Zaki Rohan Karimi

Lifelong Learning and Building a Future Starting with Highline College

At just 18 years old, Zaki (Zac) Rohan Karimi has already built an impressive resume at Highline College. He balances being a Running Start student, tutor across multiple disciplines, Campus View resident assistant, IT technician for the college’s ITS department, student leader, and aspiring electrical engineer. He’s not wasting a single moment of his higher education journey.

Born in Afghanistan, Karimi later moved to Pakistan before immigrating to the United States with his family at age 15, where he spent a few years in California before eventually settling in Des Moines. In fall 2024, he began attending Highline College through the Running Start program.

Karimi chose Highline for several reasons, including the opportunity to begin college through Running Start while still in high school, on-campus housing, and access to hands-on learning resources. Additionally, he was drawn to the chance to “experience a more traditional college environment while still benefiting from the affordability of a community college,” Karimi said.

His involvement in the broader campus community became a space where he truly thrived.

“Many of the most valuable experiences come from taking advantage of opportunities outside the classroom, connecting with mentors and peers, and becoming an active member of the college community,” Karimi said. “Highline has given me opportunities not only to pursue my academic goals, but also to gain professional experience, develop leadership skills, and build meaningful relationships.”

Previously, he served as an Entry Advising Assistant and tutor in areas including mathematics and public speaking, as well as a TRIO Peer Tutor. Since then, he has taken on additional roles across campus and now works as a Math Resource Center lead tutor, resident assistant in Campus View Student Housing and ITS technician. He also founded and serves as president of the Highline Science and Success Club, where he has built a community centered on science, learning, and student success.

“I believe education is most meaningful when it is shared,” Karimi said. “Whether I am tutoring, leading a student organization, supporting residents, or helping someone solve a technical problem, my goal is to always help others succeed.”

He’s also been recognized for his contributions to campus, receiving multiple leadership, academic and service awards, including the Legacy Scholar Award, Student Leader of the Month, TRIO Leadership Award, and more.

While these recognitions celebrate his accomplishments, Karimi’s focus remains on the experiences and relationships that helped him reach them.

One of the most influential people in Karimi’s journey at Highline has been mathematics faculty member Razmehr Fardad. As his instructor, MESA advisor, and club advisor, Fardad has “helped me build connections, gain confidence, and become more engaged in the Highline community,” Karimi said. Her mentorship became an important part of his development as both a student and a leader.

His motivation also comes in large part from his family. Their encouragement and sacrifices gave him the determination to continue pursuing his education even when challenges arise.

“My family has always believed in me, celebrated my achievements, and encouraged me to pursue my goals,” he said.

Their support continues to motivate Karimi as he pursues an Associate of Science in Electrical Engineering, which he plans to complete in summer 2027. After Highline, he intends to transfer to the University of Washington to earn a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering, with plans to eventually pursue graduate studies in mathematics while conducting research.

Karimi hopes to use his future career in engineering to create accessible technology that removes barriers and expands opportunities for people from across the globe.

His journey at Highline is still underway, but the direction is clear. He wants to keep learning, keep challenging himself, and use the skills he’s gained to create opportunities for others.