The Montezuma Castle on the UWC-USA Campus in Montezuma, New Mexico.

Shant Zadirian

Headshot of Shant Zadirian

About Shant

Title/Position
Chemistry
Education
B.S. Chemistry, Lebanese University
B.A. Education, Haigazian University
Passions
I enjoy solving puzzles, which disconnects me from the world. Discussing strategy in both football and chess is one of my favorites. I like playing soccer, both with students and faculty. Exercising in the gym helps me stay active and focused, while travelling and exploring new places and food is a great way to spend my summers. I also value structure and planning, as well as organizing my time effectively, which gives me relief. Instructing and listening to music disconnects me from the rest of the world.
Languages
Armenian, Arabic, English. some French

Q&A with Shant

What do you love about teaching or your role at the school?
I like having discussions with the students about the ‘how’ and ‘why’ in chemistry (and life). I try to guide them until they start asking the right questions, as I believe that questioning is what drives humanity toward excellence and progress. It is through curiosity—asking ‘why’ and ‘how’—that we challenge limits, deepen understanding, and innovate. From scientific discovery to personal growth, our willingness to question is what pushes us forward. I also love organizing and following up with football as events or just games, as they are important to our physical and mental health.
I don’t think about what others should know about me, but to answer the question, the students know me or will know me from dining hall discussions, classroom ones, during football, and having lunch/dinner with me and my family at my unit. Parents can ask their kids. I am honest, organized, with a sense of humor that will be difficult for some to understand, and a good dad/husband, a son to my mom, and a sibling. Students say I am kind.

Quick Links

United World College-USA
P.O. Box 248 Montezuma, NM 87731