Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON -- Although Iran offered advancement opportunities for women,
Navy Lt. Shayeteh Shafie had her mind set on coming to America.

Born and raised in Tehran, the capital city of Iran, she devoted herself to education.

"Growing up in Iran was similar to the United States," said black-haired, brown-eyed Shafie.  "I spent most of my time studying because school was very difficult."

She says many people mistake the Iranian culture for its surrounding neighbors.

"One of my neighbors was a dentist," she said.  "I was able to go to his office with my parents and watch him work.  That is what got me really interested in dentistry.

"In my mind, I always wanted to become a healthcare provider, so I could help other people."

Shafie says she could have followed a dentistry career path in Iran.  However, getting the necessary education would have been very difficult.

She heard about the "land of opportunity" from her older brother and sister who had moved to the United States years before and become legal citizens.  Shafie then decided her best option was to pursue a higher level of education here.

"I think the level and quality of education and technology is the highest in the United States than anywhere else in the world," she said.

Not wanting to come to the United States with a Visa, she applied for permanent residency.  After approximately three years, it was granted.

When she arrived, she didn't speak English very well.  However, she continued her education, earning her undergraduate degree from San Francisco State University, then her doctorate from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tenn.  During the process she became a U.S. citizen.

Just before graduating, a Navy recruiter visited her school.  Shafie was impressed with the educational benefits and experience the Navy offered. 

"Comparing all the services, the Navy offered the best program," she said.  "And I like the Navy uniforms better too."

Making the decision to join the Navy's dental corps wasn't an easy one.  She said women do not play much of a role in Iran's military.

"The idea of being a woman in the military and not coming from a military family made me wonder if I could do it - if I could be good enough."

Although Shafie was thrilled with the opportunities the Navy would provide her, joining the military had another meaning to her.

"I wanted to kind of give back to the United States," she said.  "It was my dream to become a dentist, and being in this country helped me accomplish my goal."

Shafie has now spent more than three years serving in the Navy, and says she has "loved every minute of it."

"I think I am a much better dentist now, with all the training and experience," she said.  "There are a lot of good mentors here who have really helped me grow."

Now married for eight years, Shafie is eight months pregnant with her first child and looking to a career in the Navy dental corps.

"I always remind all my patients of one thing," she said.  "Everyone in the military should take advantage of the educational opportunities, experience and training available.

"Take advantage of everything you have.  We have so many opportunities in this country."