Age: 38
Hometown: East Bay, CA
Current Residence: Costa Mesa, CA
Occupation: Debate Professor
3 Words to Describe You: Charismatic, Driven, Clever
Why do you want to be part of Survivor? Less than 800 people have ever played Survivor, the greatest game ever invented. I get to be the first Persian male to ever play & win. And I’m out here because I promised my mom I’d make it. Momma! We made it!
What’s one life experience you feel has prepared you for the game? My whole life is weirdly prep for Survivor. Running a speech & debate team requires working with all different people. Motivating them toward a common goal, while working socially to put your team in position to succeed.
Which previous player do you identify with the most? Who do you think you will play most like? Probably Penner. He had an ability to relate to people that was special. He pushed too hard at times, bit his nose to spite his face even, but I think I’ll play a new era version of his game.
What will you value in an alliance partner? I need a strategist. I have all kinds of hairbrained ideas. I need someone to tell me I’m stupid. Call me out & better my ideas into solid plans.
Favorite Hobbies: Learning new hobbies. Non contact sports. I’m too fragile for contact sports. Chess, boardgames. Podcasts. Writing. I have an addictive personality. I will get into anything put in front of me and obsess over it.
Pet Peeves: Folks who miss the forest for the trees / inability to see big picture / lack of appreciation. Being interrupted. I LOVE the sound of MY voice.
What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? Professionally: I coach a forensics team (speech debate & theater) and we won 4 national championships in a row between 2015 and 2018. But after the pandemic, the team went from 70 students down to 7. My proudest accomplishment is reestablishing an incredible, life changing space for my students, even winning another championship. Personally: getting my mom, brother, partner and entire community obsessed with Survivor Wednesday nights at our church.
What is something we would never know from looking at you? I’m incredibly sensitive. More understanding and forgiving than I look. Emotionally intelligent. I’m persuadable. I really try to stay open minded.
Who is your biggest inspiration and why? My brother. He paved the way for me. Turned around, came back, held my hand and walked me through life. I lead people because I feel we all deserve an older brother like him. My mom – the things she went through to make & remake our family..insane. And now, she’s still willing to learn, change, and grow.
Why will you be the Sole Survivor? I’m the perfect combo. Socially, savvy. Strategically competent without being over the top. Athletically underestimated. Resilience is in my blood. In any game I play: my eyes stay on the prize.