Many know Parisa Montazaran though her involvement with the reality show “The Real World: Sydney” and the infamous “push and shove” incident with her roommate Trisha.

But what many don’t know about her is that she’s a singer, songwriter and graduate of New York University.

Behind the TV personality persona and a strong pair of vocal chords is a woman who talks about her struggle with being a minority on and off the show, and how she is just like everyone else.

Through the Campus Activity Board, Montazaran made a visit to about 35 Western students yesterday afternoon to talk about her experiences growing up in a Muslim home, her thoughts on “The Real World” cast and college life.

“In college, there is a very diverse environment with many people who have a lot of different upbringings and no two people are the same,” she said. “People should be more open to accepting others.”

Montazaran said that “The Real World” is popular among college students because they can relate to the experiences of the cast members.

“The cast and college students are so similar because we are both grappling with being in new places and we are similar in age,” she said.

She discussed what her life has been like after the show, her dreams of becoming a singer and her new single “What is it?” that comes out on the radio this year.

“I wouldn’t do another Real World show, but if I could go back and do the Sydney show over again, I would,” she said.

Greenville sophomore Corie Fitch, a fan of the show and Montazaran, came to see what it was like for her to live in a house where she was so different from her roommates.

“I think the show has gotten more popular now because of the fights and the drama,” Fitch said. “It’s neat watching how they have to talk to really get to know each other.”

Louisville sophomore Toni Curella came to hear Montazaran because she said she was her favorite cast member on the show and thought she was a good role model.

“I think we can relate to her because college students go through a lot of the same things that she did,” Curella said. “The cast all has to live together and interact a lot like we do in the dorms, so it’s similar.”

Henderson sophomore Joseph Howard said Montazaran was his favorite cast member. He came because he was interested to hear her opinion on how she deals with being a minority.

“I like how she talked about how everyone is the same. No matter where you come from, we are all humans,” he said. “I learned from her that no matter what you do or where you go, you just have to be yourself.”

Reach Alex Booze at diversions@chherald.com.