ISSD Alumni Corner
The Iranian School of San Diego boasts a significant history, having been in operation since 1988, and has positively impacted numerous students and families over the years. The school takes pride in its extensive alumni network, consisting of successful individuals who have made notable contributions to both the Iranian American and global communities. Many alumni now have children enrolled at ISSD, establishing a strong multi-generational bond with the school. In an effort to showcase these accomplishments and underline the value of ISSD, Peyk is highlighting profiles detailing the lives and experiences of the school’s graduates. We are reaching out to select ISSD alumni with a series of questions to not only check on their well-being, but also to introduce them to current students and parents. These alumni could potentially serve as significant role models for the present and upcoming student body.
Sheyda Moezzi, PhD candidate
During which years did you attend ISSD, and for how long?
I went to ISSD during my elementary school years into middle school.
Can you share any fond memories or amusing anecdotes from your time at ISSD?
I will never forget the yearly Nowruz celebrations. From preparing drama skits to dance rehearsals, it was such a beautiful culmination of culture and tradition. The sweet memories of the gatherings will stay with me for a lifetime.
Are you still in contact with fellow students, teachers, or staff from ISSD?
Yes, I still hold close the friendships and bonds I made with students and staff who formed my years at ISSD. Even while living in Boston, far from San Diego, I have run into former ISSD students that reminded me once more what a small world we live in.
In what ways has your education at ISSD influenced your relationship with your extended family and cultural heritage?
ISSD gave me a love for language that took me back to Iran every summer. Like the rugs woven by our ancestors, language—to me—serves as a complex fabric that connects individuals, cultures, and traditions through time. ISSD gave me a love for exactly that. This past summer, more than ever, I noticed how deeply understanding and expressing myself in Farsi connects me to the beauty and richness of the country. Traveling through cities like Hamedan, Shiraz, and Isfahan felt like a journey into the heart of my cultural heritage. I realized that language was the key to truly unlocking these experiences. Speaking and understanding Farsi allowed me to see Iran not just as a visitor, but as someone deeply tied to its past and present.
In my own time, I’ve found joy in translating Persian poetry into English. For me, this practice is more than a linguistic exercise; it’s a bridge between my two identities. Through translation, I share the richness, beauty, and complexity of Persian poetry with an English-speaking audience while simultaneously reconnecting with the cultural nuances that shaped me. It’s my way of weaving these two parts of myself together, much like how the rugs knotted by our ancestors intertwine different threads into a cohesive and vibrant whole.
Going to ISSD played a pivotal role in bringing these identities together. It nurtured my appreciation for the art of language and translation, allowing me to manifest my cultural duality in meaningful ways. This past summer, as I traveled through Iran, it became clear how much language connects me not only to the physical beauty of the country, but also to its soul—its stories, its poetry, and its people. Every word, every verse I translate is my way of cherishing the past while building a future where both my identities coexist harmoniously.
What are your current endeavors in terms of career, family life, and volunteering?
This past spring I completed my undergraduate studies at MIT where I received my B.S. in Computer Science and Engineering. My journey in academia continues as I am currently a Ph.D. student at Northeastern University where my research focuses on computer vision. My experiences over the past few years have taken me around the globe, from Pasadena to Zürich. I worked at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory on the Mars Curiosity Rover mission, where my work focused on analyzing the robot arm and sampling data. I took my passion for robotics and computer vision across the ocean and spent a summer as a researcher at ETH Zürich. Through all these experiences, the connections I have made with individuals have been incredibly meaningful, and what continues to surprise and delight me is how often I meet Farsi-speaking people wherever I go. Speaking Farsi has given me an immediate sense of camaraderie with so many I’ve encountered. Thanks to ISSD, which fostered my love for the language, I’ve been able to connect with fellow Persians on a deeper level, sharing stories, culture, and a sense of belonging no matter where I am. These moments of connection remind me of the powerful role language plays in always creating a sense of home away from home.
What are your aspirations for the future of ISSD, and what advice would you offer to families with children at ISSD or considering enrollment in the future?
My aspiration for the future of ISSD is that it continues to instill in its students a passion for language and a deep love for understanding one another—something our world often lacks. Language is more than just a tool for communication; it is a bridge that connects us to one another, to our heritage, and to the diverse perspectives that make up the human experience. I hope ISSD fosters in its students not just the ability to speak and understand Farsi, but also the empathy and curiosity to explore and appreciate other cultures and viewpoints.
To families with children at ISSD or considering enrollment, my advice is to embrace this journey wholeheartedly. Encourage your children to see language as a gift—a medium through which they can build meaningful connections, preserve their cultural roots, and gain a richer understanding of the world around them. The lessons they learn here will not only shape their identity, but also help them contribute to a world that so desperately needs more bridges and fewer barriers.
Anything else you want to add?
I deeply appreciate Mr. Sadr and the incredible team of teachers and staff for their dedication to preserving and celebrating our culture. ISSD has been a place where our heritage continues to flourish, thousands and thousands of miles away from where it originated, and I am endlessly thankful for the lasting influence it has had on my life.
