Interview conducted by Hanan Hammal
How did you start your career?
When I was still in my second year of college, all of my classes were in the afternoon, and I used to feel bored at times, which is why I decided to start teaching. I also used to teach some kids in my neighborhood.
Are there any difficulties you have to face in your current job/position?
Yes, of course. There are always difficulties, especially since you’re dealing with human beings and you have to make sure they are reaching their goals and maintaining their ethical values.
Do you feel really pressured and stressed by your job sometimes?
That is definite. And it is normal in every job to feel that way. I have to deal with many different types of human beings and I get to hear their thoughts and emotions, and I feel like I am feeling the pressure and/or sadness they are feeling. That is definitely the main reason I feel stressed. On the other hand, workwise, I do not feel as pressured because I organize my time properly.
How did you feel when you found out you will be positioned as a head of section for girls section (9-12)?
I never take things in an intimidating, nervous or anxious way, never. For me, it was a challenge, and I like taking challenges. Plus, I already had experience being head of section back in Lebanon, so I did have an idea about the job.
Some students claim that the boys section is being treated better than the girls section. What is your response to that?
Define better. The boys section also claims that the girls section is being treated better.
If you weren’t head of section, what other job would you be working in?
A doctor.
How do you see the role of a teacher in the learning process?
The teacher is a key reference for the students. Students are the learners, they are the key elements. And the teacher is like a book. The students choose whether they will open that book and read it or not, but they should not completely rely on the teacher.
How do you prepare for a staff meeting?
I sit with Miss Rania (head of boys section) and we point out the points that require the most attention.
What is one place you’ve always wanted to take your students to but have never been able to?
Disneyland.
What is one memory you had in our school that you will never forget?
Last year, I talked with Andrea (a student in grade 12) about a famous Broadway musical where the main persona was Puerto Rican like her. After coming back from her vacation, Andrea gifted me the book of the play and told me how she asked her grandma about it and searched for it… That day, I got to see the true sincere feelings of a person I never knew had such feeling for me.
Do you have a plan to help students struggling with certain subject before contacting their parents?
Yes, for sure. I try to give them advice but it goes back to them if they want to listen to it or not.
How do you describe an ideal student?
Hardworking, committed, polite, respectful, kind, loving, and always positive.
In your opinion, what are our students entitled to or not entitled to in school?
They are not entitled to hurt other’s feelings, they are not entitled to be disrespectful, and they are not entitled to rank and/or judge each other. However, they are entitled to learn to the maximum, enjoy their learning to the maximum, love what they’re learning, find everything positive in each other, and make as many friends and advisers as they can. Lastly, they are entitled to enrich their future experience with what they build in school by making sure everything they do makes them happy.
If you could give your students one piece of advice, what would it be?
Enjoy what you do, that is the only way you make a difference.