This year, a  plethora of new teachers and staff members were welcomed to the school community. Art and photography teacher Ariana Fizudeen is among the group of newly added educators. Contrary to other teachers, Fizudeen did not intend on ever becoming a teacher.  It was not until three years ago, when she started to work at a daycare, that she discovered the career path she would follow and her love for working with children.

This is her first year teaching her own class, however she had an internship at Lyman High School. Fizudeen attended Seminole State College before transferring later to the University of Central Florida. In addition to educating her students on art and photography, Fizudeen would like to be a factor in contributing to her students’ success.

“One thing that sets Ms.Fizudeen apart from most teachers is the fact that she’s willing to be flexible to meet the needs of her students,” junior Jordyn Croge said. “Something that sets her class apart from other classes is that there is so much room for expression.

In her spare time, Fizudeen enjoys frequenting Universal Studios and spending time with her fiance and family members. Her favorite artist is Frida Kahlo and her favorite photographer is Cindy Sherman because they fearlessly convey themselves and their ideas in their pieces.

“They are both females so that is a big thing,” Fizudeen said. “They did not have a fear of expressing themselves through their artwork whether it was good or not.”

Despite being a teacher for less than a year, Fizudeen is already making a positive impact in the classroom and on her students. Fizudeen’s class encourages and allows students to express themselves in ways that they may not have previously had access to.

“[ My biggest fear] is having students that maybe won’t succeed,” Fizudeen said. “I want to make sure that my students get the most out of this class.“A big thing in my class is respecting each other, so I would like for them to get that out of the class as well.