Student discovers acceptance and community.

*Rob, the first son of ten siblings, grew up in an Iranian farming village that always seemed too small. “I would spend most of my time in the new library that opened, reading as many fantasy and folklore books as I could. Each book was a new world to explore.”

Rob’s desire to explore also extended to academics, where he excelled, but not without challenges. After he completed elementary school, his father's expectation was that Rob would come to work on the farm and help train his younger brothers. However, Rob wanted to complete high school, which required him to travel into the nearest city. Despite his father’s disapproval, Rob attended high school in the city at age 14, where he experienced his first battle with culture shock.

“I grew up speaking Turkish; in the city they spoke Persian. Life in the city was so different, and I was really shy.” So shy, in fact, that when one of his teachers asked him to retrieve a dry-erase marker from another classroom, Rob felt so much pressure that he ran into the classroom, snatched the marker, and ran back.

His shyness and insecurities, however, did not stifle Rob’s desire to explore and achieve his academic potential. When he encountered the opportunity to attend the Sharif University of Technology, the most prestigious university in his country, the 200 question entrance exam didn’t phase him. “Why wouldn't I be able to make it in?” he thought. So he locked himself in his bedroom for 450 days, studying for 12 hours each day. When he emerged from his fortress of solitude, he faced the exam, and passed. In fact, his score ranked 9th out of 1 million applicants. He received a full scholarship to Sharif University and later earned the opportunity to study abroad at the Ohio State University in the United States. Still, the exciting opportunity came with challenges.

“My first day in this country was very discouraging,” Rob says sadly. “I felt like I was being targeted by airport officials, who also made it clear that I could not return home to see my family because of nationwide travel restrictions. I also could not open a bank account with a certain institution, because they could not open accounts for Iranians. I was starting to believe what people back home were saying about Americans.”

Sitting outside of that bank, feeling dejected and rejected, Rob looked up and saw a few college students playing frisbee. One of them seemed to notice him and invited him to play. Eventually that same group became his only friends for his first semester in the United States. But as he began to feel more comfortable in his new environment, tragedy struck his family.

“My father died. I received a call afterward. My family said that they didn’t tell me he was dying because they knew I would try to come home and I couldn’t.”

During his second semester, Rob battled depression, insecurity, and isolation, causing his studies to suffer. He realized he was at risk of losing his scholarship before he contacted his academic advisor to share what he was going through. Working with his advisor, he was able to pass his classes. He also made a choice.

“I can’t live like this,” he told himself. “Life is too short.”

So Rob began to explore again. He spent time with many student organizations, read self help books, and studied different faiths. He was searching for friendship, meaning, and peace. Christianity seemed the most accessible faith to study, and he developed a desire to experience the lifestyle of a Christian. However, Rob often found that his curiosity and questions were not always welcome. Eventually, his search led him to an IFI Bible discussion group. Rob immediately noticed that IFI volunteers and staff were just as concerned about welcoming him as they were about teaching about Jesus.

“IFI was one of the most diverse groups, making it easier for me to feel like I belong. They celebrate different cultures and know how to respect other people, and that makes me feel comfortable.”

As he grew more comfortable, Rob began to learn more about Jesus and how God relates to him, “I didn’t feel worth anything, always trying to achieve and succeed. But I read Matthew 6:33 and thought ‘Maybe I’m pursuing the wrong things.’ I want the peace that passes all understanding. Jesus taught me I don’t have to do anything to be good enough for God.”

“Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.” Matthew 6:33 (NLT)

Though Rob doesn’t consider himself a Christian, he desires to become more Christ-like and live out Biblical principles. He continues to attend and engage with IFI events and Bible discussion groups, making new friends and learning more each day. The prayer is that as he continues to pursue Christ, he will find the peace that he is looking for, and then begin to explore everything that God has planned for his life.

*Name is changed for the privacy and safety of the student