Learning doesn’t stop for anyone – even educators – when they allow themselves to interact with other walks of life. Anna Dimov isn’t afraid to admit her students have helped her along her journey to becoming a better person and educator. She hopes to inspire them in the same way they’ve changed her outlook on life.
Being an educator is both wild and rewarding to Dimov. Going into her second year as an English 12 teacher at Portage High School, Dimov manages emails, meetings, planning and nearly 180 students everyday. She’s also pursuing a secondary degree at her alma mater, the University of Indianapolis. Nevertheless, Dimov still internalizes the importance of building relationships with her students to let them know they have a safe space with her.
“I told my kids, ‘I know English can be detrimental for some, and my goal for you is not to feel so defeated when you walk in or walk out. I want you to come here and be excited to learn,’” Dimov said.
Listening to a student’s drama and attending their sporting events are things Dimov does to be present in the lives of her students to encourage them inside and outside of the classroom. Along with Claire Hagan, her friend and colleague, Dimov mentors a handful of junior girls participating in Distinguished Young Women. The national program, often misinterpreted as a beauty pageant, is focused on setting the girls up for the future by building their confidence and providing scholarships.
There used to be a time in Dimov’s life where she was closed off and pessimistic. One day, she realized it was time to change her negative attitude. Dimov connects to her community by taking the time to learn about the differences that make people who they are. She then takes a look at herself to see how she can continue becoming a better person.
“You don't learn how to take value in yourself or learn different life lessons if you don't talk to people,” Dimov said. “It's about who you surround yourself with and learning from other people and helping other people think about things and gain new perspectives on various scenarios.”
Dimov didn’t see herself returning to her high school to teach after graduation, but she takes pride in her hometown filled with various ethnicities and opportunities for engagement. She feels the love emanating around her, from Mayor Austin Bonta to the involvement of children beyond the schools.
“There are so many things to do and so many people to meet, but every corner I turn, I know somebody,” Dimov said. “We all know the strength of our community. It feels like we're always trying to be better in some way, shape or form.”
Many students have made an impact on Dimov’s life since her first year, possibly more than they realize. They taught her about setting her own boundaries at school. The students paid attention to how exhausted Dimov seemed from having kids with her at all times of the day and implored her to take her alone time seriously in small pockets throughout the day, going as far as to communicate to her they’ll understand if she says ‘no’ to them.
Dimov meets her students where they’re at, much like they do for her. She takes them seriously when other people may be too judgmental or impatient. Dimov also takes the time to get to know her students as individuals, knowing a one-on-one conversation means as much to them as it does to her. She feels empowered when students and others come to her for advice. Although a part of her feels pressure to say the right thing, she feels validated by someone trusting in her.
“I get excited and I want to teach people,” Dimov said. “I want to be able to be that person that can give these people wisdom because that's how I learned.”