This is part of a “Meet Our Incoming Students” series in which the College of Education will introduce some of its first-year, transfer and graduate students who will join us this fall.
Maryam Mohaghegh started her career as an English as a second language (ESL) teacher before becoming a scientist and working with the World Health Organization (WHO) National Polio Laboratory. After that, she moved into the field of translation and interpretation, working at a nonprofit while also teaching Persian at NC State.
Her new goal is to earn her doctoral degree in the NC State College of Education, where she hopes to explore how an individual’s first language can impact growth opportunities for ESL professionals in the United States.
Meet Maryam:
Hometown: Cary, North Carolina
Hobbies and Interests: I am interested in and curious about a lot of things. Most of all, I enjoy socializing with friends and family, and engaging in interesting conversations. I also love travel and exploration in the area I live. I call it “touristing” at home; finding new places, art shows, performances, restaurants or even just promenading in a street. I also like to improve at cooking and crafting, meaning that I’ll make something with whatever I’ve got.
What is your educational background?
Bachelor of Science in cellular and molecular biology, Tehran University; Master of Science in human virology, Tehran University of Medical Sciences
What is your professional background?
I started as an English as a second language (ESL) teacher, became a scientist after finishing my master’s in human virology and then worked in the World Health Organization (WHO) National Polio Laboratory while keeping the teaching job part time. I transitioned into translation and interpretation (English/Persian) when my first son was born. I then continued on that path and became a project coordinator, project manager and executive manager for a nonprofit. I started at NC State as a Persian lecturer and became a professional life coach in 2019.
Why did you choose the NC State College of Education?
NC State University is my home turf; I have taught here for 13 years to date. The amazing campus community will allow for deep dives into the field, discussions with peer students and support from a wealth of academic and professional entities available on campus. Additionally, there will be potential for cross-campus collaborative projects and experimentation opportunities. The beautiful green campus will nurture my soul and tend to my spirit, creating an environment conducive to personal and professional growth.
Why did you choose your concentration?
As a lifelong learner, I have always reflected on my journey, exploring the mechanics of it. Being an educator has allowed me to witness my students’ journeys, both undergraduates and Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) students. Wearing the coaching hat creates more compelling questions and inquiries about the directions and the thought processes behind the actions.
Our past experiences define what we anticipate in the future. I am curious about the role language plays in this mix as a system for labeling and categorizing our thoughts. Specifically, I am interested in how our future is impacted by our first language and culture in the US.
What are your research interests?
I am interested in the intersection of language and culture on the learning and growth journey of adult individuals. I am curious to explore how Wittgenstein’s quote, “The limits of my language mean the limits of my world,” is reflected in the experiences of ESL professionals. Specifically, I aim to understand how an individual’s first language can impact the discovery, recognition and engagement with growth opportunities for ESL professionals in the US.
How will this program help you accomplish your goals?
This program grants me access to world-class scholars in the field of adult education and leadership, allowing me to use my unique perspective to conduct research, share insights and contribute to the field, while simultaneously creating opportunities to empower others.
Why did you choose education?
I am an educator and learner at heart. I am comfortable asking silly questions, making mistakes, processing past events, analyzing them and finding patterns to learn from. I enjoy pushing ideas beyond what is comfortable to explore new possibilities. Sometimes, this might seem nonsensical to others, and they might be right, but I am trying to push beyond my comfort zone.
After becoming a professional coach, I discovered that the process of learning and growth fascinates me. That is why I am here — I am passionate about learning, sharing and discussing it to gain more knowledge. I call this education, and it is the most fascinating topic for me.
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