friends and reading.

When did you first really feel like an adult?

I felt like an adult very early on, maybe around 12, because my mom was the first child of her family, and I was the first grandchild. I was a very reliable person, so a lot of responsibility was put on my shoulders like babysitting the younger cousins, doing house chores and cooking.

What do you love most about your life?

All the experience I have and the life lessons I have learned.

What is something you would love to do so much that you would be OK with failing at it?

Learning another language.

What is your most treasured object and why?

My mother gave me a ring that belonged to my great grandmother.

What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever gotten?

Don’t compare your life with others.

What one piece of advice you would offer anyone who asks?

Always be honest and trustworthy.

What gives you a reason to smile?

A good night’s sleep!

Why do you do what you do?

Because I care.