Today we’d like to introduce you to Farhang Forghanparast.
Hi Farhang, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
“Choose a job you love and you’ll never have to work a day in your life”. This quotation by Confucius has echoed through time and has been said and heard by many. Well, it may be cliche, but it perfectly sums up my story. My name is Farhang, and I am a Civil Engineering Teacher.
Teaching runs in my family. My father was a microbiology professor, my mother taught mathematics, and my brother has been an English teacher for years. Growing up, I witnessed the struggles and blessings that came with the profession. It wasn’t until high school that I realized I had a knack for teaching. After working with my classmates and receiving positive feedback, I felt a sense of usefulness that sparked my passion.
However, I did not know that teaching was my true calling until I watched “Dead Poet Society”, a masterpiece written by Tom Schulman and directed by Peter Weir. John Keating’s character, played by Robin Williams, and his interactions with his students left a profound impact on me. At that time, I was following my other major interest in life which is problem-solving and I was already on my way to becoming a civil engineer, so I made up my mind: my goal was to become a civil engineering teacher.
I knew that I had to be extremely committed to my goal, my studies, and my plans if I wanted to have a chance of making my dream happen. After graduating with my undergraduate degree in civil engineering, I started graduate school. Three years later, I received my Master’s degree in civil engineering-hydraulic structures. My wife and I then immigrated to the US to pursue our studies further. We attended Texas Tech University in Lubbock, Texas, where I received my Ph.D. in water resources management.
My experience as a student in different programs and different educational environments made me even more enthusiastic about taking the role of a teacher. Although I had some amazing teachers who impacted my life in profound ways, there were also several obstacles and difficulties.
During my years as a student, particularly my nearly decade-long experience of graduate school, I faced challenges such as imposter syndrome, anxiety, loss of a loved one, and depression, on top of the struggles of being an international student. Ultimately, all these difficulties fueled my goal as I believe that those who have been to the darkest places, can better guide others to light. As time passed, I got more and more motivated to try and become the person who can make life easier, less stressful, and more meaningful for my students.
I was lucky enough to join Clemson University’s Glenn Department of Civil Engineering as a lecturer in August 2022. Here I am working alongside wonderful, smart, and committed people who deeply care about the experience of the students, and not just their academic success. Our department is among the pioneers of revolutionizing civil engineering education to become more student-centered, inclusive, and modern in the nation.
In the past nine months, I have had the chance to work with more than two hundred amazing Clemson students and play my role in their journeys. I’ve been awarded the Glenn Department of Civil Engineering’s 2022-2023 Outstanding Teacher Award based on students’ votes to make my first year at Clemson even more fantastic. I couldn’t be more grateful for having the opportunity to work and interact daily with such an amazing group of students, faculty, and staff.
To this day, I still believe that teachers have an extraordinary chance to impact the lives of their students in so many ways, beyond the course they teach. Influencing the way the students see, understand, and interact with the world is one of the unique aspects of teaching.
Now that I get to live in beautiful South Carolina with my wife and our dog, when I look back, despite the long and challenging path that I took, I count myself among the lucky few who get to wake up every morning and do what they love. So, according to Confucius, I’ll never have to work a day in my life! Let my story motivate those who are on their way to their goals, passions, and dreams, those who may be in a dark place, and those who may be doubting themselves.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My experience as a student in different programs and different educational environments made me even more enthusiastic about taking the role of a teacher. While I had a few amazing teachers in my years who impacted my life in profound ways, there were several challenges and difficulties as well.
During my years as a student, particularly my nearly decade-long experience of graduate school, I struggled quite a bit and had deeply personal experiences with issues such as imposter syndrome, anxiety, loss of a loved one, and depression on top of the usual struggles of an international student.
Ultimately, all these difficulties fueled me towards my goal as I believe that those who have been to the darkest places, can better guide others to light. As time passed, I got more and more motivated to try and become the person who can make life easier, less stressful, and more meaningful for my students.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I was lucky enough to join Clemson University’s Glenn Department of Civil Engineering as a lecturer of water resources engineering in August 2022. Here I am working alongside wonderful, smart, and committed people who deeply care about the experience of the students, and not just their academic success. Our department is among the pioneers of revolutionizing civil engineering education to become more student-centered, inclusive, and modern in the nation. I am proud to be a part of this department and stand by its core values such as honesty, integrity, transparency, student-focused education, and creating an inclusive community.
In the past nine months, I have had the chance to work with more than two hundred amazing Clemson students and play my role in their journeys. I’ve been awarded the Glenn Department of Civil Engineering’s 2022-2023 Outstanding Teacher Award based on students’ votes to make my first year at Clemson even more fantastic. I couldn’t be more grateful for having the opportunity to work and interact daily with such an amazing group of students, faculty, and staff.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I am always looking for opportunities to have guest lecturers in my classes who can talk to the students and broaden their perspectives on engineering and life.
I would also appreciate any job or intern position opportunities for civil engineering students that may give them an appropriate start to their careers.
Contact Info:
