Niaz appears to be on her way to a career that will be cathartic for her, but without the self-indulgence this might suggest. Like her mother, she looks forward to becoming a med-surg nurse. “I see myself helping other patients like the nurses who helped my father before he passed away. It’s not only a career, but a way for me to give back and do what I love best. The worst thing is that most of my memories are of him being sick, not before. Nursing school has not only given me an educational experience, but a way to cope with his death. It has allowed me to learn about my father’s sickness and has permitted me to help patients in similar situations. My experiences have made a difference in my life and can now help me make a difference in others’ lives.”
As far as job opportunities go, Niaz remains confident that even in these tough economic times, there will always be a demand for nurses. “It’s one of the few jobs not influenced by the economy, and that’s what keeps me motivated. I feel safe knowing that I’ll find a job when I graduate.” Besides, she adds, she is thinking of using the experience she gains as a nurse to achieve her long-term goal of starting her own orphanage. Although she denies the connection to her father’s work in Iran, she admits, not surprisingly, that it’s something she has always wanted to do.
A Day at School with Niaz Farzadfar Photo Gallery