The Dearborn Icebreaker (Rand Kazanji)

The Dearborn Icebreaker is a new Reporter feature designed to help us get to know our UM-Dearborn colleagues.

Rand Kazanji in Verona, Italy

Name: Rand Kazanji
Position: Admissions Counselor, Office of Admissions and Orientation
Years at UM-Dearborn: 3 years

What does a typical workday look like for you?
A typical workday would include, a cup (or two) of a coffee, some Etta James radio on Pandora, answer some emails, and of course meeting with prospective students to discuss the application process, determine eligibly for admission, and provide information about financial aid, scholarships, programs and majors.

What do you enjoy most about your job?
I love working with the staff in the Office of Admissions and Orientation (shout out!). They are some of the hardest working people I know! Their smiles and spirits make it a joy to work here. I enjoy serving students and families, knowing that in some way I can make an impact not only in their educational journey, but possibly provide guidance and support in their lives.

What was your first job?
A babysitter. At 12 years old I went to my neighbors’ house and asked to take care of their one-year-old baby girl. I started off as a mother’s helper and after the baby and I both grew up a little, the mom trusted me enough to be able to take care of her on my own. She is now like a little sister to me and her mom is one of my best friends.

What’s one thing people would be surprised to know about you?
Every year I participate in Camp Michitanki. Camp Michitanki (Michigan Transplant Kids) is a summer camp created by the University of Michigan Transplant Center to provide an exciting camping experience for children 7-15 years of age who have had an organ transplant. Campers spend six days each summer participating in a variety of activities and have the opportunity to develop life skills in a fun residential camp setting. It is one of the most rewarding experiences every single year and it rejuvenates my true passions in life.

What do you do to relax?
Is it bad to admit that I had to think really hard on this question…? I would say biking, painting, reading, and hanging out with friends and family

What’s your definition of a life well lived?
A simple list and subject to change:
-Knowing I made my parents proud
-Knowing that I helped improve someone’s life
-Satisfied and happy with where I am in life
-Achieved my life goals
-Motivated and inspired in some way the people in my life

What’s the proudest moment of your life?
Not to sound corny, but my proudest moments consists of multiple mini moments. To pause for a second and look at all the things that made me who I am and all the experiences I’ve gone through and realize that my proudest/happiest moments are when I take the events of yesterday and use them to be great today.

If we were to create a UM-Dearborn playlist, what song would you want to include?
“You Make My Dreams Come True” –Hall & Oates

Just makes you want to get up and dance! Anyone reading this right now should youtube it and rock out!

If someone handed you a $100 bill, what would you do with it?
One can do a lot with $100 bill, especially since dollar stores exist! I would probably use some to buy kids school supplies, buy games and activities to give to the kids at Camp Michitanki and donate the rest to a food bank.

What advice would you give to this year’s graduating class?
Be open, willing and ready. Know that your power and strength will be the necessary change. Don’t let the fear of failing stop you from what your future holds. Today you become accountable to the world, to the future, to all the possibilities that life has to offer. Become ready for anything and everything. You pursued a University of Michigan Degree, you made the investment in higher education, and you have what it takes to not only be a leader in this world but also to make the difference.