Cyrus Saatsaz is a new professor here at the University of Houston, and he is very optimistic about his career here! Cyrus (that’s what the students call him), moved here from California, and he has decided to to share his years of experience with the Communication department as a Journalism professor. His words of encouragement combined with his really chill attitude makes him very worthy to be this week’s Campus Celebrity!
In your opinion, what makes the University of Houston great?
“Given I’ve been a professor here for maybe a month now my answer to this question is based only off of initial impressions. I do admire the student enthusiasm and passion for education. Students are here to learn and I highly respect that. I came from a university that had much more of a social atmosphere and a significant amount of my students seemed to be attending the school more for its location, it’s party reputation, and seemingly to appease their parents’ wishes of achieving a higher education degree. Here, there’s a passion for the actual process of learning and the advancement of critical thinking and professional skills. I highly admire that the University of Houston is continually striving for improvement and more prestige. The administration seems to want great things for this campus in every regard, and I have much respect for that.
The campus itself is beautiful. The chubby squirrels are amazing. I’ve never been around squirrels who aren’t afraid of humans and they’re a charming feature of the campus. My favorite part of the San Diego State University campus was their turtle pond, and the squirrels here give me a similar semblance of peace, nature, and the outdoors.
I really want to answer this question when I’ve been here for a year and have had a chance to experience the school and city when the heat and humidity aren’t significant factors that prevent me from enjoying being outside of an air conditioned room. I’m guessing this is a much more enjoyable atmosphere when the weather is better. I do want to emphasize the importance of the University of Houston being a Tier One research university and the significant prestige it adds to this campus.”
What is the best part about your job?
“The students. When I was a student the teacher made nearly the entire difference between a good and bad class. A great teacher makes all the difference in the educational process and I take great pleasure and pride in helping my students, showing them empathy while being there for them when needed, and hopefully preparing them for a successful professional career while hopefully helping them become better individuals on a personal level. It’s very rewarding to see when the light bulbs go off over my students heads as I have a front row seat to their enlightenment process. I make every effort and take great pride in making sure my students leave my class as improved individuals in every way imaginable and I’m always there for them.
And I love the college atmosphere. There is rarely a place outside of the university setting where critical thinking, thought-provoking discussion, and cultural tolerance are not just prevalent, but the norm. I’m very comfortable in the university setting and am very happy to be a professor here at the University of Houston.”
Where did you work before UH?
“I suppose there’s a two-part answer to that. I currently write for The Huffington Post and have been for nearly five years, and that allows me to not only stay involved directly in the media industry but it adds credibility and relevancy to my journalism classrooms because the vast majority of my students want to eventually become media professionals and I think having a teacher who has found relative success in the field gives them an assurance and comfort that their professor has had the professional experience necessary to teach them how to find success in this industry.
I was previously a journalism instructor for two years at San Diego State University, where I received my Master’s Degree in Mass Communication and Media Studies.”
If you had to give one piece of advice to students what would it be?
“To adhere to the great Socrates when he gave this piece of advice: “An unexamined life is not worth living.” Surround yourself with people who will make you a better person. Travel. Explore. Always continue thirsting for knowledge. Find yourself. And above else find happiness, for that is the true pursuit of life.”
What have your students taught you about yourself?
“That I always have room for improvement.”