Mani Ardalan Farhadi ’84
- 1980s
The deep friendships I formed at Wellesley helped me navigate the most formative period of my life. In 1980, I moved from Iran to Boston after the Revolution, starting over with hope. Transferring to Wellesley as a sophomore was a dream come true! The beauty of the campus offered solace, while the academic rigor anchored me, demanding focus and intellectual courage. I learned about love, peace, and freedom not only in classrooms, but through daily life. At Slater International Center, I found belonging among friends—an Iraqi-Iranian Jewish student, a Nepali Buddhist, and a Filipino Catholic. Together we cooked, celebrated our cultures, and formed kinship. I fell in love with my lifelong partner during walks around Lake Waban and college parties. We chose to marry at Slater in 1987, my second home. These enduring experiences reflect Wellesley’s global spirit and continue to guide my gratitude and commitment to inclusive community.
