How did you realize you wanted to work in education?
I think I’ve always known I wanted to be an educator. From a very young age, I was tasked with helping my siblings with homework and then that evolved into helping younger students at school. I have a picture of myself from 5th grade teaching my brother’s 2nd grade class, so I think it was just one of those things I always knew was going to happen.

How did you end up at AHS?
After being out of the classroom for a few years, I realized that I really missed being around students. In my previous role, I had worked with many teachers at Annandale and had the fortune of coming to the school a few times before distance learning happened. When a position opened up here, I was really excited to be a part of the team and the community. I grew up in FCPS and graduated from Lewis HS, so I have always really felt connected to this area.

How does technology make teaching more simple or difficult?
Nothing is like in-person learning, but I definitely think that technology has helped to connect us and provide opportunities. But, like so many things, it is a double-edged sword in many ways because it can also create barriers and isolate us, so there’s positives and negatives to it.

What is your proudest moment?
When I see students who have worked so hard and run into so many challenges succeed. It gives me pride in my profession to think that those students had teachers supporting them along the way and believing in them.

What is one thing most people don’t know about you?
Most people don’t realize that I am bicultural. I am half Jordanian and half American.

What is your best piece of advice for students?
Speak the truth especially when an injustice is being done. Be brave and speak up for yourself and others.