Teaching Compassion.

 Shima  0comments  12.07.2016

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Every Wednesday, I will share a resident of the South Bay contributing to making our community a better place.

Today’s WCW title belongs to Dina Aloteibi, who was inspired to pursue the Special Education credential program with hopes of inspiring children to perform with more effort, challenge themselves, work hard, and set goals without being afraid of failure.

Dina, 26, was born and raised in Torrance, CA. In 2007, she graduated from North High school, then went to California State University of Fullerton where she obtained a bachelor’s degree in Liberal Studies. Today, she is currently at California State University of Long Beach, in the Special Education credential program.

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She says when she first chose to get a degree in Liberal Studies, her intention was to get a teaching credential in Multiple Subjects to be a general education teacher. “It wasn’t until I was about to graduate with a bachelor’s degree when I decided to pursue a career in special education,” she says.

One day, while doing her observation hours for a pre-requisite course to get into the multiple subject credential program, she noticed a student in the background throwing a tantrum in a class. She says he was kicking and screaming on the floor. The child’s aide was having a difficult time calming him down, so they had to call the Principle in for help.

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“I would say that moment in particular is what sparked an interest,” she says. Thus, during break, she asked the teacher about the student and she explained to Dina that he had autism. She wanted to learn more abut him and other students with special needs, so she spoke to the Principal and asked if she could observe the Special Day Class.

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She got the opportunity to work with the children in the classroom, speak with the aides and the teacher, and basically after that point, decided to switch from general education to special education. She currently works at an elementary school as a Para-Educator.

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Dina works with students with special needs on a one-on-one basis or in small groups.  “I get the privilege of applying everything I learn in my classes to my work force and vice-versa. I get to experience what it is like to work in the special education field, so it prepares me to be a successful and well-qualified special education teacher,” she says.

She’s found that the job in itself is very rewarding, but thinks the most rewarding part is when a student meets their goal, or even moves a step closer to meeting their goal. “It could be something as simple as “cutting a sheet of paper in one out of two trials”. There’s a sense of accomplishment because you know how difficult the process has been.  And seeing a smile on their face is always the cherry on top!” she says.

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Dina wants others to know it is important to treat every human kindly, because you never know what battles/everyday challenges they’re are faced with. “Be compassionate towards students with disabilities, as well as their families because sometimes it’s just as hard on the parents as it is on the children. Socialize with them, say hello if you pass by, smile, be friendly. You might just make their day. And always use first person language when referring to them,” she says.

She says there are a pretty large number of people who have disabilities, but it isn’t always visible. “Every one of us has had students with special needs in our classrooms growing up, but we may have not necessarily noticed it. It is a lot more common than we think,” she says.

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Five years from now, Dina wants to be a Special Education Teacher. She hopes to have a master’s degree in Education, possibly married with children.

When she is not working with the young children, she works actively with local Mosques often to hold fundraisers or set up events such as feeding the homeless. She tries to stay as active in the community so she can do her part. She also enjoys working out, biking, beach runs, movies, and spending quality time with the family.

She enjoys the South bay primarily for the diversity. “People are very welcoming and accepting of different religious backgrounds and ethnic groups,” she says.

Thank you, Dina, for helping the children of our future by giving them the patience, energy and time they need to grow.

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“My goal for the children of the future would have to be for them to be more compassionate towards their peers. To be respectful of others regardless of their ethnic group, religious background, disability, choice of attire, etc. “

– Dina Aloteibi

Posted by Shima

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