Student Spotlight: Parmis Pirmohammadi, Iran

Please introduce yourself to our readers.

Hello, I'm Parmis, from Iran. My small, green hometown of Kuhdasht is in one of Iran's most ancient regions and surrounded by breathtaking nature. Its name comes from two words, kuh (mountain) and dasht (plain), and that name perfectly sums up its beauty.

What first drew you to studying computer technologies in design?

For me, design is a childhood dream, something I've always carried in my heart and know I have the talent for. I usually have many different ideas, but I prefer not to use them until I'm in the right situation, because I know every idea has its own time.

Why did you choose to pursue your education abroad, and what made ITMO stand out to you?

Studying abroad was a path I had stepped into suddenly and without prior preparation. But I want to build my future and keep going, because I know this is the right direction. The road ahead is long, and I want to walk my path and enjoy the journey alongside the effort.

I came across ITMO through a Google search and the university's official website, and liked what I saw; it drew me in. What I find interesting is that in interviews, I often see the question "How did you find out about us?" and 99% of the time, the answer is a Google search. It makes me think that despite all the technological advances and many options available, classic methods are still more popular and trusted.

What has been the biggest adjustment for you since arriving in St. Petersburg?

I could have given the cliché answer – the freezing weather of St. Petersburg! But I think the biggest challenge for most immigrants is the process of becoming independent. Being away from family and friends, and establishing your identity and character in a new country with a different culture, language, and set of rules.

When you're an immigrant, to prove yourself, you have to earn people's trust and establish your credibility. For me, trust is like a piece of paper: once it's crumpled, it never becomes perfectly smooth again, and the crease always remains. That's why you have to be very careful in how you act.

What has surprised you the most about life in St. Petersburg?

I had seen St. Petersburg before coming here, in old photos and magazines, and I loved it from that moment. But when I arrived and saw the city and its architecture up close, I realized this feeling was deeper than just liking it; it was a kind of deep admiration. Details have always mattered to me, and I can honestly say this city still has so many small and large details left to discover.

As a design student, have you discovered any favorite places in the city that inspire you creatively?

I've seen so many unique and fascinating historical and recreational places here: from the magnificent Hermitage and the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, to the drawbridges and the embankments of the Neva.

But there are still so many unseen and undiscovered corners in this city that I want to explore and enjoy. St. Petersburg is like a thick, old book; every time you turn a page, you find a new story. What I truly long to find is a meadow-like spot with a single large tree standing alone, facing a calm view, maybe a river or an endless sky. Perhaps somewhere like Yelagin Island or a quiet corner in the northern parks. Until I find it, I'll keep exploring.

When you're not studying or working, how do you usually spend your free time?

I don't plan my life in advance; I just do whatever I feel like in the moment. But one thing that's constant in everything I do is music. Depending on what I'm doing, the type of music I listen to changes. When I'm painting, exercising, cooking, or fixing something, I listen to songs with lyrics. But when I'm reading a story, playing games, or talking with friends and family, I prefer instrumental music. And sometimes, especially late at night when I can't sleep and feel restless, I grab scissors and change something, especially my clothes. In the end, I tell myself: it doesn't matter if it turns out bad; I can throw it away. What matters is that it's worth trying once.

How has learning Russian been like for you?

Like any other language, it has its own specific challenges. When you don't understand anything around you, you become like someone with weak eyesight and no glasses – in response to every movement and question, you can only give a silly smile just to get through that moment. Since I'm someone with weak eyes who sees everything blurry, starry, and fantastical without glasses, I can fully confirm that language is exactly the glasses you need to open your eyes and ears. When you use it and start understanding your surroundings, you face a completely different world. You can get to know people, connect with them, and your life shifts from “loading” to “updating” and “connecting.” But honestly, sometimes I get sad that I can't make my friends laugh or that they'll never truly know how much of a goofball I can be. That's one of the things still unbelievable for me.

What motivates you to keep pushing forward, especially during challenging moments?

What keeps me going are the looks – from the past and from the future. The former are my family's, who who packed my suitcase for the next day’s flight and placed it in my hands. All along the way, they stay awake with me from afar, always checking on me, asking if I arrived safely and how I'm doing. And the looks from the future are my family's as well, who’ll have set the table and are waiting patiently for me to arrive so we can eat together. These two kinds of looks are so precious to me that no difficulty can ever stop me.

Finally, what advice would you give to students from Iran who are considering studying at ITMO?

I can't really call it advice, because I might be wrong; after all, I'm still gaining experience. But I can share what I've learned from my own journey, and if anyone needs help, I'll gladly support them with all my heart.

For those considering studying at ITMO, I want to say this: ITMO isn't just an ordinary university or just another tech university; ITMO is part of the future. Honestly, I really wish my best friend would come and study at ITMO, too, because she loves technology, and since I want the best for her, I can't think of anywhere else to recommend.