Rakhee and Anay
Rakhee Sharma is a Step One Board member and parent of alum student Anay.
My son Anay, who is 15, was in Room 2 for two years with Zeena. Zeena is such an impactful educator, a force of love, lightness, and laughter - with a wonderful sense of humor! Her being and ethos are all about curiosity and generosity: putting herself in her students’ shoes. That was inspiring to me as a parent. So was her incredible way of imparting life skills in a way that appeals to young children. She sparked so much creativity and love of school in my son. He actually came back to Step One this summer, to work with Zeena in the classroom. Zeena has a special magic, and our family will always hold her in our hearts.
Plus some words from Rakhee’s son Anay:
Zeena was more than a teacher for me. I never had the opportunity to have my grandma live near me but Zeena always made me feel like she did. When I visit Zeena I get drawn back into the magic world of Step One. I volunteered at Step One this summer and it felt like I never wanted to go. Zeena has poured so much of her love and soul into Step One that she will never really leave! She remembers the name of every student that has been in her classroom. Even though I am now 15 years old and 6 feet 2, Zeena can hug me and I feel like I am still part of Room 2!
The photo above shows Anay in Room 2, holding the #1 sign.