TUCSON, Ariz. — Going to college with your parent is concerned a pretty interesting circumstance. Well, one mother-daughter duo at the University of Arizona did go to college together, and are graduating this week.
Ghazal Moghaddami, graduating with a degree in biomedical engineering, and Neda Ahmadi, graduating with a degree in mechanical engineering, both transferred from Wichita State University. Ahmadi started her higher education a few years earlier than Moghaddami. But when they moved to Tuscon and enrolled at UA, the amount of credits they had aligned, and they ended up having the same graduation date.
They spent their next years at UA carpooling, eating lunches together, and studying for some of the same classes.
"Our relationship is more than mom and daughter, we have a really good friendship. And I think when we're in school and behind a desk, that role of mother and daughter changes to being friends," said Moghaddami.
"But her understanding about the concepts and problems was better than me. And she helped me prepare for tests and doing projects," said Ahmadi.
Behind this mother-daughter team were the men in their lives. Dad and brother, husband and son.
"My dad encouraged us both from the very beginning and he's very supportive. And my brother is a mechanical engineer so he knew the process and along the way he helped us with a lot of classes and just encouraged us," said Moghaddami.
Ahmadi's jump back into her education started when she came to the United States from Iraq. She said she didn't have the same opportunities there to pursue her interests. Now, she is sharing this life-long accomplishment by her daughter's side.
"You can learn anytime, any country, any language and you're never going to be late. And even with your daughter, probably your grandchildren! The learning process always continues," said Ahmadi.
