Parastu Ahang Mehdawi volunteers with the Tavakoli Archive and the Women Poets Iranica project at the Elahé Omidyar Mir-Djalali Institute of Iranian Studies. Parastu has been a prose poetry writer from a very young age. She published her first book, a memoir, A Quest for Identity from Afghanistan to the World, in June 2022. Currently she is pursuing her education at the University of Toronto Faculty of Arts and Science in English literature and creative writing. In May 2023, she joined the Institute’s projects at the Department of Near & Middle Eastern Civilizations at the University of Toronto. She proudly works under Dr. Mohamad Tavakoli’s recommendation and has helped with the Archive, Women Poets Iranica, and Cinema Iranica projects.
“My journey at the Elahe Omidyar Mir-Djalali Institute of Iranian Studies has been a profound experience. Starting as a volunteer and gradually transitioning into a study role, I was privileged to delve into the captivating world of women poets, with a special focus on Afghan voices. I am deeply grateful for this opportunity.
Being a part of this project has been nothing short of phenomenal. Collaborating with a dedicated team of professionals under the leadership of seasoned experts has enriched my experience beyond measure. The guidance and support provided throughout the project were exemplary. The team leader was readily available through Zoom sessions or in-person meetings whenever I encountered challenges or needed direction. Communication within the team surpassed my expectations. Whenever I faced difficulties meeting deadlines or encountered obstacles in my research, the project manager extended patience and collaboration, ensuring that I stayed on track and learned valuable lessons.
This project introduced me to many poets and their works and taught me invaluable skills in time management, research techniques, and template creation. The lessons I learned from this experience will undoubtedly benefit my academic and professional endeavours.
I am immensely proud to have been a part of such a fantastic group and eagerly look forward to the opportunity to contribute to more projects in the future. The prospect of future collaborations fascinates me.”