Today marks the first day of Mehr, and a dear friend sent me a heartfelt message congratulating me, which filled me with joy. I decided to reflect on my first month of university and share a fond memory from my school days.
It was the first day of Mehr in 1350 when I began my classes at the National University, pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Geography. Coming from another city, everything felt exciting and surreal. I was in a new environment, making new connections and friends, and even discovering a football field for the first time. Having come from Abadan, known for its football culture, seeing the grass field at the National University in Evin was a significant moment for me.
Now, on the first of Mehr 1403, over fifty years have passed since that day—more than half a century. Throughout these years, I have experienced many highs and lows. There was a time when hope for the future was all-consuming, when all schools were government-run and the notion of non-profit institutions and high expenses was unheard of. Back in the 1930s and 1940s, we paid just 6 to 10 Rials annually for a certificate stamp, and that was all. Our classrooms offered a wide range of subjects, each given its due importance, and we gained immense knowledge, particularly in scientific, social, historical, and geographical areas. The value and respect we held for our teachers were profound, and we all dreamed of becoming educators one day.
What time have we spent from fifty years ago until today? What hopes did we hold? How hard did we strive? How many days and nights were dedicated to reading and studying? I also enjoyed soccer, mountain climbing, and forming lasting friendships—some of which still endure!
Half a century has passed since the month of Mehr and the start of our university journey. Although all our former teachers and professors are no longer with us, their memories and lessons continue to resonate within us. Many of those educators faced hardships and challenges, and some did not reach the end of their paths.
Eventually, I began teaching young people at the university and became a teacher myself. I always aimed to learn as much as I could. I take pride in the fact that some of my students surpassed me in their abilities, and they remain dear to me.
1st of Mehr never came for the students of my city, in 1359 (1980), when the war broke out, and sadly, many teachers and students from my city did not witness that academic year.
Those old 1st-of-Mehrs were filled with excitement for going back to school, and being back to an environment filled with love and friendships. I hope that this month of Mehr, along with all the months of the year, is filled with peace, friendship, science, and knowledge. Another valuable wish is that we continue to seek truth and knowledge in our schools.
Dariush Mehrshahi (First of Mehr, 1403)
