The air was filled with the sound of firecrackers and the vibrant colors of red and gold as Atossa and Nazanin Dehghanbordbar celebrated their third Chinese New Year in Tianjin.
For the sisters, the festivities were no longer foreign—they have become a cherished part of their lives. Together with friends, they wrote Spring Festival couplets, made dumplings, and performed the famous Chinese song Jasmine during the New Year Gala organized by Tianjin University's School of International Education.
"This year, we truly embraced the spirit of Spring Festival," Atossa said warmly. "It reminded us of Nowruz, the Iranian New Year. Both are about family, special meals and hope for the future."
"It's amazing how two cultures, so far apart, can share such similar traditions," Nazanin added. "Family, renewal and the celebration of life—these are universal values that connect us all."
Their journey from Shiraz, Iran, to Tianjin, China, is not just a story of academic pursuit but one of cultural connection, personal growth and the enduring strength of family values. It is an inspiring tale of two sisters bridging two ancient civilizations through resilience and pursuit of dreams.
Shiraz: "City of Roses and Nightingales"
The sisters grew up in Shiraz, one of Iran's oldest and most culturally significant cities. Known as the "City of Roses and Nightingales" and the "City of Poets," Shiraz has long been a hub of Persian art and civilization. It was the birthplace of two of Iran's greatest poets, Saadi and Hafez, whose works have shaped Persian literature for centuries.
"Growing up in Shiraz was like living in a museum of history and art," Nazanin said. The city's gardens, ancient ruins and vibrant cultural life fostered the sisters' imagination and curiosity. Shiraz's openness and inclusiveness, shaped by its proximity to the Persian Gulf, made it a place where ideas flourished freely.
At home, their parents encouraged this spirit of exploration. Their father, a quiet and introspective electrical engineer, loved poetry, literature and the study of history. He often told them, "Follow your love, do whatever you want." Atossa, the elder sister, shares her father’s reflective nature. Their mother, a philosophy and Arabic teacher with a strong and outgoing personality, balanced this with discipline and a passion for the arts. "Art is better to be beside your work," she would remind them, pushing her daughters to excel not only academically but also creatively.
This blend of intellectual and artistic nurturing shaped the sisters' dreams. They were deeply influenced by their family’s values, their city’s cultural richness, and their own love for history and philosophy.
Why China? A meeting of civilizations
For Atossa and Nazanin, choosing China to pursue their higher education felt natural. From an early age, they were fascinated by the ancient ties between Iran and China, two civilizations connected for millennia by the Silk Road. They learned in school about the exchange of goods, ideas and art that helped shape human history.
"When I saw that painting of a dragon in my father's book, it sparked something in me," Atossa said. "It made me want to learn about this country that seemed so different yet shared so much history with Iran."
When the time came to choose a country for higher education, their father considered factors like safety, the friendliness of people and future opportunities. China stood out. Its deep history, rapid development and strong ties to Iran made it the ideal place for the sisters to pursue their ambitions.
A mission inspired by loss
The sisters' decision to study pharmaceutical science was deeply personal. They lost their beloved grandfather to heart disease and their mother’s aunt to cancer, two tragedies that left a mark on them.
"We were very close to them," Nazanin said softly. "Those losses inspired us to pursue medicine and protect the health of others."
After careful consideration, the pair ultimately chose Tianjin, a port city in northern China.
"We learned that Tianjin University's School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology (SPST) is one of China’s first international demonstration projects and offers a comprehensive program, from undergraduate to PhD, entirely in English," they explained.
For the sisters, who did not speak Chinese, the program seemed like the perfect choice. Tianjin, with its coastal climate and unique blend of modernity and history, also reminded them of their hometown.
Adapting to life in Tianjin
The transition to life in China was not easy. The sisters struggled with the language barrier and cultural differences when they first arrived.
"The first year was tough," Nazanin admitted. "We didn’t know how to communicate well, and we had few friends."
Even the food was unfamiliar. Atossa remembers standing in the campus canteen, unsure of what to order. "I just pointed at something random, and when it arrived, I didn’t even know how to eat it," she said with a laugh.
But over time, they adapted. They found joy in cooking meals at home, recreating the flavors of Shiraz like saffron rice and hearty stews. They made friends in their lab, built connections with classmates, and found mentors in their professors.
"We now have a group of friends who are like family. We study together, laugh together and celebrate each other's successes," Atossa said.
For them, life isn't just about academia. Their hearts beat for music and art—passions deeply rooted in their Persian heritage.
"Music and poets are flames that keep the fire of love alive in the world," Nazanin said, her voice brimming with emotion. Both sisters joined the Chinese Choir for International Students, and Nazanin was also the principal violinist in the university's Peiyang Symphony for a time.
"Through music, we got to know people from different backgrounds and cultures, and we developed a deeper understanding of cross-cultural communication," Atossa said.
As they continue their studies at Tianjin University, Atossa and Nazanin often reflect on how far they've come—from the historic streets of Shiraz to the bustling campuses of Tianjin. Their story is testament to the resilience of the human spirit, the richness of cultural exchange and the enduring strength of family values.
