Rhozhen Panahi, 18, biology major, is determined to bring out the potential in every student at De Anza and help students overcome any economic, social, emotional or other hurdles.

“I don’t want any student to have to feel like education is not an option. I want them to be able to continue and achieve all their goals and dreams regardless of their race, their gender, their heritage,” Panahi said.

Panahi said she has always loved politics and finding ways to make a difference. She is currently involved in the Iranian Student Association and MOA.

Panahi said her experiences, struggles and the people she associates herself with influence her awareness of the challenges people face within the community.

“I was raised here, and I am American, but [as a Persian with Iranian parents] I still experience racism and stigma,” Panahi said. “I understand what those feelings are like, and that’s what fuels me to want to make a change for people.”

Panahi believes in equality among everyone. She said, “If we can’t do that in the world, at least I want to try to make that happen here.”

Panahi said students are constantly struggling with fear, anxiety and stress whether it be the fear of being deported, the fear of something happening to their parents, the fear of losing their health insurance or the fear of not meeting expectations. Panahi said she strives to create a comfortable environment where even the shyest students can talk and feel welcomed and cared for.

Putting up posters that tell others they matter and letting students know they are loved and cared for are examples of small, yet impactful actions, she said. “I want to make sure that even that one student, who might not feel happy in this environment, is happy,” Panahi said.