Ever wondered how chasing a dream half a world away can transform your life? Meet Fereshteh Mokhtari, a 20-something Iranian who swapped Farsi textbooks for Mandarin characters—and never looked back! 🌏💕
Back in 2017, Fereshteh dove into Chinese and got her nickname Su Mengjie from a friend—a name that means “pure, beautiful dreams.” At first, the tones and characters felt like puzzle pieces scattered across the table, and many classmates tapped out. But with grit and late-night study sessions, she powered through. 💪📚
Her big break? Working as an interpreter at an international expo. Connecting with enthusiastic partners from China filled her with fresh energy and sparked her passion even more. Suddenly, the language wasn’t just lines in a book—it was a bridge to new friendships and ideas. 🤝🗣️
Next stop: the internet. Fereshteh started sharing bite-sized videos about Chinese traditions—think tea ceremonies, calligraphy hacks, and street-food tours—in Farsi. Her authenticity and fun style earned her 70,000 followers in no time, making her an online celeb back home. 📱🎥
Today, Su Mengjie guides Chinese tourists around Iran, sharing hidden gems like ancient bazaars, poetry salons, and the art of Persian tea. Hearing visitors rave about Iran to their friends? That moment of cultural exchange gives her the biggest high. 🏛️🍵
For Fereshteh, learning Chinese wasn’t just another skill—it unlocked a path of opportunities and friendships across continents. So, what language will you pick up next? 😉✨
Reference(s):
Iranian youth's journey from Chinese learner to cultural ambassador
cgtn.com
