“Where are you? I don’t see you! Are you at the Tucson airport?” 

Shahrzad Malekpour replied with humor, her tenacity shining through, “I see cactus. Where else could I be?” It turned out her fiance, Jason, was simply at the wrong gate. With the small mix-up sorted, an adventure of a lifetime still lay ahead. Shar (nickname given to her by her in-laws) looked around and took in the Tucson landscape, “I was heartbroken to be so far away from my parents. Everything was new and unfamiliar." 

From Iran to the United States–from physics to real estate, Shar remained steadfast and resolute, consistently moving forward despite the obstacles. One would never guess that a game of Backgammon had changed her life course.

As a high school student, Shar fell in love with physics. “It’s the laws of the universe, and I was fascinated by it. I felt a connection immediately.” After high school graduation, she went to college with aspirations of becoming a physicist. While studying for her master’s degree, Shar relaxed by playing Backgammon online. One game was against a guy named Jason. It was a competitive game. “Jason asked to be added to my messenger list so we could play again when I was online.” Shar was hesitant, but it had been a fun game, so she agreed. The more games they played, the more they talked, and over the next 10 months a friendship developed.

Amid their budding romance and hopes to meet each other, 9/11 happened. “There was no way for me to get a visa to visit Jason in the United States, and vice versa, he couldn’t come to Iran.” Shar and Jason decided to meet in Dubai. When Jason purchased his ticket to Dubai, friends and family were concerned about the risks of traveling with the current political situation. As their long-distance relationship continued, they knew it wouldn’t be easy; but they were determined. 

Eventually, Jason was able to get a visa and travel to Iran, “He got to meet my family, and he stole everyone’s heart. He left determined to marry me.” Shar shares with a smile. Once again, Dubai seemed to hold promise. "We thought we might be able to live in Dubai if Jason could get a job there."  It was a difficult job market, especially for an American citizen. It became clear they would need a new plan.  

“After five and half years of going back and forth, we finally had the required paperwork. We got married in 2005, and I moved to Tucson. Jason and I could finally start our life together.” As she reminisces, she shares gratitude for Jason's support. “He prepared me for what to expect in the United States. All of his efforts made the transition easier.”  

The move to Tucson had taken her away from some of her family members while bringing her closer to others. Shar happily reunited with her aunt and cousin, who lived in California. Shar's cousin, a lawyer, took the opportunity to talk with Shar about her future plans.  “I had a master’s degree in physics, but it was going to be difficult to use that here. I was also determined to visit my parents every year. My cousin informed me that finding a job with ample time off would be hard. She suggested real estate.” 

In February 2007, Shar received her real estate license just in time for the recession. “I learned real estate the hard way. I embarked on the journey from scratch; I had no established sphere of influence or potential referrals. It was challenging navigating the market during a period of economic downturn.”  However, the experience she gained during that time benefits her clients today. “My dad always told me,  ‘If it’s not dying, it’s solvable!’ Whenever something happens, I remember what he told me. I focus on finding the solution.” 

Clients appreciate her hard work and dedication. For Shar, the best part is seeing the satisfaction in their expressions on closing day. “Seeing the happiness on their faces is priceless.” Shar continues, “I hope to be remembered as a trusted advisor and advocate for my clients, someone who went above and beyond to ensure their dreams in real estate were realized.”

As Shar reflects, she is grateful for the family and life she has created in Tucson. “Jason and I have been married 18 years. We have  a 12-year-old son, Jake, who has a knack for physics and math like me.” She chuckles and adds, “It makes for some engaging discussions and challenges in our house.” In their free time, they love to travel. “Traveling to new places brings life to my soul. I enjoy meeting new people and experiencing different cultures.”  

The life Shar enjoys now would not have been possible without risk and hard work. As she always tells her son, “If it is to be, it is up to me.” Her determination and heart have helped her accomplish her dreams and continue to shine through in her daily life. She shares, “Trust your feelings. Make the most of every day; the days of our lives–happy or sad–are going by. It’s important to enjoy life, one step at a time!”