Get to know Sorour Askarzadeh and Kathryn Obermiller
What is something you have learned from your students during the first weeks of class?
Sorour: I’ve been moved by their sincerity. They are truly here to learn; I can see a genuine seriousness and a “passion for learning” in their eyes during our discussions.
Kathryn: Be specific.
What are you excited to teach in ENGL 1500/2500?
Sorour: I’m excited to help students develop a critical eye for reading and, more importantly, to help them find the best way to give a powerful voice to their own thoughts.
Kathryn: Rhetorical analysis.
What’s something you are passionate about (outside of ISUComm)?
Sorour: Knitting. There is something so rewarding about creating something beautiful and functional from scratch.
Kathryn: Women & Gender Studies; the horror genre (movies, books, shows, etc.).
What one teaching tool will we always find you with?
Sorour: My slides!
Kathryn: My iPad.
By the end of the semester, what one word do you hope your students will use to describe you?
Sorour: Helpful.
Kathryn: Passionate.
What is your most frequently used emoji?
Sorour: The victory sign! ✌️
Kathryn: Melting 🫠
If you had to sing karaoke, what song would you pick?
Sorour: A song by the Iranian pop star Googoosh, probably “Pol.”
Kathryn: “Girls” by The Dare.
