Don White
Immediately following the 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center, a few of her fellow middle school students told Afsi Siahloohi she should “go back where you came from.”
That would not have been hard to do.
Like most of her classmates, she was born and raised in eastern Kentucky. On a farm at Spout Springs, to be exact.
Her father, Karim, is a native of Iran, and her mother, Kimberly, was born and reared in the Kentucky hill country.
“Growing up, I always knew I looked different, but I never thought I was different. The words of a few of my classmates brought a whole new perspective,” she said, while sitting behind a desk in her spacious office on the Eastern Kentucky University campus.
It was an eye-opening experience that, coupled with the support of a loving family and outstanding teachers, has helped her advance to a unique position.
Siahloohi is the student body president of E.K.U., where she will graduate in May with a degree in public relations.
The confidence and ability to lead a 16,000-student university were gained in a much smaller academic setting, the now-closed Hargett Elementary, where she spent her first four years of formal schooling.
“I loved Hargett,” she exclaims, noting an instructor at that school had a major influence on her life.
“She didn’t settle for the status quo, always pushing me to do more and realize my potential ... that I could do things,” Siahloohi said.
She also credits her mom, an English teacher at EKU the past eight years, for providing guidance.
“I’ve been lucky to have a mom like her. She has always said that if you’re going to do a job, do it right or not at all,” she said.
By the time she had reached Estill County High School, Siahloohi was doing enough things right to earn a position in student government, serving as class secretary for four straight years.
She also was a member of 10 other organizations, including the school’s first-ever soccer team, which was coached by her father.
Her stellar play led to two straight seasons of being named All-District.
Siahloohi’s preparation for life has extended well beyond the classroom.
She has traveled with her father to his native home, seeing first-hand the impoverished, but lush and beautiful, surroundings.
“When I see what he came from, it makes me realize how spoiled I am,” she said. “He lived in a shack and had to study using an oil lamp, then had to be willing to leave his family to get an education.”
She regrets never having been able to meet her late Iranian grandmother and notes she was struck by the lone photo (Siahloohi as a baby) hanging on a wall inside her home.
Because she has dual citizenship, Siahloohi was allowed to vote in the presidential election in Iran while there last year.
Her travels also include a trip to Ireland and England during winter break this year.
Back home, she has been well-schooled in some of life’s basic skills, thanks to her extended family on Hudson Mill Road, a scenic area where she says she loves taking walks in the fall.
Besides the Siahloohis, the road is home to her grandparents.
From her grandfather, who she says can raise potatoes that are “so delicious you don’t have to put anything on them,” she has obtained an appreciation for gardening and healthy eating.
“There’s nothing better than fresh food directly from the garden,” she said.
Besides knowing how to raise a garden, she can sew — “if I have to” — rotate her tires and change the oil in her vehicle.
“I feel like everyone should know the basics in life,” said the former youth league soccer coach, who grew up attending Salem Baptist Church.
She even picked up surveying skills while accompanying her dad, a civil engineer, to work.
Originally a broadcast major, the self-described “people person” said she knew she wanted to seek the office of class president from the first day she stepped onto campus and met the then current leader.
Using her mom’s office as her campaign headquarters, she ran with the slogan, “I give hugs, not handshakes,” and the election drew a record number of voters.
The paid position requires the president to devote a minimum of 20 hours, but she estimates she puts in 60 to 80, a dedication that has helped her fulfill most of her goals.
In addition to her studies and office duties, she also serves as a campaign manager for Jared Carpenter, candidate for the state senate.
When she graduates in May, Siahloohi hopes to work in education or politics.
And where would this world traveler like to serve in either of these capacities?
“We’ve had some great elected officials in my home county, and maybe one day my name can be added to that list,” she said, noting a particular interest in serving as county judge/executive.
“I have always wanted my parents along, no matter what I was doing. Family is forever, and I don’t ever want to move away,” she said. “I feel it’s my duty to go back to where I came from.”
