EP 12 Haneen Abu Zaghrit, Social Worker

Haneen Abu Zaghrit, Social Worker, Tates Creek High School
Quote of the Podcast – 
"So, surely with hardship comes ease." 
On this episode of Education Perspectives, we speak with Haneen Abu Zaghrit, a social worker from Tates Creek High School. She believes that it's important for high school students to learn how to advocate for themselves before leaving high school, as they will need to find their own structure once they leave. The pandemic has significantly impacted mental health, therefore, some social workers are now focusing more on mental health. The speaker also wants to create an event called Adulting 101 that teaches juniors and seniors how to manage finances and budget effectively. The event would be especially helpful for students who may not have access to this information at home. The speaker reflects on how emotional it can be to say goodbye to graduating seniors, and notes the challenges that come with parents blaming schools for their child's actions. All in all, teaching students how to advocate for themselves is crucial for real-life situations, and social workers play a critical role in helping students succeed emotionally and academically.

Introduction of Guest BIO – 
Hello! My name is Haneen Abu Zaghrit, this is my first year as a School Social Worker. I am located at Tates Creek High School, which also is the school that I once called home as a student. I actually realized I wanted to be a Social Worker while I was a junior in high school, not realizing that in about 7 years, I would become the Social Worker at the very same school. I am a first-generation college student that grew up with immigrant parents that raised me with two different cultures, Arab and American culture. Which caused a lot of confusion, especially with mental health.
Interview
Agents of Change: Leaders/Innovators

• 30,000 ft. view – Why do we, as a society invest in education?
• What drew you to education?
• What do you love about what you do?
• Student to Leader – Who looks like me
• Mental Health
• Tell us a story or favorite memory about your work in education.
• What are the biggest challenges or obstacles you face?
• What would you like decision makers to know?

Podcast/book shoutouts
I am reading now the book called "A Gentle Reminder" by Bianca Sparacino. I have not finished it yet but it was highly recommended by many people, for people that just need a reminder that life is hard but you can grow from it and be okay.
00:02:54 From social work to education: helping everyone.
00:04:54 Social worker does daily check-ins with students.
00:09:20 Representation lacking in education, mental health awareness.
00:13:58 Pandemic changed life for students and adults.
00:17:23 Teacher cherishes memories of students' interactions.
00:21:04 Biggest challenges: getting families on board, trauma, burnout.
00:25:06 Parents and students should both advocate themselves.
00:27:52 High school should teach advocacy, independence earlier.
00:31:30 "Event teaches life skills to students, immigrants be
Support the showEducation Perspectives is edited by Shashank P athttps://www.fiverr.com/saiinovation?source=inbox
Intro and Outro by Dynamix Productions