The University Sunrise Rotary Club program on January 19, 2023, will feature a presentation author and educator Kristin Orloff. Ms. Orloff will tell us the story of Reza Abedi and his daring 1979 escape from Iran. Reza survived The 1979 Revolution and made international news when he defected, with the help of brave American wrestlers, during the World Wrestling Tournament in 1982.
The Zoom connection opens at 7 a.m. and the meeting will run from 730 a.m. until 830 a.m.
No reservation is required: just click here Thursday morning!
My journey into all things Iranian began sitting next to Reza Abedi at a Little League game in 2004. Reza and I taught at the same high school and since our sons played together, we found ourselves having a casual conversation on a lovely Spring Saturday.
A conversation that would change my life.
Reza shared with me that he “ran to third base” the first time he hit a baseball. After we had a good-natured laugh, Reza began to share his story. What I did not understand at the time was that I, too, couldn’t find my way to first base.
My absolute ignorance regarding Iranian identity, culture, history and politics sent me running to third. As Reza told his story to me, I knew I had to share it. And not just his journey, but my own.
Reza, one of 10 children born in Kermanshah in 1960, survived The 1979 Revolution, The Iran-Iraq War and made international news when he defected during the World Wrestling Tournament in 1982.
Then there’s my story–a girl from white-picket fence America in a household of 2.2 children, gold shag carpet and a station wagon.
Reza’s story had to be told, not only for Reza, but also for the millions of Americans who are just like me–who are running to third base. For whom, Iran has been banished to the 1979 shadows of blindfolded hostages and flaming American flags.
The heart in Reza’s narrative connects humanity. The author’s perspective makes meaning of its place in history.
Kristin Orloff holds a Master’s Degree in Education and a B.A. in Language Arts. She currently serves as a school site administrator and project manager for her local college. She has published several works, mentors young writers, and is an active member of her local writing community.
Currently, she is proud of her two top published stories ~ each of which humanizes world-altering events. With humor and humility, Orloff is able to take complex historical circumstances and connect her audience through brilliant characters.
‘Harmony’ is based on the events of 2008 wherein a middle-class family struggles to survive not just financial ruin, but deception, the crushing of dreams and even murder. Popular with book clubs, Harmony will not only make you laugh, but touch your heart in places you’ll be grateful to reawaken.
In the nonfiction narrative ‘American Wings, Iranian Roots’, her passionate commitment to create opportunities for authentic conversation regarding Iranian culture, history and identity began with a simple conversation at a Little League field. This conversation, with gold medal wrestler and hall of fame coach Reza Abedi, has since changed lives of her readers. Like Kite Runner, Three Cups of Tea and Funny with Farsi, this story makes foreign familiar.
She knew these stories needed to be told. She does so with a confidence of her craft and an authenticity only her experience could achieve.
I think the best way to help the members to become introduced to our story is through our website www.AmericanWingsIranianRoots.com.
