Anoosh Megerian has served American Career College with pride for more than 22 years. Starting as a part-time faculty member for night classes in optics, Megerian worked through the ranks and is now the director of education at the Los Angeles campus. Her story is self-described as the “American Dream,” moving to the U.S. from Iran to create a better life for her three sons and working hard to financially support her family. Megerian said despite more than two decades after starting at ACC she still learns something from her students every day.
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Tell us more about yourself, your background and what brought you to ACC?
In 1991, my husband, our three sons and I came to America with an unknown future ahead of us. I spent more than 30 years working to master my practice as an Ophthalmologist in Iran but I found out that it would be a very time consuming process for me to pursue my license to practice here. Our priority was our sons and I had to financially support the family.
One day I saw an ad in a paper from an American College of Optics (now American Career College) and its Optical Dispensing program. I decided to go and visit the college and get some information. And that’s how my career started.
What was ACC like when you started?
Because of my past experience teaching in medical school at Iran, I had the opportunity to start my first job, as a part-time optical dispensing faculty, teaching night classes. At the time, the college had only two programs: Optical Dispensing and Pharmacy Technician, located in a small portion of the first floor of the current LA campus building. Three years later, David Pyle, Chief Executive Officer of American Career College (ACC), trusted me to direct and manage the “mother of all programs” — the Optical Dispensing Department.
I changed my career and I grew up with ACC. During my time here I’ve witnessed two name changes, the opening of four other campuses, adding new programs, offering associate degrees in Occupational Sciences and adding West Coast University and Contemporary Forums to the ACC family.
I am honored and proud to be part of the ACC’s growth history from a small nucleus to a global entity. The opportunity that David Pyle gave me more than 22 years ago changed my life, and motivates me to come to work every day and provide the same opportunity for our students to be successful in their lives.
What is your motto?
ACC’s motto is “One Change, Changes Everything” and my life is a valid example of that. During these years, my husband and I managed to raise our sons and had the opportunity to see them graduate from UCLA with their Master and Doctorate degrees and settle down as good citizens.
What do you find most interesting about your job?
That, still, after 22 years, I learn something new from our students almost every day.
What do you enjoy most about working here?
Giving people the opportunity to make changes in their lives.
What is your most memorable moment here?
During the Christmas luncheon in 2013, I accepted the President’s Award and was recognized for my 20 years of service. I am proud to be the first person from the Education team to get recognition for that.
What is your life motto?
Take risks, learn from your mistakes and move on.
Who/what is your biggest inspiration/influence?
The miracle of Helen Keller.
What is one thing that may surprise people about you?
My hobby – target shooting.
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